Vietnamese Omelette (Trung Chien): a Must-Try for Egg Lovers

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish? Look no further than the Vietnamese omelette! This dish is made by whipping eggs and cooking them with various ingredients such as vegetables, protein, and spices. It's a savory dish traditionally served with rice, vegetables, and dipping sauce. 

In this article, you will learn step-by-step instructions on how to cook the perfect Vietnamese egg omelet, but that's not all! Keep reading to discover the secrets to achieving the ideal texture and flavor and some unique dish variations you can try at home.

Jump to:

• Ingredients you'll need:
• Step-by-step instructions
• Substitutions for hard-to-find ingredients
• Tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. 
• What goes well with Vietnamese omelette.
• How to troubleshoot common problems
• How to store and reheat leftover omelette.
• Full Recipe

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Vietnamese omelette: an Overview

A Vietnamese egg omelette, also known as "trung chien," is made by whipping eggs and cooking them in a hot pan with various ingredients, such as vegetables, onions, scallions, and bean sprouts, and protein, such as pork or shrimp. It's folded in half and served as a savory dish, often accompanied by rice, vegetables, and dipping sauce. 

Achieving an omelet's light and fluffy texture is vital, which can be done by whipping the eggs until they are well-aerated. Cooking it with a small amount of oil makes it a healthy option. The omelette is versatile, and one can enjoy it in many ways, as a standalone dish, paired with sides, or as a topping for rice noodle dishes like Bun Cha or Pho.

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Ingredients you'll need:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• ¼ cup of diced onions
• ¼ cup of diced scallions
• ¼ cup of bean sprouts
• ¼ cup of minced pork or shrimp
• ¼ cup of chopped wood ear mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

Optional:

• ¼ cup of soaked and drained glass noodles, cellophane noodles, or bean thread noodles
• Dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili (Nuoc cham)

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Why use these ingredients:

1. Eggs: They are the main ingredient in the omelette and provide the base for the dish. The eggs are whipped to create a light and fluffy texture and are also a source of protein.
2. Vegetable oil: Used to cook the omelet, it helps prevent sticking and adds flavor to the dish.
3. Onions: They add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish and provide texture.
4. Scallions: They add a fresh and slightly pungent flavor and provide some texture.
5. Bean sprouts: They add a fresh and slightly crunchy texture to the dish and provide some nutrition.
6. Pork or shrimp: They provide the dish with protein and a savory flavor.
7. Wood Ear mushrooms: They provide a unique texture and a subtle earthy flavor to the dish; they are also a good source of fiber.
8. Fish sauce is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and adds flavor. It provides a salty and savory flavor that perfectly complements the omelet.
9. Salt: It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the eggs.
10. Black pepper adds a bit of heat and a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
11. Glass noodles or bean thread noodles (optional): They add a nice texture and a bit of chewiness to the dish. They are often used in many Vietnamese dishes and are a great way to make the omelet more filling.
12. Dipping sauce (optional): It adds more flavor and depth to the dish; it's usually made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili (Nuoc cham). It can also be made with soy sauce or any other sauce. It's a great way to enhance the flavors of the omelet.

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Substitutions for hard-to-find ingredients

If certain ingredients are unavailable for this Vietnamese omelet recipe, there are some substitutions you can use to make the dish.

1. Wood ear mushrooms: can be substituted with Shiitake mushrooms, they have a similar texture and a subtle earthy flavor, and they can be found in most grocery stores.
2. Bean sprouts: can be substituted with shredded cabbage. It has a similar texture and a slightly sweet flavor, and it can be found in most grocery stores.
3. Scallions can be substituted with diced leeks; they have a similar flavor and texture and can be found in most grocery stores.
4. Glass noodles or bean thread noodles: can be substituted with any thin spaghetti; they have a similar texture and can be found in most grocery stores.
5. Fish sauce: can be substituted with soy sauce; it has a similar salty and savory flavor and can be found in most grocery stores.
6. Pork or shrimp: can be substituted with diced tofu, chicken, beef, or any other protein you prefer.
7. Black pepper: can be substituted with white pepper; they have a similar flavor and heat and can be found in most grocery stores.

It's important to note that these substitutions may change the dish's flavor slightly, but they will still produce a delicious omelet. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and find the best combination.

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Tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. 

1. Use high-quality ingredients: Choose fresh eggs, ripe vegetables, high-quality protein, fresh mushrooms, high-quality fish sauce, and high-quality black pepper to ensure the best results.
2. Whisk the eggs well: Whisk them until they are well beaten, creating a light and fluffy texture for the omelet.
3. Cook the omelet on medium heat: Cooking the omelet on medium heat will ensure that the eggs cook evenly and that the bottom doesn't burn before the top is set.
4. Be mindful of the cooking time: Be aware of the cooking time for each ingredient; this will ensure that everything is cooked perfectly.
5. Use the right oil: Use oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil; this will ensure the oil doesn't smoke and burn while cooking the omelet.
6. Use the right pan: Use a non-stick pan that is large enough to hold the ingredients; this will make it easier to flip the omelet and help ensure it doesn't stick to the pan.
7. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the omelet and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring the omelet has the perfect balance of flavors.
8. Serve it hot: Serve the omelet, ensuring it has the perfect texture and flavor.
9. Use the dipping sauce: Serve the omelet with the dipping sauce; this will enhance the flavor of the omelet and make it more delicious.

