Vietnamese Tam Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Tam at Home

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of rice
  • 1/2 cup of dried shrimp
  • 1 cup of pork belly
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1/4 cup of sliced shallots
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup of chopped spring onions
  • 1/4 cup of chopped coriander
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large pot, add the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water, bring it to a boil.
  3. Lower the heat, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
  4. While the rice is cooking, soak the dried shrimp in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain.
  5. Cut the pork belly into thin slices.
  6. In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  7. Add the sliced shallots and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they are golden brown.
  8. Add the pork belly slices and sauté until they are browned on all sides.
  9. Add the drained shrimp, fish sauce, salt, and sugar. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes.
  10. Beat the eggs in a bowl and then pour them over the pork and shrimp mixture. Stir well and cook until the eggs are fully set.
  11. Stir in the cooked rice, mixing well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  12. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with chopped spring onions, coriander, and ground black pepper.
  13. Serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for cooking the rice
  • Pan - for sautéing the shallots, garlic, pork, and shrimp
  • Bowl - for beating the eggs
  • Knife - for slicing the pork belly and chopping the spring onions and coriander
  • Cutting board - for preparing the ingredients
  • Measuring cups - for accurately measuring the rice and water
  • Measuring spoons - for measuring the fish sauce, salt, and sugar
  • Spatula - for stirring and mixing the ingredients
  • Strainer - for rinsing the rice and draining the soaked shrimp

Recipe variations

  • Use jasmine or basmati rice instead of regular white rice for a fragrant twist.
  • Replace the dried shrimp with fresh shrimp or other seafood like squid or scallops.
  • Substitute the pork belly with chicken, beef, or tofu for a meat-free option.
  • Add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and texture.
  • Include diced pineapple or raisins to add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like curry powder, chili flakes, or soy sauce to customize the flavors.
  • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch.
  • Try using coconut milk instead of water for a creamy and rich flavor.
  • For a spicy kick, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce.

Recipe overview

Experience the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this homely and comforting Tam recipe. This dish features a hearty combination of rice, pork belly, and dried shrimp, all brought together with the robust flavors of fish sauce, shallots, and garlic. A finishing touch of scrambled eggs, spring onions, and freshly ground black pepper lends an extra layer of texture and taste. This is a one-pot dish that's perfect for a family meal or a casual dinner with friends. Expect a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, with the succulent pork and shrimp, soft rice, and aromatic herbs. This Tam recipe is simple to make and is sure to impress everyone at your table.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use a different type of rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
  2. Can I substitute the dried shrimp? If you don't have dried shrimp, you can use other types of seafood like dried anchovies or dried scallops for a similar flavor.
  3. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can omit the pork belly and dried shrimp and use vegetables or tofu instead for a vegetarian version.
  4. Can I adjust the seasoning? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the fish sauce, salt, sugar, and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
  5. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of dried shrimp? While dried shrimp provides a unique flavor, you can use frozen shrimp as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw and cook the shrimp before adding them to the recipe.
  6. What can I serve with this dish? This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
  7. How long does the dish keep in the refrigerator? It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.
  8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the rice and cook the pork and shrimp mixture in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the pork and shrimp mixture, stir in the rice, and cook until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pot - A large pot for cooking the rice and mixing the ingredients.
  • Pan - A frying pan for sautéing the shallots, garlic, pork, and shrimp.
  • Bowl - A bowl for beating the eggs before adding them to the pan.
  • Spatula - A spatula for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Knife - A knife for slicing the pork belly and chopping the spring onions and coriander.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board for safely preparing and chopping the ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups for accurately measuring the rice, water, and other ingredients.

Origin stories

Tam, a simple yet flavourful dish, hails from the bustling seaports of Vietnam, where traditions and tastes mingle to create an enthralling culinary narrative. The essence of this dish lies in its fundamental ingredients - rice, pork, and shrimp - that reflect Vietnam's rich agricultural heritage, and the seafaring culture of its coastal towns. Uniquely Vietnamese, Tam is a testament to the resourcefulness of its people. The inclusion of dried shrimp, a preservation method employed by fisherfolk, adds an intriguing depth of flavour, marrying the land and sea in each bite. Amidst the chaos of clanging pots and sizzling stoves, Tam has a story to tell - a story of resilience, ingenuity, and a love for simple, honest flavours.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.