10 Best High-Protein Vietnamese Recipes 2026

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a fantastic option for those seeking high-protein meals. In this guide, we’ve curated ten Vietnamese-inspired recipes that each pack over 30 grams of protein per serving. These recipes not only meet the protein threshold but also balance calories, prep time, and ingredient quality, ensuring they are both nutritious and delicious.

How We Selected These Recipes

To curate this list, we focused on recipes that contain at least 30 grams of protein per serving while keeping calories in check. Each dish was evaluated based on ingredient quality, ease of preparation, and overall nutritional balance. We also took into account the traditional flavors of Vietnamese cuisine to ensure authenticity and enjoyment.

1. Lemongrass Chicken

Lemongrass Chicken is a classic Vietnamese dish that delivers a punch of flavor and high protein content. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 150g chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 20g lemongrass, finely chopped
• 10g garlic, minced
• 10g ginger, minced
• 15ml fish sauce
• 5ml soy sauce
• 10g brown sugar
• 5g vegetable oil
• 100g mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, etc.)

Macros per serving

Quick prep

1. Marinate the chicken with lemongrass, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and stir-fry the marinated chicken until cooked through.
3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 3–5 minutes until tender.
4. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
5. Enjoy your protein-packed meal!

Pro tip

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu and adjust cooking times accordingly.

2. Pho with Extra Protein

This hearty bowl of pho is elevated with added protein, making it a satisfying meal perfect for any time of day. The combination of beef and broth creates a rich flavor profile that is comforting and nourishing.

Ingredients

• 150g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 200ml beef broth
• 100g rice noodles
• 10g onion, sliced
• 5g ginger, sliced
• 15ml fish sauce
• 5g hoisin sauce
• 5g sriracha (optional)
• 10g green onions, chopped

Macros per serving

Quick prep

1. In a pot, bring beef broth to a boil and add sliced onion and ginger. Simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
3. Add sliced beef to the broth and cook until just done, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Assemble the bowl by placing noodles at the bottom, followed by the beef and broth.
5. Garnish with hoisin sauce, sriracha, and green onions before serving.

Pro tip

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add tofu or mushrooms for protein.

3. Bún Bò Huế

Bún Bò Huế is a spicy beef noodle soup that is both hearty and high in protein. This dish is known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices, making it a favorite in Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients

• 150g beef shank, sliced
• 100g rice vermicelli noodles
• 200ml beef broth
• 10g lemongrass, chopped
• 5g shrimp paste
• 5g chili oil
• 15ml fish sauce
• 50g bean sprouts
• 10g cilantro, chopped

Macros per serving

Quick prep

1. In a pot, combine beef broth, lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili oil. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Add sliced beef and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions.
4. Assemble the bowl by placing noodles at the bottom, followed by broth and beef.
5. Top with bean sprouts and cilantro before serving.

Pro tip

Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of chili oil used in the broth.

4. Macro-Friendly Bánh Mì

This bánh mì recipe is designed to be macro-friendly while still delivering the classic flavors of Vietnamese sandwiches. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 100g lean pork, sliced
• 1 small baguette (about 50g)
• 30g pickled carrots
• 30g cucumber, sliced
• 10g cilantro
• 10ml soy sauce
• 5g mayonnaise (optional)

Macros per serving

Quick prep

1. Cook the pork slices in a pan until browned and cooked through.
2. Slice the baguette and spread mayonnaise if using.
3. Layer cooked pork, pickled carrots, cucumber, and cilantro inside the baguette.
4. Drizzle with soy sauce before serving.
5. Enjoy your delicious and protein-rich sandwich!

Pro tip

For a vegetarian option, replace pork with marinated grilled tofu or tempeh.

5. Bún Bò Salad

This refreshing bún bò salad is packed with protein and is perfect for a light meal. The combination of fresh vegetables and grilled beef makes it a nutritious choice.

Ingredients

• 100g grilled beef, sliced
• 100g rice vermicelli noodles
• 50g lettuce, shredded
• 30g cucumber, sliced
• 20g carrots, julienned
• 10g peanuts, crushed
• 15ml fish sauce
• 5ml lime juice

Macros per serving

Quick prep

1. Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine lettuce, cucumber, carrots, and cooked noodles.
3. Top with grilled beef slices and crushed peanuts.
4. Drizzle with fish sauce and lime juice before serving.
5. Toss gently and enjoy your salad!

