Vietnamese cuisine is known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami. This Vietnamese-style haddock with sticky rice and crunchy salad is a prime example of how a dish can be both deeply satisfying and refreshingly light at the same time.
This dish features tender, marinated haddock infused with classic Vietnamese seasonings, paired with soft and fragrant sticky rice and a vibrant, crisp salad that adds both freshness and crunch. It’s an ideal meal for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of Southeast Asian cooking without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into why this dish works so well, how to customize it to your taste, and answer some common questions about preparation and substitutions. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to Vietnamese cuisine, this dish is sure to impress.
Why This Vietnamese-Style Haddock Stands Out
1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors
Vietnamese cuisine is built on contrast and harmony. This dish masterfully combines:
✔ Savory umami from fish sauce and soy sauce
✔ Sweetness from honey
✔ Tangy brightness from lime juice
✔ Aromatic depth from garlic and ginger
✔ Crisp freshness from herbs and vegetables
The result? A meal that awakens the palate with every bite.
2. A Textural Masterpiece
One of the highlights of this dish is how it balances textures:
- The haddock is tender yet slightly caramelized from the marinade.
- The sticky rice is soft, comforting, and slightly chewy.
- The salad adds crunch and brightness, bringing everything together.
Every bite is a delightful mix of soft, crisp, and juicy textures, making this meal both exciting and comforting.
3. Nutritious and Light, Yet Filling
This dish is nutrient-dense while still feeling light:
- Haddock is rich in lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Sticky rice provides satisfying energy without being heavy.
- The crunchy salad is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
It’s the perfect meal for those looking to eat healthy while still enjoying bold, delicious flavors.
4. Simple Yet Sophisticated
While this dish delivers complex flavors, it’s surprisingly easy to make. The key steps—marinating the fish, steaming the rice, and tossing the salad—are simple, yet they come together in a way that feels elegant and restaurant-quality.
Ingredients: A Fusion of Flavors
For the Haddock
- Haddock fillets
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Fish sauce
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Vegetable oil
For the Sticky Rice
- Glutinous rice
- Water
- Coconut milk (optional for extra richness)
For the Crunchy Salad
- Cabbage, shredded
- Carrots, julienned
- Cucumber, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil)
- Crushed peanuts
For the Dressing
- Rice vinegar
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Honey
- Chili flakes
- Garlic, minced
Directions: Bringing It All Together
1. Marinate the Haddock
- Combine garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and oil.
- Coat the haddock fillets and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Sticky Rice
- Rinse the rice and soak for a few hours.
- Steam until tender, adding coconut milk for extra flavor.
3. Prepare the Crunchy Salad
- Toss cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and fresh herbs in a bowl.
- Mix dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad.
4. Cook the Haddock
- Sear in a hot pan until golden and flaky.
- Drizzle with extra marinade before serving.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Plate the sticky rice, top with haddock, and serve alongside the crunchy salad.
- Garnish with crushed peanuts and extra herbs.
Nutritional Breakdown: A Balanced Meal
(Per Serving, Approximate Values)
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
Creative Ways to Customize This Dish
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you want to add more heat, swap proteins, or experiment with different grains, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
1. Switch Up the Protein
While haddock works beautifully in this dish, you can try:
- Salmon: Rich and buttery, it absorbs the marinade well.
- Cod: A great mild alternative with a flaky texture.
- Shrimp: Quick-cooking and pairs perfectly with the marinade.
- Tofu: A fantastic plant-based substitute that soaks up flavors beautifully.
2. Play with Different Grains
If sticky rice isn’t available, try these alternatives:
- Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and slightly sticky, making it a great substitute.
- Brown Rice: Adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
- Quinoa: A protein-rich option for a modern twist.
3. Adjust the Spice Level
If you love heat, try:
- Adding sliced Thai chilies to the marinade.
- Drizzling the final dish with chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
- Mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
For a milder version, simply reduce or omit the spice elements.
4. Experiment with the Salad Ingredients
The crunchy salad is highly adaptable, so feel free to mix things up:
- Add sliced mango or papaya for a touch of sweetness.
