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–+ servings
Bowl of silky pâté styled with fresh herbs and toasted bread on the side.

Vietnamese Pate Recipe

A smooth and savory Vietnamese Pate made with chicken liver, butter, aromatics, and fish sauce. Rich in flavor with a silky texture, this classic spread is perfect for bánh mì, toast, or crackers.
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Course: Appetizer, Spread
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Keyword: Vietnamese Pate Recipe
Total Time: 1 day 10 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

  • ½ lb chicken liver
  • 1 cup whole milk optional, for soaking
  • ½ cup white wine or 1 tbsp cognac
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tsp Vietnamese fish sauce Nuoc Mam
  • 1 tsp salt divided
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 2 oz unsalted butter melted (for sealing the top)

Instructions

  • Rinse the chicken livers thoroughly and remove any visible white or yellow membranes. Rinse again, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt and mix gently.
  • Place the livers in a bowl and pour in enough milk to fully cover them. Cover and refrigerate overnight to reduce the strong liver flavor.
  • The next day, drain and rinse the livers thoroughly. Chop them into smaller pieces and set aside.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
  • Add the chopped chicken livers to the skillet, followed by the white wine or cognac. Cook until the livers are fully cooked and the liquid has reduced slightly, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, fish sauce, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  • Transfer the mixture to a food processor. Add the softened butter and process until smooth and creamy.
  • Spoon the pate into buttered ramekins or containers, smoothing the surface evenly.
  • Melt the remaining butter over very low heat and carefully pour a thin layer over the top of each ramekin to seal the pate.
  • Refrigerate until fully set before serving.

Notes

This Vietnamese Pate recipe is naturally gluten-free. To ensure it remains gluten-free, confirm that the fish sauce and alcohol used are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives with gluten. Serve with gluten-free bread or crackers if needed.