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Suggestions for serving and garnishing the dish

Here are some suggestions for serving and garnishing the Vietnamese omelet dish:

1. Serve with rice: The omelet is typically served with steamed rice for a complete meal.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, or basil on top of the omelet before serving, adding a nice fresh flavor and aroma.
3. Add a side of vegetables: Serve the omelet with steamed or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, adding a nice balance of flavors and nutrition.
4. Serve with a dipping sauce: The omelet is typically served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili (Nuoc cham), enhancing the flavors of the omelet and making it more delicious.
5. Add a sprinkle of pepper to the omelet before serving, adding a nice depth of flavor and a bit of heat.
6. Add a sprinkle of chopped scallions or green onions: Add a sprinkle of chopped scallions or green onions on top of the omelet before serving; this will add a lovely fresh and slightly pungent flavor to the dish.
7. Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds: Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top of the omelet before serving; this will add a nice nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.
8. Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts to the omelet before serving, adding a nice nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.

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Different ways to prepare the omelette:

1. Make it a wrap: Roll the omelet in a warm rice paper wrapper, creating a delicious portable dish perfect for on-the-go meals.
2. Make it a sandwich: Place the omelet between two slices of bread and toast it; this will create a delicious and satisfying sandwich perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
3. Make it a salad: Dice the omelet into small pieces and toss it with some mixed greens, creating a delicious and nutritious salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
4. Make it a pizza: Top a pre-made pizza crust with the omelet ingredients and bake it; this will create a delicious and unique pizza perfect for a fun and easy dinner.
5. Make it a sandwich: Place the omelet between two slices of French bread and toast it; this will create a delicious and satisfying sandwich perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
6. Make it a breakfast burrito: Wrap the omelet in a warm tortilla with some diced tomatoes, avocado, and cheese; this will create a delicious and satisfying breakfast burrito that is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast.
7. Make it a sushi roll: Roll the omelet with sushi rice and seaweed, creating a delicious and unique sushi roll perfect for a fun and easy dinner.
8. Make it a quesadilla: Place the omelet and cheese between two tortillas and grill it; this will create a delicious and satisfying quesadilla that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

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Variations of the dish

There are several variations of the traditional Vietnamese omelette dish; here are a few examples:

1 Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is a traditional Vietnamese dish often translated as "sizzling cake" or "sizzling pancake." It is not an omelette but a savory crepe or pancake. The key difference between Banh Xeo and an omelet is the batter; Banh Xeo is made with rice flour, turmeric powder, and coconut milk batter, while an omelet is made with eggs. The cooking technique and the ingredients used to fill the dish are also different.

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2 Trung Chien

Trung Chien is a dish similar to an omelette as it is made with eggs and can be filled with various ingredients, but it's not limited to just eggs. It's a more versatile dish with a wider range of ingredients that can be used to make it.

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3 Trung Chien Su Su Tom Kho

Trung Chien Su Su Tom Kho is a variation of the traditional Trung Chien. It's a dish similar to an omelet in that it is made with eggs and can be filled with various ingredients, but it's not limited to just eggs. It's a more versatile dish with a wider range of ingredients that can be used to make it.

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Comparison of the Vietnamese omelette to other types of omelets

	Vietnamese Omelette	French Omelette	American Omelette
Main ingredients	eggs, fillings (such as shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts)	eggs, butter, and fillings (such as cheese, herbs, and vegetables)	eggs, milk or cream, and fillings (such as cheese, bacon, and vegetables)
Cooking method	pan-frying	pan-frying	pan-frying or baking
Texture	light and crispy	light and fluffy	fluffy and soft
Flavor	savory with a balance of salty, sweet, and sour	rich and buttery with a focus on fillings	can vary depending on fillings, often salty and savory
Commonly served with	rice, vegetables, and dipping sauce	potatoes and salad	toast and hash browns
Popular fillings	shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts	cheese, herbs, and vegetables	cheese, bacon, and vegetables

The Vietnamese omelette, also known as "Trung chien" (translates to "Fried eggs"), is a unique dish that differs from other types of omelets, such as French or American omelets, in several ways:

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What goes well with Vietnamese omelette.

Here are some suggestions for pairing other dishes with the Vietnamese omelet:

1 Steamed rice.

The omelette is savory and rich, while the rice is neutral and light. Combining the two creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures in the dish. Rice also helps to make the dish more filling and satisfying, as it provides a good source of carbohydrates that can help to sustain energy levels.

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2 Garnishing some herbs:

The herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil, common in Vietnamese cuisine, bring freshness and lightness to the dish, complementing the rich and savory flavors of the omelet. Fresh herbs add a fresh and bright flavor while providing a nice visual contrast.