- Toss in thinly sliced bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Use fresh mint, Thai basil, or dill for a different herbal note.
5. Try a Different Dressing
While the traditional Vietnamese-style dressing is bright and tangy, you can also experiment with:
- Peanut Dressing: Adds creaminess and richness.
- Sesame-Ginger Dressing: Brings a deeper, toasty flavor.
- Coconut-Lime Dressing: For a tropical spin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Frozen Haddock?
Yes! If using frozen haddock, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating to ensure the best texture and flavor absorption.
2. What’s the Best Way to Cook Haddock?
Haddock can be pan-seared, baked, or grilled. If you prefer a smoky char, grilling adds a wonderful depth of flavor. For a healthier option, baking works beautifully while keeping the fish moist.
3. How Do I Get the Sticky Rice Just Right?
To achieve perfect sticky rice, make sure to:
- Rinse it well to remove excess starch.
- Soak it for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before steaming.
- Steam, don’t boil—this ensures the best texture.
4. Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes! Here’s how:
- Marinate the fish ahead of time for deeper flavor.
- Prep the salad ingredients and store them separately to keep them crisp.
- Cook the rice in advance and reheat by steaming to maintain texture.
5. What’s a Good Wine Pairing for This Dish?
This dish pairs well with light, aromatic white wines, such as:
- Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and citrusy, complementing the lime and fish sauce.
- Riesling – A slightly sweet option that balances the spicy and salty flavors.
- Pinot Gris – A fresh and clean wine that won’t overpower the dish.
6. Is This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just ensure that you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish for Flavor Lovers
This Vietnamese-Style Haddock with Sticky Rice and Crunchy Salad is a meal that delivers bold flavors, exciting textures, and wholesome nutrition in every bite. It’s the perfect choice for those who:
- Love Vietnamese flavors but want an easy-to-make dish.
- Appreciate a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy elements.
- Want a light yet satisfying meal that doesn’t feel heavy.
- Enjoy experimenting with fresh ingredients and bold dressings.
By playing with different proteins, dressings, and salad combinations, you can customize this dish to suit any taste preference. Whether served for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or meal prep for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, grab your ingredients, prepare your marinade, and get ready to experience a burst of Vietnamese-inspired flavors right at home!
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Vietnamese-Style Haddock with Sticky Rice and Crunchy Salad: A Harmony of Flavors and Textures
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating and soaking time)
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Vietnamese-Style Haddock with Sticky Rice and Crunchy Salad is the perfect blend of bold flavors and refreshing textures. Tender haddock is marinated in a fragrant mix of fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger, then pan-seared to golden perfection. Served with soft, comforting sticky rice and a crisp, herb-infused salad, this dish is both satisfying and light. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a longtime fan, this meal is easy to make yet feels elegant and restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
For the Haddock:
- 2 haddock fillets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sticky Rice:
- 1 ½ cups glutinous rice
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup coconut milk (optional, for extra richness)
For the Crunchy Salad:
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Haddock
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and vegetable oil.
- Coat the haddock fillets with the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Sticky Rice
- Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Soak the rice for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
- Drain and steam the rice using a bamboo steamer or rice cooker until tender.
- If using coconut milk, stir it into the rice once cooked for a creamy, fragrant finish.
Step 3: Make the Crunchy Salad
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, and fresh herbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, chili flakes, and minced garlic.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
Step 4: Cook the Haddock
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Sear the marinated haddock for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and flaky.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the fish while cooking for extra flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Spoon a portion of sticky rice onto each plate.
- Place the seared haddock on top and serve the crunchy salad on the side.
- Garnish with crushed peanuts and extra fresh herbs for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Soaking the Rice: Soaking the glutinous rice for a few hours ensures a soft, sticky texture.
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the haddock, the deeper the flavors will be.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes in the dressing to suit your heat preference.
- Storage Tips: Leftover haddock can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Searing, Steaming
- Cuisine: Vietnamese, Southeast Asian