America's Test Kitchen Season 21 Episode 19 A Trip to Vietnam

America's Test Kitchen, the popular cooking show that features recipes, cooking techniques and product recommendations, takes its viewers on a culinary journey to Vietnam in season 21 episode 19, titled "A Trip to Vietnam."

In this episode, the hosts of the show – Bridget and Julia, take viewers on a virtual tour of Vietnam, showcasing some of the country's most delicious and authentic dishes. They are joined by culinary expert and author, Andrea Nguyen, who shares her knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine and helps to create some mouth-watering recipes.

The show begins with a visit to the local Vietnamese market, where the hosts and Andrea sample some of the ingredients that will be used in their recipes. This includes different kinds of fish sauce, peanut butter, tamarind, and herbs like lemongrass, mint, and cilantro. They also learn about the different types of rice noodles, which are a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cooking.

The first recipe that the hosts prepare is a classic Vietnamese dish called Banh Mi, which is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, pickled vegetables, paté, sliced meat, and mayonnaise. Andrea shows them how to make an authentic version of this delicious sandwich, which includes marinated pork, pickled carrots and daikon, and a special mayonnaise sauce.

Next up is Pho, a famous Vietnamese noodle soup that is considered to be the national dish of Vietnam. Bridget and Julia learn how to make the broth from scratch, using ingredients like beef bones, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon. They also cook some rare beef slices, which are added to the soup along with rice noodles, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.

For the next recipe, the hosts prepare Bún Chả, a popular Vietnamese street food dish that consists of grilled pork meatballs and noodles. They use ground pork, lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce to make the meatballs, which are then grilled until golden brown. The noodles are topped with a mixture of herbs and a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice.

Finally, the hosts and Andrea make a Vietnamese-inspired dessert called Coconut Pandan Waffles. They use pandan leaves, which are commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisines, to infuse the waffle batter with a subtle flavor. The waffles are served with a dollop of coconut cream and fresh fruit.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Andrea share tips and tricks for cooking with Vietnamese ingredients and creating authentic dishes. They also introduce viewers to some of the unique flavors and techniques that are popular in Vietnamese cuisine.

Overall, "A Trip to Vietnam" is a fun and informative episode that showcases the beauty and complexity of Vietnamese food. The recipes are easy to follow and the hosts provide plenty of helpful advice for home cooks who are looking to explore this delicious and vibrant cuisine.