Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time for family, celebration, and of course, delicious food! While a traditional Tet feast can be elaborate, this year, simplify your celebrations without sacrificing flavor. This "Simple Tet Meal" guide offers a streamlined approach to creating a festive and delicious spread, perfect for smaller gatherings or those short on time. We'll focus on key dishes that capture the essence of Tet while remaining manageable for even the busiest cooks. Forget hours of prep – let’s make this a joyful experience, not a culinary marathon.
This simple menu highlights the vibrant flavors of Vietnam, utilizing readily available ingredients. We'll walk you through creating mouthwatering dishes that still hold true to the spirit of Tet. From a comforting and flavorful soup to a satisfying main course and delightful sides, this guide ensures a memorable celebration for everyone. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious and stress-free Tet meal!
Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Pots
- Pans
Ingredients
- Meat (pork ribs, ham)
- Bamboo shoots
- Potatoes
- Mixed vegetables
- Spring roll ingredients
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Lemongrass
- Chili
- Onions
- Oyster sauce
- MSG
- Sweet dough
- Herbs
- Cheese
- Banh Chung
- Sweet potato
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prep and Marinate
- Prepare ingredients (meat marinating, pre-boiling ham, etc.)
- Stir-fry chicken with lemongrass and chili. Marinate chicken with oyster sauce and MSG beforehand.
Step 2. Cook Main Dishes
- Cook the bones for broth.
- Simmer bamboo shoots until cooked.
- Make bamboo shoot soup.
- Air fry sweet potatoes at 160 degrees, then finish at 180 degrees to dry.
- Air fry potatoes at 160 degrees for 10 minutes, flip, then 180 degrees for another 10 minutes. Sprinkle cheese on top.
Step 3. Prepare Sides
- Blanch potatoes with salt, then toss with cooking oil.
- Air fry vegetables.
- Boil mixed vegetables.
- Prepare oil-free fried spring rolls.
Step 4. Plate and Serve
- Arrange the dishes on plates for an appealing presentation.
Read more: Vietnamese Chicken Stew (Ca Ri Ga): A Flavorful Comfort Dish
Tips
- Prepping ingredients on the 30th of Tet saves time on the actual day.
- Use an air fryer for crispy vegetables and potatoes.
- Don't add garlic to the chicken dish to keep the flavor light.
- Add sweet dough and herbs to the stir-fry just before turning off the heat.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this meal ahead of time?
Yes! Many components, like the soup broth and some side dishes, can be prepared a day or two in advance. This will significantly reduce your cooking time on Tet day.
2. What are the essential ingredients I need to shop for?
Focus on fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, scallions), rice noodles, protein of your choice (pork, chicken, tofu), and key pantry staples like fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. A full ingredient list will be provided in each recipe.
3. Is this meal suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
Absolutely! Easily adapt the recipes by substituting the protein with tofu, mushrooms, or other plant-based alternatives. Many of the side dishes are naturally vegetarian/vegan friendly.
This simplified Tet meal proves that celebrating the Lunar New Year doesn't require days in the kitchen. By focusing on key flavors and easy-to-make dishes, you can create a delicious and memorable feast with minimal fuss. Enjoy your delicious Tet meal and a Happy New Year!