Vietnamese Omelette: The Ultimate Guide & Recipe

The Vietnamese omelette showcases incredible diversity and richness in both preparation and presentation. Far from being just a simple fried egg dish, it can be found paired with an array of spices and served alongside various accompaniments like bread, fried rice flour cake, and more.

Explore the unique and delightful flavors of Vietnamese omelette with Joy Journeys.

Types of Vietnamese Omelettes

Crispy Pancake

The crispy pancake, also known as the crispy Vietnamese omelet, refers to the beloved street food ‘banh xeo’. At first glance, it resembles a thinly-fried omelette filled with various ingredients.

The golden, crispy crust of banh xeo is crafted from rice flour, turmeric powder, chicken eggs, and beer. Fillings vary by region: in the Central region, it often includes squid, bean sprouts, and shrimp, while in the West, it features meat, shrimp, beans, and coconut tubers for a distinct flavor.

Steamed Egg Meatloaf

Steamed egg meatloaf is a popular dish often found as a companion to broken rice. With a golden egg yolk glaze on top, this dish is both visually appealing and delicious. Its ingredients include ground meat, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, vermicelli, eggs, and an array of spices.

The egg whites are thoroughly mixed with the other ingredients and seasoned to taste. After steaming for 5–10 minutes, a layer of yolk is brushed on top to enhance the dish’s appearance and flavor.

Fried Egg

The fried egg is a versatile side dish that complements a variety of meals, including rice, ‘banh mi’, and beef dishes.

Vietnamese cooking typically offers two styles: beating eggs with additional ingredients for a scrambled consistency, often served with rice, or preparing an omelette that keeps the yolk intact, perfect for pairing with ‘banh mi’ or fried rice flour cake.

Making a Vietnamese Omelette

You don’t need to visit a restaurant to enjoy the flavors of a Vietnamese omelette—you can easily prepare it at home using simple ingredients and an easy recipe.

Essential Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 100g lean meat (can be substituted with fresh shrimp)
• Green onions, shallots, garlic
• Spices (cooking oil, fish sauce, seasoning powder)
• Optional: black fungus, straw mushrooms, onions

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Begin by washing and chopping the green onions, mincing the garlic and shallots, and grinding the lean meat.
• Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat well with the spices. Add the meat to the mixture and stir lightly to combine (if using black fungus, chop it finely and mix it in at this step).

• Heat a pan on the stove, add cooking oil, and wait until it is hot. Sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant. If using straw mushrooms, add them at this point and stir well.
• Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the bottom sets, then carefully flip it over to cook the other side. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before removing from the pan.
• Serve the omelette on a plate and enjoy it with hot rice for a delicious, hearty meal.

Cooking Tips

For a perfectly cooked and visually appealing Vietnamese omelette:

• Beat the eggs thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and the dish isn’t overly salty.
• Strain the beaten eggs through a sieve to remove lumps for a smooth texture.
• When flipping the omelette, make sure the first side is fully cooked to prevent breaking.

Experience Vietnamese Cuisine with Joy Journeys

Joy Journeys’ Mekong Delta tours include meals featuring the delightful and authentic Vietnamese omelette, a must-try for anyone exploring local cuisine. For a truly immersive and intimate travel experience, explore Joy Journeys’ tours at.

Beyond the Vietnamese omelette, Joy Journeys offers cooking classes where you can learn to prepare other beloved Vietnamese dishes, such as steamed shrimp with coconut water, braised pork, sour soup, and the famous ‘banh xeo’. These hands-on classes allow visitors to experience the full process of preparation and cooking, complete with expert tips to elevate your Vietnamese culinary skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is omelet in vietnamese?

The Vietnamese term for “omelet” is often referred to as a fried egg or omelet (trứng chiên). It can be served as a main dish or as a side dish, commonly enjoyed during dinner.

Which country is famous for omelette?

France is renowned for its mastery of the omelette, but many other countries have their own iconic variations, including Spain with its tortilla de patatas, Japan with tamagoyaki and omurice, Italy with frittatas.

What is the hardest type of omelette to make?

One of the most challenging omelette dishes to prepare is omurice. This soft, fluffy omelette is delicately draped over fried rice and requires precise technique to achieve the perfect texture and presentation.

What is a Popeye omelette?

A Popeye omelette typically features spinach, onions, and cheese as its main ingredients. Additional ingredients, such as bacon, broccoli, turkey, mushrooms, or sour cream, may also be included to enhance its flavor and nutritional value.

Conclusion

‘Trung chien’, or Vietnamese omelette, is a humble yet beloved dish that holds a special place in the hearts of locals across Vietnam. For tourists, however, this unique and flavorful egg dish offers a delightful and uncommon culinary experience that is hard to find elsewhere.