Episode 17: VietNomNomPaleo! A Culinary Journey to Vietnam with Michelle Tam

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Greetings, fellow food adventurers! We know it’s been a little while since our last podcast episode – nearly a month has flown by amidst a flurry of exciting new projects and travels. We sincerely apologize for the delay, but we promise to make it up to you with an extra-long, incredibly flavorful episode that whisks you away on our recent bucket-list trip to the vibrant culinary landscapes of Vietnam. Get ready for an immersive experience, packed with mouth-watering details, travel insights, and invaluable Paleo tips!

This special “VietNomNomPaleo” episode chronicles the exhilarating whirlwind trip Henry and I embarked on, alongside an inspiring group of renowned chefs and esteemed food writers. Our journey took us deep into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, from the bustling streets of Saigon to the tranquil shores of Phú Quốc Island. The primary mission? To learn firsthand about the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam and, crucially, to visit the home of Red Boat Fish Sauce. We were granted an unparalleled, up-close look at the intricate process behind crafting my absolute favorite fish sauce, an essential ingredient for any Paleo pantry.

Beyond our Vietnamese adventures, we’ll also share our exciting year-end “crushes” – those little joys and discoveries that made our days brighter. We’ll dive into practical tips for stocking and prepping your Paleo pantry for a fresh start in the New Year, ensuring you’re always ready for healthy, delicious meals. And, of course, we’ll bring you up to speed on the latest, much-anticipated update to our Webby Award-winning Nom Nom Paleo app, making healthy eating even more accessible and fun.

So, if you’re longing for an escape from the chilly weather and ready to be transported to a land brimming with warmth, flavor, and incredible food, tune in! Prepare to be captivated by this very special, truly Viet-nomtastic episode!

What’s Cooking: Instant Pot Adventures & Pantry Staples

It’s no secret that I’m completely smitten with my Instant Pot. I’ve raved about it countless times, and for good reason! This 7-in-1 countertop marvel has revolutionized my cooking, offering functionalities from sautéing to slow-cooking, but its pressure cooker function remains my absolute favorite. Especially when the days are short and the temperatures drop, my Instant Pot becomes an indispensable ally in the kitchen.

Imagine this: it’s dark, cold, and you’re craving a comforting, nutritious meal. With my trusty Instant Pot, I simply toss in a few ingredients – often including pre-made building blocks like a rich soffritto, our savory Magic Mushroom Powder, and nourishing bone broth – and within minutes, I’m enjoying hearty stews and soups. It truly feels magical, transforming meal prep into an effortless and enjoyable experience, even on the busiest of weeknights.

For those curious about soffritto, it’s a foundational aromatic blend in Italian cuisine, akin to a French mirepoix. Comprising slowly cooked carrots, celery, and onions in olive oil, it infuses an incredible depth of flavor and “oomph” into countless dishes. I even shot a Periscope video demonstrating how to perfectly prepare this versatile base – with two Fs and two Ts, of course!

Eager to explore more pressure cooker and Instant Pot recipes? You’re in luck! Head over to the dedicated section in my Recipe Index, where you’ll find a treasure trove of delicious, easy-to-make meals. Alternatively, check out my curated list of favorite Paleo pressure cooker dishes for instant inspiration!

On a lighter note, our son Owen has developed a passionate love affair with oranges this winter. It appears his strong citrus addiction might be traced back to my intense cravings for oranges during my pregnancy. It’s a sweet reminder of how early our palates and food memories are shaped!

The Main Course: A Vietnamese Culinary Expedition & Red Boat Fish Sauce Deep Dive

For those who’ve followed my journey from the beginning, you’ll remember my relentless search for a truly Paleo-friendly fish sauce. My goal was never to simply add a “fishy” taste, but to unlock that profound depth of umami flavor that an authentic, high-quality fish sauce brings to a dish. However, back in 2010, the Asian grocery shelves were filled with brands laden with sugar, preservatives, and other undesirable chemicals. Many were “stretched” with water or other liquids, diluting their essence and quality.

It wasn’t until 2011 that my chef sister introduced me to Red Boat Fish Sauce – a revolutionary artisanal brand that had just emerged on the market. Produced on the picturesque Vietnamese island of Phú Quốc, Red Boat offered a “first press extra virgin” fish sauce, boasting an incredibly simple ingredient list: black anchovies from Phú Quốc Island and salt. After my first taste, I was unequivocally hooked. The purity and unparalleled flavor instantly elevated my Paleo cooking.