Pro tip

Add grilled shrimp or tofu for an extra protein boost.

6. Vietnamese-Style Fish

This Vietnamese-style fish dish is light yet flavorful, making it a great option for a healthy dinner. The fish is marinated and grilled to perfection, ensuring a high protein content.

Ingredients

• 150g white fish fillet (e.g., tilapia or cod)
• 10g garlic, minced
• 10g ginger, minced
• 15ml fish sauce
• 5ml lime juice
• 5g sugar
• 5g vegetable oil
• 100g steamed broccoli

Macros per serving

Quick prep

1. Marinate fish fillet with garlic, ginger, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a grill pan over medium heat.
3. Grill the fish for about 4–5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
4. Serve with steamed broccoli on the side.
5. Enjoy your healthy, protein-packed meal!

Pro tip

Use salmon for a richer flavor and even higher omega-3 content.

7. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These grilled shrimp skewers are a delicious and high-protein option for a quick meal or appetizer. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 150g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 10g garlic, minced
• 10g ginger, minced
• 15ml fish sauce
• 5ml lime juice
• 5g vegetable oil
• 50g bell peppers, cut into chunks

Macros per serving

Quick prep

1. In a bowl, combine shrimp, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and lime juice. Marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Thread shrimp and bell peppers onto skewers.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a grill pan over medium heat.
4. Grill skewers for about 3–4 minutes on each side until shrimp are opaque.
5. Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Pro tip

For added flavor, sprinkle skewers with sesame seeds before grilling.

8. Tofu Stir-fry with Veggies

This tofu stir-fry is a fantastic plant-based option that is high in protein and packed with colorful vegetables. It’s quick to prepare and full of nutrients.

Ingredients

• 150g firm tofu, cubed
• 100g mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 10g garlic, minced
• 15ml soy sauce
• 5g sesame oil
• 10g green onions, chopped

Macros per serving

Quick prep

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat and add garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides.
3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until tender.
4. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

Pro tip

For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or chili sauce before serving.

9. Beef Jerky Pho

This innovative take on pho uses beef jerky for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for those who want a protein-packed option without the lengthy cooking time.

Ingredients

• 100g beef jerky, sliced
• 200ml beef broth
• 100g rice noodles
• 10g onion, sliced
• 5g ginger, sliced
• 15ml fish sauce
• 10g green onions, chopped

Macros per serving

Quick prep

1. In a pot, bring beef broth to a boil and add sliced onion and ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
3. Add beef jerky to the broth and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Assemble the bowl with noodles at the bottom, followed by broth and jerky.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Pro tip

Use different flavors of beef jerky for a unique twist on this dish.

10. Vietnamese Chicken Salad

This Vietnamese chicken salad is light, refreshing, and loaded with protein. It’s a great option for a quick lunch or a side dish at dinner.

Ingredients

• 150g cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 100g mixed greens
• 30g cucumber, sliced
• 30g carrots, julienned
• 10g peanuts, crushed
• 15ml fish sauce
• 5ml lime juice

Macros per serving

Quick prep

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, carrots, and shredded chicken.
2. Drizzle with fish sauce and lime juice, tossing to combine.
3. Top with crushed peanuts for added crunch.
4. Serve immediately for a fresh and healthy meal.
5. Enjoy your protein-rich salad!

Pro tip

Add avocado for healthy fats and extra creaminess.

Bottom Line

These ten high-protein Vietnamese recipes offer a variety of flavors and meal types to suit any palate. From the standout Lemongrass Chicken to the comforting Pho with Extra Protein, each dish provides over 30 grams of protein while maintaining a balanced macro profile. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick meal, these recipes are sure to satisfy your hunger and nutritional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these recipes high in protein?

Each recipe features high-protein ingredients such as lean meats, fish, and legumes, ensuring that they all provide over 30 grams of protein per serving.

Can I meal prep these recipes?

Yes, most of these recipes can be easily meal-prepped and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making them perfect for busy weeks.

Are these recipes suitable for tracking macros?

Absolutely! Each recipe includes detailed macros, allowing you to log them in calorie tracking apps like Nutrola, MyFitnessPal, or Cronometer.

How do I adjust these recipes for lower sodium?

You can reduce the amount of fish sauce or shrimp paste in the recipes, or opt for low-sodium versions to better control sodium intake.