Balut is a horror dish for Western countries but is a popular dish in Southeast Asian countries. Only when balut is under the creative hands of Vietnamese chefs, this dish is truly unique and nutritious. Below are delicious and nutritious dishes from balut that you must try in your life if you travel to Southeast Asia or specifically Vietnam.
Spicy and Sour Balut Hotpot
A popular dish for food lovers, this hotpot features balut yolks simmered with vegetables and an array of seasonings to create a rich, tangy, and aromatic broth. Ingredients typically include a flavorful stock, herbs, and vegetables. Everything is simmered together, infusing the balut with bold, spicy flavors.
Grilled Balut with Chili Sauce
A beloved Vietnamese street food, this dish features grilled balut served with a spicy chili sauce. The balut is grilled over charcoal or electric heat, then topped or dipped in a tangy, spicy sauce made from chili, garlic, sugar, salt, and lime juice. The result is a flavorful mix of heat, sweetness, and acidity.
Fried Balut with Fish Sauce
In this dish, balut is deep-fried until golden and crispy, then served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, lime, garlic, and chili. The contrast between the crispy exterior and savory interior makes it a popular snack or appetizer.
Balut Rice Porridge
A nutritious and comforting dish, this porridge combines cooked rice, duck broth, and chopped balut. The mixture is simmered until creamy and smooth. It’s ideal for a hearty breakfast or cold-weather meal, offering a rich, savory taste.
Beer-Steamed Balut
A unique twist on traditional steamed balut, this version uses beer as a steaming liquid, infusing the eggs with a slightly bitter, aromatic flavor. Paired with herbs and spices, the result is a savory and distinctive appetizer often served in Vietnamese eateries.
Balut Steamed with Vietnamese Coriander
Balut is steamed with rau răm (Vietnamese coriander) and seasoned with salt, pepper, and oyster sauce. The herb’s strong, peppery flavor blends with the rich balut, creating a light yet flavorful dish, perfect as a side or appetizer.
Crispy Batter-Fried Balut
For a crunchy treat, balut is seasoned, coated in batter, and deep-fried until golden. The crispy shell contrasts with the tender, savory inside. Best served with chili or tomato sauce.
Green Mustard or Mung Bean Balut Porridge
This variation of balut porridge incorporates either green mustard or mung beans, offering a nutritious and colorful twist. Mustard greens provide a fresh, clean taste, while mung beans add a slightly sweet, creamy flavor.
Stir-Fried Balut with Chili Oil
A bold and spicy dish, this stir-fry uses pre-cooked balut tossed in satay sauce made from chili, garlic, and spices. The intense flavor and bright color make it a standout on any table.
Taro-Wrapped Fried Balut
Balut is wrapped in a seasoned mash of taro (or sweet potato), coated in crispy batter, and deep-fried. The dish offers a delightful mix of creamy taro and savory balut, best served with a dipping sauce.
Grilled Balut with Scallion Oil
Marinated balut is grilled and topped with scallion-infused oil for a rich, aromatic finish. This dish is a crowd-pleaser with its smoky, savory layers of flavor.
These 11 balut-based dishes are not only unique and flavorful but also packed with nutrition. They’re an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a creative twist. We hope this list inspires your next culinary adventure!