This year, in an incredible gesture, Red Boat extended an invitation to a select group of chefs and food writers to visit their facilities on Phú Quốc Island and embark on a culinary exploration through Saigon. Henry and I were incredibly honored and thrilled to be among the invited guests!

Our esteemed travel companions included Kyle Hildebrant of the insightful blog Our Daily Brine and his wonderful wife Lisa. We were also joined by the incredible Andrea Nguyen, whom I consider my idol when it comes to mastering all things Vietnamese cuisine. Andrea traveled with Karen Shinto, one of the finest food stylists in the industry. The chef lineup was equally impressive, featuring Chris Cosentino of San Francisco’s Cockscomb and Boccalone, Jenn Louis of Portland’s Lincoln Restaurant, and Sang Yoon, the culinary mastermind behind Father’s Office and Lukshon in Los Angeles. It was truly an inspiring group to share this culinary adventure with.

You can catch a glimpse of the incredible dishes we savored and the captivating places we explored by searching the hashtag #vietnomnompaleo on my Instagram feed. Every moment was a highlight, and we delve into each of these experiences in vivid detail on this podcast episode:

Crispy Bánh Xèo: Indulging in these savory Vietnamese crepes was an absolute delight. Each bite offered a perfect crunch, filled with succulent shrimp, pork, and fresh bean sprouts, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and dipped in an exquisite sauce. A true textural and flavor explosion!
Hearty Bún Bò Huế: Lunching on bowls of Bún Bò Huế, a spicy beef noodle soup from Huế, was an unforgettable experience. Its complex broth, combining notes of lemongrass, chili, and fermented shrimp paste, along with tender beef and thick vermicelli noodles, was both invigorating and deeply satisfying.
Exotic Snails: Venturing into more adventurous culinary territory, we sampled various snail dishes. Prepared with aromatic herbs and spices, these delicate morsels offered a unique taste of local Vietnamese street food culture, showcasing the incredible diversity of their cuisine.
Marou Chocolate: A fascinating visit to Marou Chocolate revealed the artistry behind Vietnamese bean-to-bar chocolate. Discovering their “Heart of Darkness” bar was a highlight – its intense, rich flavor quickly made it my favorite indulgence.
Coffee at Saigon’s The Workshop: Experiencing Vietnam’s thriving coffee culture was a treat, especially at The Workshop in Saigon. The meticulously brewed artisanal coffees provided a perfect sensory pause amidst our busy exploration.
Bình Tây Market: The bustling Bình Tây Market in Saigon was a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and smells. Navigating its labyrinthine aisles, filled with fresh produce, spices, and local goods, was an immersive cultural experience.
Chợ Dương Đông Wet Market, Phú Quốc Island: Exploring Phú Quốc Island’s Chợ Dương Đông wet market was a sensory overload in the best possible way. The freshest seafood, exotic fruits, and vibrant spices offered an authentic glimpse into the island’s culinary heart.
Beach Barbecue: A relaxed beach barbecue provided a perfect ending to our Phú Quốc explorations, enjoying freshly grilled seafood under the stars, a true taste of island paradise.

However, the absolute pinnacle of our trip was witnessing the entire beginning-to-end process of making Red Boat Fish Sauce. From the fresh anchovies caught in the bountiful waters of the Gulf of Thailand to their meticulous fermentation in massive wooden barrels at the Red Boat barrel house, it was a truly awe-inspiring demonstration of traditional craftsmanship and dedication to purity. We gained a profound appreciation for the passion and precision that goes into every bottle.

And yes, we were even given the rare opportunity to taste the pure, unadulterated fish sauce directly from the barrels – an experience that solidified its superior quality and rich, complex flavor profile. It was truly a moment of deep culinary understanding.

My most memorable, albeit unexpected, moment of the entire trip? I actually caught my own fish – using nothing more than an empty soda can! It was a surprisingly effective and utterly delightful experience, a perfect little anecdote from our incredible Vietnamese adventure.

Crush of the Week: Family Fun & App Excitement

This week, our household is bubbling with new “crushes” that are bringing us joy!

