The crispy Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters are a golden indulgence of texture and flavor. Each bite cracks open to reveal succulent shrimp, fresh herbs, and just the right kick of chili. Paired with the vibrant Nuoc Cham sauce, these fritters are a celebration of Vietnamese street food in every mouthful.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a weekend snack, or exploring the world of Southeast Asian cuisine, these shrimp fritters will impress every palate. Their versatile charm and bold flavors make them an irresistible addition to any menu, elevating a humble shrimp dish into something truly special.
Full Recipe:
For the Shrimp Fritters:
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1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped
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1/2 cup rice flour
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 tsp baking powder
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1/2 cup cold water
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1 egg
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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2 green onions, finely chopped
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1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
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1–2 small red chilies, finely chopped (optional)
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Vegetable oil for frying
For the Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce:
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3 tbsp fish sauce
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1 tbsp sugar
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2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
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1/4 cup warm water
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1–2 small red chilies, finely chopped (optional)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional for extra tang)
Directions:
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Prepare the Nuoc Cham Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and warm water until sugar dissolves. Stir in garlic and chilies. Add rice vinegar if desired. Let sit for 10 minutes.
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Make the Batter: In a bowl, combine rice flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in egg and cold water until smooth.
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Add Shrimp & Herbs: Mix in shrimp, green onions, cilantro, mint, and chilies until shrimp is well-coated.
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Fry Fritters: Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil, flatten slightly. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
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Drain: Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Serve: Enjoy hot, with Nuoc Cham on the side.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction: A Taste of Vietnamese Street Food Culture
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and intricate balance between savory, sweet, sour, and spicy elements. Among the country’s many delightful dishes, Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce stand out as a shining example of this culinary harmony. Often enjoyed as a street snack or party appetizer, these fritters are golden and crisp on the outside, tender and aromatic on the inside, and served with a dipping sauce that elevates the entire experience.
This dish combines the familiar comfort of fried food with the freshness and complexity of traditional Vietnamese herbs and sauces. Whether you are a seasoned lover of Southeast Asian cuisine or just starting your culinary journey, shrimp fritters with Nuoc Cham are bound to captivate your palate.
Cultural Origins and Popularity
Shrimp fritters, known in Vietnamese as Bánh Tôm or variations of Chả Tôm, have deep roots in Vietnamese street food traditions. Found in food stalls and casual eateries across the country, they are especially popular in Hanoi, where vendors often serve them with lettuce, herbs, and pickled vegetables.
The appeal of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its role as a social food. It is commonly served as a communal appetizer at family gatherings, celebratory meals, or dinner parties. Sharing a plate of crispy fritters with a group, dipping each into a tangy Nuoc Cham sauce, encourages conversation and connection around the table.
What Makes Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters Special?
There are many types of fritters across the world, but Vietnamese shrimp fritters are unique in their use of fresh herbs, rice flour-based batter, and the incredible pairing with Nuoc Cham. The fritters themselves strike a delicate balance of textures. The exterior is crisp and golden, thanks to the combination of rice flour and all-purpose flour, while the inside remains soft and filled with tender, juicy shrimp.
Another standout feature is the use of fresh herbs such as cilantro and mint. These herbs aren’t just garnishes; they’re integral to the fritter batter, offering bursts of freshness that contrast with the rich, fried exterior. Optional additions like finely chopped red chilies give the dish a gentle heat, which some might choose to increase or dial back depending on personal preference.
Nuoc Cham: The Quintessential Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
No discussion of this dish is complete without diving into Nuoc Cham, Vietnam’s iconic dipping sauce. Often referred to as the soul of Vietnamese cuisine, Nuoc Cham is a masterclass in flavor balance. It typically combines fish sauce (for umami and saltiness), lime juice (for acidity), sugar (for sweetness), and water to mellow and bind the flavors together. Finely minced garlic and chili add complexity and a hint of spice.
While there are variations of Nuoc Cham across different regions and households, the fundamental goal is always the same—to create a dipping sauce that enhances, not overpowers, the dish it accompanies. When paired with the shrimp fritters, it brings brightness and acidity that cut through the oiliness of the fried batter, making each bite feel lighter and more flavorful.
Why This Dish Works So Well
This dish is an excellent demonstration of how Vietnamese cuisine uses contrast to build compelling flavors and textures. The rich, meaty shrimp contrasts with fresh, peppery herbs. The crispy batter contrasts with the juicy filling. The sharp, tangy dipping sauce contrasts with the savory umami of the fritters themselves. Every element is chosen with intent and works in harmony to excite the senses.
Moreover, the rice flour in the batter makes these fritters lighter and crispier than traditional Western-style fritters or croquettes. This lightness makes them perfect for snacking, especially when paired with refreshing sides like pickled carrots or cucumber slices.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters are versatile in how they can be served. As an appetizer, they make an excellent first course for a Southeast Asian meal. As a main course, they can be paired with steamed jasmine rice, a side of vermicelli noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a DIY lettuce wrap that combines crunch, freshness, and richness in one bite.
Fresh herbs like Thai basil, mint, and cilantro enhance the experience further. If you want to lean into the traditional Vietnamese presentation, offer a variety of greens and pickled vegetables alongside the fritters. This not only adds flavor and texture but also supports digestion and refreshes the palate between bites.
Drinks-wise, these fritters go beautifully with light lagers, dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, or even a crisp Vietnamese iced tea to offset the richness of the fried batter.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Fritters
While the recipe is simple, a few tips can ensure your shrimp fritters turn out perfectly every time:
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Use fresh, high-quality shrimp. Freshness matters here because the shrimp are the main star. Make sure they’re peeled, deveined, and chopped just enough to retain some texture.
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Keep the batter cold. Using cold water and chilling the batter briefly before frying can help achieve a crispier texture.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan. When frying, space is essential. Too many fritters at once will reduce the oil temperature and result in greasy, soggy fritters.
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Adjust the chili based on your spice tolerance. The recipe includes optional chili, so feel free to increase or omit it based on your taste.
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Serve immediately. These fritters are best served hot and fresh. If you need to keep them warm, use a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Although best enjoyed freshly fried, Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters can be prepared in advance to some extent. The batter and Nuoc Cham sauce can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated. If you want to prep the fritters in advance, shape them and freeze them raw. Fry them straight from the freezer when ready to serve—just be mindful to cook a bit longer.
Leftover cooked fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to restore their crispy exterior—microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
Health and Dietary Notes
Despite being fried, these fritters are surprisingly balanced. They are high in protein from the shrimp, and the inclusion of herbs brings in antioxidants and nutrients. For a gluten-free version, you can replace the all-purpose flour with additional rice flour or a gluten-free blend. Likewise, the Nuoc Cham can be adjusted for sugar-free or lower-sodium diets by substituting sugar with a natural alternative and using low-sodium fish sauce.
Vegetarian adaptations are possible too. While the shrimp is the focal point here, the same batter can be used with grated vegetables like sweet potato, zucchini, or tofu for a meat-free version that retains all the flavor and crunch.
Conclusion: A Dish That Delivers Every Time
Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce are more than just a snack—they are a celebration of flavor, texture, and culture. They offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich culinary tradition, where simple ingredients come together to create something exceptional. With their crispy exteriors, herbaceous centers, and that unforgettable dipping sauce, these fritters are a guaranteed hit whether served at a dinner party, as a quick weeknight treat, or at a festive family gathering.
Easy to make, hard to resist, and endlessly adaptable, this dish deserves a spot in any home cook’s repertoire. Once you master the balance of batter and sauce, you’ll find yourself returning to it time and again—perhaps adding your own twist along the way.