Top 17 Nutritious Dishes for Effective Weight Gain

Braised Snakehead Fish with Banana and Tofu is a dish loved by many, and its high nutritional value makes it a great choice for promoting weight gain.

Ingredients:

• 6 small snakehead fish (about 1 kg)
• 10 green bananas
• 5 eggplants
• 100g pork belly
• 2 blocks of tofu
• 5 sprigs of Vietnamese coriander
• ⅓ bunch of betel leaves or perilla leaves
• 2 tablespoons of fermented rice
• 50g shallots
• Seasoning

Instructions:

• First, cut the bananas into chunks, peel them, and slice the eggplants, removing the stems. Soak both in salted water for 1 hour to prevent the bananas from browning, then rinse and drain. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, and wash the herbs and leaves, letting them drain. Clean the snakehead fish, remove the internal organs, rinse, and cut into pieces. Clean the pork belly and cut it into chunks.
• Once the fish is drained, place it in a bowl and season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of MSG, 1 teaspoon of ground pepper, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix well to marinate for 30 minutes.
• Heat a pot with a little oil and sauté 1 teaspoon of shallots. Add the 100g pork belly and stir-fry until fragrant, then add the soaked bananas and eggplants. Stir-fry until the pork is browned and the vegetables are tender. Add 500ml of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the marinated fish and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the fermented rice, adjust seasoning to taste, and add the tofu. When the fish is cooked through, add the betel or perilla leaves, and it's ready to serve.

This dish has a mild, fragrant turmeric aroma, complemented by the scent of the betel or perilla leaves and shallots. The fish is tender, and the broth is naturally sweet, with the bananas and eggplants retaining a crisp texture. It's a perfect comfort dish with rice, especially during the rainy season.

Recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the best health-boosting foods of the 21st century, spirulina (also known as Sun Algae or Spirulina) is an ideal source of nutrition for those who want to gain weight or recover their health. Just 3 teaspoons of spirulina are equivalent to the protein and vitamin B12 in 500g of beef, the calcium from 3 cups of milk, the iron found in 3 bowls of spinach, the beta-carotene of 18 carrots, the potassium of 3 bowls of rice, and the vitamin E from 3 tablespoons of wheat germ. Combining spirulina with various fruits in this dish makes it not only a nourishing treat but also great for your skin.

Ingredients:

• Various fruits
• Spirulina powder
• Mayonnaise, yogurt, condensed milk, and lemon

Instructions:

• Peel and slice the fruits, then shape each one into small round balls for a fun and appealing presentation.
• Prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, yogurt, condensed milk, a bit of lemon juice, and a small amount of spirulina powder dissolved in water. This mixture ensures the dish is rich in nutrients.
• Pour the dressing over the fruit salad and enjoy immediately.

It's that simple! Give it a try, and you'll be delighted with the results.

To enjoy this dish at its best, serve the crispy noodles on a plate, and only add the stir-fried seafood and sauce when you're ready to eat. It's best enjoyed hot to fully experience its deliciousness. The noodles turn golden, crispy, and shiny, without being greasy. Slowly savoring each bite, you'll experience the perfect crispiness of the noodles enveloped in the savory sauce, maintaining their crunchiness. This tasty dish is sure to stimulate your appetite and help those looking to gain weight enjoy their meals more.

Ingredients:

• 2 servings of egg noodles
• 100g fresh shrimp (peeled)
• 50g squid
• 50g pig’s heart (optional)
• 50g pig’s liver (optional)
• 150g bok choy
• ½ carrot
• 100g straw mushrooms
• ½ onion
• 30g celery
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in water)
• 20g minced garlic
• 20g minced shallots
• Seasoning

Instructions:

• Start by washing all the ingredients thoroughly: shrimp, squid, heart, liver, bok choy, carrots, straw mushrooms, onion, and celery. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Heat a pan with enough oil to submerge the noodles, and once the oil is hot, fry the noodles until they puff up. Remove them and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir well until combined.
• Heat another pan with oil, and when it's hot, sauté the minced garlic and shallots until fragrant. Add the pig's heart and liver, stir-frying briefly until they firm up. Then, add the shrimp and squid, and stir-fry until cooked through.
• Once the seafood is nearly cooked, add the carrots, onion, and 3 tablespoons of water. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Then, add the straw mushrooms and stir for 2 more minutes.
• Next, add the bok choy to the pan and stir-fry until it’s just tender. Pour in the prepared sauce and mix well. Add the tomato and the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Finally, stir in the celery and give everything one last toss.