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3 Serve with lime wedges

Lime is a common ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, and it adds a nice acidity to the dish, which helps to balance out the rich and savory flavors of the omelette. Lime's acidity cuts through the richness of the omelet and brings a refreshing taste to the palate.

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4 Sliced cucumbers

The cool and crisp cucumber slices complement the rich and savory flavors of the omelette, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cucumber slices also add a nice visual contrast to the dish with their green color, making it more appealing.

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5 Adding pickled vegetables

Adding pickled vegetables to the Vietnamese omelette elevates the dish by adding a tangy and slightly salty flavor that complements the rich and savory flavors of the omelette. The pickled vegetables' acidity and saltiness help balance the dish's flavors, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

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6 Serving with fresh greens

Adding fresh greens to the Vietnamese omelette improves the dish by adding a nice crunchy texture, a refreshing taste, a refreshing crunch, and a healthy addition. It also makes the dish visually appealing and helps refresh the palate between bites.

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7 Dipping Sauce

Serving dipping sauce with the Vietnamese omelette improves the dish by adding an extra layer of flavor and texture, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures, enhancing the dish's dynamic and exciting presentation, and allowing diners to personalize their experience with the dish.

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How to make the dish gluten-free

To make the Vietnamese omelet gluten-free, you will need to make some adjustments to the recipe:

1. Substitute the fish sauce: Fish sauce is a common ingredient in the Vietnamese omelette recipe but may contain gluten. Substitute a gluten-free fish sauce alternative or soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
2. Substitute the noodles: Glass noodles or bean thread noodles are often used in the Vietnamese omelette recipe but may contain gluten. To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles such as rice or quinoa.
3. Substitute the flour: Some recipes may call for flour added to the egg mixture to thicken it, but flour contains gluten. To make the dish gluten-free, you can substitute it with corn or potato starch.
4. Use gluten-free bread: If you are serving the omelet as a sandwich, make sure to use gluten-free bread.
5. Be mindful of cross-contamination: If you prepare the omelette in a kitchen where gluten-containing products are used, prepare it with separate utensils and equipment.

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How to troubleshoot common problems

Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems that might occur when making the Vietnamese omelette:

1. Omelette is too watery: It may be because you have added too much liquid to the eggs. Drain any excess liquid from the vegetables and proteins before adding them to the eggs to fix this. Also, use a slotted spoon to remove any excess liquid from the pan before adding the egg mixture.
2. Omelette is not cooked through: If your omelet is not cooked through, it may be because the heat is too low. To fix this, use medium-high heat and cook the omelet longer.
3. Omelette is too dry: You may have overcooked it or need to add more liquid to the eggs. To fix this, cook it for a shorter period and add more liquid to the eggs.
4. Omelette is burnt: It may be because the heat is too high or the pan is not non-stick. To fix this, make sure to use medium heat and use a non-stick pan.
5. Omelette is not flavorful: It may be because you need to add more seasoning or herbs. Add enough seasoning, such as fish sauce, salt, and pepper, and spices like cilantro, mint, or basil to fix this.
6. Omelette is rubbery: You may have overcooked it or used too much flour or cornstarch. To fix this, cook the omelet for a shorter period and use less flour or cornstarch.

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How to store and reheat leftover omelette.

Here are some tips for storing and reheating leftovers of the Vietnamese omelet:

• To store leftovers, wrap the cooled omelet in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, remove the wrap or foil and let it come to room temperature. Put it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until heated through, flipping once, and make sure it doesn't overcook.

• Alternatively, it can be reheated in the microwave. Cover the omelet in a damp paper towel; this will help to keep the omelet moist. And then nuke it in the microwave at 30-second intervals. Keep in mind that reheating in the microwave can cause the omelet to lose its texture, so reheating in a skillet is recommended. 

• Slice the omelet before storing it; this way, it will be easier to reheat small portions. Keep an eye on and flip it to prevent burning and ensure even heating. If it has become dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to help revive the texture. Remember that it may have a different texture or taste than when it was first made.

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How to make the dish more accessible for children and picky eaters.

Here are some tips for making the Vietnamese dish more accessible for children and picky eaters:

1. Use smaller portions: To make the dish more accessible for children and picky eaters, use smaller amounts and offer a variety of other foods.
2. Cut the ingredients into small pieces: Cut the components, such as meat and vegetables, into small pieces to make it easier for children and picky eaters.
3. Offer a variety of dipping sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as a sweet and sour sauce, ketchup, or barbecue sauce, for children and picky eaters to choose from.
4. Reduce the number of spices: Reduce the number of spices used in the dish, such as chili or black pepper, to make it less spicy for children and picky eaters.
5. Use milder flavors: To make the dish more accessible for children and picky eaters, use milder flavors, such as sweet and sour flavors, which will be more appealing to them.
6. Get the children involved in the cooking process: Involve them in the cooking process by letting them help with simple tasks such as stirring or measuring ingredients.

Full Recipe