Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters

The Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters with Nuoc Cham dipping sauce are a true explosion of texture and flavor. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, each fritter is infused with aromatic herbs, fresh shrimp, and just the right touch of spice. They’re the kind of dish that instantly transports you to the bustling street corners of Saigon. What elevates this snack to the next level is the accompanying Nuoc Cham, a sweet-sour-savory dipping sauce that cuts through the richness of the fritters. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party platter, or even a light meal, these shrimp fritters will steal the spotlight every time. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish is an easy way to impress with Vietnamese flair.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 cup rice flour

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup grated carrot

• 1/4 cup bean sprouts

• 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup cold water

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup fish sauce

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1/4 cup warm water

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 red chili, thinly sliced

Directions:

1. Finely chop the shrimp or pulse in a food processor until coarsely ground.

2. In a large bowl, combine rice flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the chopped shrimp, green onions, carrot, bean sprouts, red chili, garlic, and fish sauce.

4. Gradually add cold water and mix until a thick batter forms.

5. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

6. Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly.

7. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

8. In a small bowl, whisk together all Nuoc Cham ingredients until sugar dissolves.

9. Serve the hot shrimp fritters with the dipping sauce on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters

Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters, known locally as Bánh Tôm, are a beloved street food found across Vietnam, especially in regions like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These crispy bites are often enjoyed as an appetizer or midday snack and are traditionally paired with the iconic Nước Chấm dipping sauce a tangy, savory, sweet blend of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili. When paired together, the crunchy shrimp fritters and refreshing dipping sauce offer an irresistible harmony of textures and flavors.

This dish showcases Vietnam’s deep connection to seafood, creative use of rice flour-based batters, and its celebrated balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour flavors. Whether served at a roadside stall or a family dinner, shrimp fritters evoke a sense of warmth, community, and delicious simplicity.

Cultural Significance and Origins

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant and layered taste profiles. Bánh Tôm, while simple at first glance, carries with it a rich history rooted in tradition and local ingredients. In Hanoi, a popular variation comes from Tây Hồ, an area near West Lake. Here, shrimp fritters are traditionally made using whole freshwater shrimp caught from the lake itself, mixed into a batter and deep-fried until golden.

Unlike Western-style fritters which often rely on heavy flour or breading, Vietnamese shrimp fritters are known for their light and crispy texture, made possible by the unique blend of rice flour and cornstarch or potato starch. The fritters are pan-fried or deep-fried in shallow oil, producing a lacy and crunchy crust that gives way to juicy, tender shrimp.

Eating shrimp fritters is a casual yet deeply communal experience. They’re often served in baskets lined with banana leaves, with piles of fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and Thai basil on the side, along with lettuce leaves for wrapping and dipping.

The Role of Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

What makes Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters truly sing is Nước Chấm, the essential dipping sauce in Vietnamese cuisine. While the fritters are savory and rich, the dipping sauce introduces brightness and acidity that cuts through the fried element, refreshing the palate with each bite.

Nước Chấm is a staple in Vietnamese kitchens and varies slightly depending on the cook. The core ingredients include fish sauce, lime juice (or sometimes vinegar), sugar, water, garlic, and chili. The magic of Nước Chấm lies in its balance it’s not meant to be overwhelmingly fishy or sweet, but a perfect medley of all flavors. This sauce not only enhances the shrimp fritters but also works beautifully with grilled meats, spring rolls, and salads.

Some households make a spicier version with extra chili, while others may mellow it with more sugar or warm water. Regardless of the variation, no dish feels complete in Vietnam without this humble yet powerful condiment.

Flavor Profile and Texture

Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters offer an unforgettable contrast of crispy exterior and succulent interior. The rice flour batter creates a light, airy crunch that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy. The shrimp, typically coarsely chopped or lightly pureed, retains its juiciness and sweetness, standing up to the heat of frying.

The inclusion of vegetables such as shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions introduces fresh, earthy notes and a touch of crunch. Herbs and aromatics like garlic and chili lend subtle heat and complexity.

Combined with the tangy zing of Nuoc Cham, every bite is a flavor bomb—crispy, salty, tangy, and spicy, with natural seafood sweetness shining through.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

One of the beauties of Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters is their versatility. They can be served as:

• Appetizers at dinner parties or Vietnamese-themed meals.

• Street food-style snacks for gatherings, potlucks, or casual family meals.

• Side dishes alongside vermicelli noodle salads or fresh vegetable platters.

• Main course when paired with rice, pickled vegetables, and soup.

In a traditional Vietnamese setting, you might see the fritters wrapped in lettuce or rice paper, stuffed with herbs and dipped in Nuoc Cham for a fresh take on the dish. This allows eaters to build their own rolls, adjusting flavor combinations as they go.

You can also serve them with:

• Fresh cucumber slices or pickled carrots/daikon for added acidity and crunch.

• Steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce.

• Cold noodle salad (like Bun Cha-style) for a refreshing and complete meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Fritters

1. Use Fresh Shrimp

Fresh, high-quality shrimp makes a noticeable difference. If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid watery batter.

2. Keep the Batter Cold

Cold batter helps maintain a crisp texture during frying. Chill the batter briefly before cooking for the best results.

3. Use the Right Flour Combination

Rice flour ensures lightness, while cornstarch or potato starch adds crispness. Avoid using all-purpose flour alone, as it results in heavier, denser fritters.

4. Do Not Overcrowd the Pan

Fry in batches and allow space between fritters to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even crisping.

5. Customize the Heat

Add more chopped chili to the batter or Nuoc Cham if you prefer a spicy kick. If cooking for kids or those sensitive to heat, use only garlic and omit the chili.

Variations to Try

Though the classic shrimp fritter is nearly perfect, the recipe is highly adaptable:

• Add turmeric for an earthy, golden hue.

• Incorporate chopped crab or squid for a seafood mix.

• Include finely shredded sweet potato for added body and subtle sweetness.

• Make it vegetarian by replacing shrimp with shredded tofu, sweet corn, and mushrooms.

• Gluten-free adaptations are naturally easy thanks to the use of rice flour.

A Healthier Take

While traditionally deep-fried, you can pan-fry or air-fry shrimp fritters for a lighter version. Reduce the oil and keep the fritters small to ensure they crisp without absorbing excess fat. Pair with extra herbs and a side salad to balance the richness.

Also, consider reducing the sugar in Nuoc Cham or using coconut sugar for a more natural alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters are more than just a snack they’re a celebration of balance, simplicity, and culture. Each element plays its part: the crispness of the fritter, the sweetness of shrimp, the brightness of lime, and the umami punch of fish sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, sparks conversation, and fills your home with the unmistakable aroma of Vietnamese street food.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just exploring Southeast Asian cuisine for the first time, these shrimp fritters are a rewarding and flavorful dish to try.

Conclusion:

Vietnamese Shrimp Fritters with Nuoc Cham are a beautiful expression of Vietnam’s rich culinary tapestry. They demonstrate how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can deliver something truly extraordinary. From their crisp, golden crust to their bold dipping sauce, every bite tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and flavor.

They’re perfect for those who crave something crispy yet refreshing, indulgent yet balanced. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or the centerpiece of a meal, these fritters are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.