Owen’s latest obsession is staying up just a little bit later, immersed in the pages of his brand-new Kindle, bathed in the soft glow of his bedside light. It’s wonderful to see him so engrossed in reading.
Meanwhile, his brother Ollie, ever the pragmatic one, is annoyed by the light. His solution? Donning my trusty eyemask to block out every last ray, ensuring his uninterrupted sleep.
Henry, predictably, is crushing hard on the new Star Wars movie, revisiting favorite scenes and discussing plot theories with enthusiasm.
Ollie’s more mischievous “crush” of the week involves gleefully smushing whipped cream into people’s faces – a playful, if slightly messy, display of affection!
As for me? I’m absolutely thrilled about our newly updated iPhone & iPad app. My excitement is clearly shared, as it was recently named one of the App Store’s Best New Apps! And to top it off, tech influencer Kevin Rose unexpectedly tweeted his love for it, too. It’s truly rewarding to see our hard work resonate with so many people.

Question of the Week: Acing Your Paleo Challenge

This week’s insightful question comes from Priscilla S. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She asks: “Hey Michelle! I’ve been roped into a 30-day Paleo challenge at my CrossFit gym this January, but I’ve never eaten 100% Paleo before. What’s the best way to get myself ready and set myself up for success?”

Priscilla, this is a fantastic and very common question! Tackling a 30-day Paleo challenge is an exciting step towards better health, and with a little preparation, you can absolutely crush it. Here’s my best advice:

Educate Yourself: Start by truly understanding what Paleo means. It’s not just about what you eliminate, but about what nutrient-dense foods you embrace. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods: quality meats, seafood, eggs, a rainbow of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and healthy fats. Avoid grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, and processed oils. For a deeper dive into my personal definition of Paleo, check out this link on how I define Paleo for myself.
Declutter Your Pantry: Before day one, go through your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Remove or donate any tempting non-Paleo items. Out of sight, out of mind! This crucial step creates an environment where making healthy choices is easier.
Stock Your Paleo Pantry: Once you’ve decluttered, stock up on Paleo staples. Think fresh produce, high-quality proteins, healthy fats like olive oil and avocado oil, and essential seasonings. Don’t forget versatile ingredients like coconut milk, canned tomatoes, and yes, good fish sauce! Having these readily available makes meal prep a breeze. Dive into this comprehensive guide on stocking a Paleo pantry for a detailed shopping list.
Meal Plan & Prep: This is your secret weapon. Dedicate time each week to plan your meals and snacks. Cook in batches! Roast a tray of vegetables, grill a few chicken breasts, or whip up a large batch of my bone broth. Having pre-cooked components means you’re less likely to grab unhealthy alternatives when hunger strikes.
Hydrate and Prioritize Sleep: These often-overlooked pillars of health are even more critical when transitioning your diet. Drink plenty of water and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. It helps with energy levels, cravings, and overall well-being.
Find Your Support System: Lean on your CrossFit community for encouragement. Share your journey, challenges, and successes. A strong support network can make all the difference.
Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: It’s a learning curve, and perfection isn’t the goal. There might be bumps along the way. If you slip up, don’t get discouraged. Just reset and get back on track with your next meal. Focus on how you feel – the increased energy, improved digestion, and clearer mind will be your biggest motivators.

You’ve got this, Priscilla! For more in-depth advice and motivation, make sure to listen to the full discussion on the podcast!

Thank You & Keep Cooking!

Thank you so much for tuning into our latest podcast episode! While we might take our sweet time crafting each one, know that we pour our hearts into bringing you valuable content, delicious recipes, and exciting adventures. Don’t forget, I’m still doing live cooking demonstrations and answering your questions on Periscope! So, download the Periscope app, follow me (Michelle Tam), and join me live to ask your burning questions while I cook up something tasty!

If you enjoyed what you heard, please take a moment to subscribe to our podcast and leave us an honest review by clicking here! Your reviews make a tremendous difference in helping new listeners discover our show. Also, we’d be incredibly grateful if you’d visit our wonderful sponsor, Thrive Market, to get an exclusive offer: 25% off your entire first purchase and free shipping on your order. (This fantastic offer is valid for new Thrive Market members only.)

Hungry for more inspiring recipe ideas? Journey over to my Recipe Index – your ultimate guide to delicious and wholesome Paleo meals. You’ll also uncover a wealth of exclusive recipes on my award-winning iPhone and iPad app, and delve into even more culinary wisdom within my bestselling cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013) and Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)!

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