Sam Bo Luong Recipe: Easy Steps to Authentic Flavor

Updated On: October 15, 2025

If you’re looking to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant and flavorful Southeast Asian dish, the Sam Bo Luong recipe is a must-try. Originating from Vietnam, this dish beautifully balances the sweet, sour, salty, and umami elements that define the region’s cuisine.

It features a harmonious blend of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a savory dressing that creates a refreshing yet deeply satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a unique appetizer for guests, Sam Bo Luong offers an explosion of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.

This recipe is versatile enough for home cooks of all levels, and its simple ingredients mean you can whip it up quickly with pantry staples and fresh produce. Plus, it’s an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a dish packed with flavor.

Get ready to impress your family or friends with this delicious and authentic Vietnamese delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sam Bo Luong is a perfect example of how fresh, simple ingredients can come together to create a complex and delicious experience. The combination of crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zingy dressing means you get a balance of flavors in every bite.

It’s also incredibly healthy and light, making it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a flavorful meal without heaviness.

Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or new to it, this dish is approachable and rewarding. It’s also highly customizable, which means you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

With minimal cooking and plenty of fresh ingredients, it’s a fantastic recipe to add to your weekly rotation.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded green papaya (or substitute with shredded cucumber or carrot)
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fried shallots
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for dissolving sugar)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater or mandoline (for shredding vegetables)
  • Serving plate or bowl

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Using a grater or mandoline, shred the green papaya and carrot into thin strips. Thinly slice the red bell pepper and cucumber. Place all the shredded and sliced vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the palm sugar, fish sauce (or soy sauce), lime juice, and minced garlic. Warm gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Combine herbs and chili: Add the fresh mint and cilantro leaves to the bowl with the vegetables. If you like heat, add the thinly sliced red chili.
  4. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable and herb mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.
  5. Add finishing touches: Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts and fried shallots over the top for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
  6. Serve immediately: Sam Bo Luong is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the crispness of the vegetables and the brightness of the herbs.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.

To add protein, try topping the salad with grilled tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken. For a nuttier flavor, experiment with different nuts such as cashews or almonds.

If green papaya is unavailable, shredded cucumber or carrots provide a refreshing alternative. Adjust the chili to your preferred spice level, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.

For a more substantial meal, serve Sam Bo Luong over jasmine rice or alongside a bowl of Vietnamese pho or a light noodle dish.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving
Calories 180 kcal
Protein 4 g
Fat 10 g
Carbohydrates 20 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 8 g
Sodium 600 mg

Serving Suggestions

Sam Bo Luong pairs wonderfully with other light Vietnamese dishes, such as fresh spring rolls or a bowl of vegetarian pho. Its bright and refreshing flavors also complement grilled meats or seafood.

For a wholesome meal, serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. You might also want to try it as a vibrant side salad with dishes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or a light soup like the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Conclusion

Sam Bo Luong is a refreshing and flavorful dish that showcases the best of Vietnamese culinary traditions. Its vibrant mixture of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a perfectly balanced dressing makes it a versatile and easy recipe to prepare any time of the year.

Whether you are looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe fits the bill.

With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, even beginner cooks can create this delightful dish and impress family or guests. For more plant-based and vegetable-forward recipes, be sure to explore our collection such as Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.

Enjoy cooking and savoring every fresh bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Sam Bo Luong

Description: Sam Bo Luong is a traditional Vietnamese dish featuring braised sea cucumber with pork and mushrooms. It combines rich flavors and tender textures for a comforting meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H50M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 200g dried sea cucumber, soaked and cleaned
  • 150g pork belly, sliced
  • 50g shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • White pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Soak dried sea cucumber overnight and clean thoroughly.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add pork belly and cook until browned.
  4. Add shiitake mushrooms and stir for 2 minutes.
  5. Add sea cucumber, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth.
  6. Simmer on low heat for 1 hour until sea cucumber is tender.
  7. Thicken sauce with cornstarch mixture and cook for 5 more minutes.
  8. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 10 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Sam Bo Luong”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Sam Bo Luong is a traditional Vietnamese dish featuring braised sea cucumber with pork and mushrooms. It combines rich flavors and tender textures for a comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H30M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H50M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“200g dried sea cucumber, soaked and cleaned”, “150g pork belly, sliced”, “50g shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tbsp oyster sauce”, “1 tbsp soy sauce”, “1 tsp sugar”, “1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water”, “2 tbsp vegetable oil”, “1 cup chicken broth”, “Salt to taste”, “White pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Soak dried sea cucumber overnight and clean thoroughly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and saut\u00e9 garlic until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add pork belly and cook until browned.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add shiitake mushrooms and stir for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sea cucumber, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer on low heat for 1 hour until sea cucumber is tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Thicken sauce with cornstarch mixture and cook for 5 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and white pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with steamed rice.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “20 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X