If you think you've seen the last word on salads, think again! This recipe for Lotus Stem Salad with Shrimp (Goi Ngo Sen) will quickly become part of your weekly meal planning. You'll love the combination of textures and flavors that are inherent in this dish.The lotus flower is the symbol of purity. The stems make a delicious salad, as they have a crisp, crunchy texture similar to celery (which may be used as a substitute).Most Vietnamese salads are quickly and easily assembled once the preparation is done, and often requiring no more than a light toss with a small amount of dressing just before serving. To save time, you can buy the Crispy Fried Shallots. These are available in packets or jars in most Asian food stores.

When you think of pickling vegetables, you likely envision a long and arduous process that involves canning and a pile of bounty of produce. Not so with this recipe for Carrot and Radish Pickles (Ca Rot)! This is a quick and easy recipe that will have you putting pickles on the table within just a few hours. You can snack on these pickles, or incorporate them in a multitude of dishes that can include this recipe for Fish Sauce Dip. Whether you're an experienced home cook or are just starting out, you'll love having this recipe in your repertoire of cooking skills.

Add depth and flavor to almost any dish when you make this recipe for Crispy Fried Shallots. As any experienced home cook knows, fried shallots can add a complex flavor profile and turn almost any dish into one that is memorable and flavorful. This recipe is quick and easy to make, too, and will pack a lot of punch to soups, salads, and so much more, including this recipe for Grilled Eggplant Salad with Crabmeat (Ca Tim Nuong). If you've never made fried shallots before, then what are you waiting for? When frying shallots, remember to keep paper towels on hand to drain them.

If you've never made your own fish sauce dip before...why not try this recipe? With its easy-to-follow directions, this recipe for Fish Sauce Dip (Nuoc Mam Cham) will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dips to make. You can use this dip in an assortment of dishes, including this recipe for Lotus Stem Salad with Shrimp (Goi Ngo Sen). The use of lime juice, garlic, and red chili in this quick and easy dip comes into play, resulting in a dip that you are sure to love. The best part is that you're only about 15 minutes away from making this dip!

This summer, consider putting a new twist on your everyday salad options. This recipe for Grilled Eggplant Salad with Crabmeat (Ca Tim Nuong) takes just a little bit of preparation and is so easy to make. You could easily serve this salad for a hearty lunch or dinner option at your next get-together with friends.This recipe is common to Cambodia and southern Vietnam and makes delicious use of eggplant, one of the many vegetables grown in central Vietnam. Shrimp or stir-fried ground pork may be used in place of the crabmeat.

If your typical spread for a casual get-together with friends could use a bit of a boost, then you'll love including this recipe in your rotation of appetizer. These Steamed Fresh Rice Flour Rolls (Banh Cuon) will make for an impressive dish that everyone will love. You can opt to use ground pork or shrimp for this recipe, too.This is where a little kitchen ingenuity helps. The making of fresh rice flour wrappers is actually quite simple and fun, once you master the method. This is another variation on the spring roll, using freshly steamed rice flour wrappers. To save time, you may buy the readymade rice paper wrappers instead of making your own for this recipe.