Spicy Seaweed Soup is known as one of the best dishes for promoting weight gain. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to include this dish in your weight gain meal plan regularly!

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Bamboo shoots, mushrooms, carrots
• Ginger, chili, pepper
• Chili paste
• Silken tofu
• Egg
• Spirulina powder
• Seasoning

Instructions:

• First, boil the chicken breast and shred it into small pieces.
• Prepare the chicken broth by boiling it and then adding bamboo shoots, mushrooms, carrots, ginger, and a little chili paste.
• The broth becomes richer by adding the shredded chicken, silken tofu, seasoning, sugar, and chili powder.
• Mix cornstarch and egg white to thicken the soup, giving it a smooth consistency.
• Finally, add the chili, pepper, and dissolve the spirulina powder to complete the dish.

Gaining weight doesn’t just mean adding fat, but also building muscle. Along with increasing your daily nutrition, those looking to gain weight should also incorporate exercise into their routine. Enjoying a plate of crispy fried frog legs with peanuts after a workout will definitely help you see noticeable weight gain.

Ingredients:

• Frog legs
• Peanuts
• Breadcrumbs
• Seasoning

Instructions:

• First, debone the frog legs and marinate them with some seasoning and minced garlic and onion.
• Grind the meat from the thighs and mix it with minced pork, chopped peanuts, seasoning, and a little breadcrumbs to create the crispy texture.
• Wrap the meat mixture around the deboned frog legs to form neat little frog leg meatballs.
• Steam the stuffed frog legs for a few minutes, then open the lid to release the delicious aroma.
• Coat the steamed frog legs with breadcrumbs and deep-fry them until crispy. The result is tender, crispy frog legs with crunchy peanuts that will help you gain weight quickly.

When we talk about peanuts, we can't ignore the magical peanut butter. The spicy blood cockles in peanut butter sauce will surely become your new favorite, while also providing plenty of nutrients to help support your weight-gaining journey.

Ingredients:

• 300g blood cockles
• 15g unsalted butter
• 30g onion
• 5g minced shallots
• 15g minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon satay sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut milk
• 50ml white wine
• 10g Vietnamese coriander
• 2 chili peppers

Instructions:

• Soak the blood cockles in water with crushed chili peppers to help release the sand, then scrub the shells clean. Sauté 5g of unsalted butter with 5g minced shallots and 5g minced garlic. Add the cockles to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, then add 50ml of white wine. Turn off the heat once the cockles are just cooked and remove one shell, leaving the other intact.
• In another pan, sauté 10g unsalted butter with 30g diced onion and 10g minced garlic. Add 50ml hot water, 1 tablespoon chili sauce, 1 tablespoon satay sauce, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon coconut milk, and mix well.
• Put the cockles with the remaining shell into the sauce and stir to let the cockles absorb the rich, flavorful sauce. Cook for another 30 seconds until the sauce bubbles, then remove from heat. Garnish with chopped Vietnamese coriander to finish the dish.

The reason peanut butter is so effective for weight gain is that it contains around 50g of healthy fats, primarily Omega-6, which provides your body with energy and a substantial amount of calories. Peanut butter also contains 20 grams of carbohydrates, which accounts for about 13% of the total calories, making it a great source of easily digestible starch that supports weight gain.

Ingredients:

• 800g beef
• 400g water spinach
• 400g enoki mushrooms
• 100g oyster mushrooms
• 2 carrots
• 2 long chilies
• 100g vegetable butter
• 200g tamarind concentrate
• 150g peanut butter
• 2 onions
• 150g roasted peanuts (crushed)
• 100g black soy sauce
• 15g minced lemongrass
• 65g minced garlic
• 10g minced chili
• 15g minced shallots
• 50g sugar
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan, then sauté 15g of minced garlic, 15g of minced shallots, 15g of minced lemongrass, and 10g of minced chili until fragrant. Add in 150g of roasted peanuts (crushed) and continue to sauté until hot and aromatic. Then, add 200ml of tamarind concentrate, 150g of peanut butter, 100g of black soy sauce, 50g of sugar, and 50ml of fish sauce. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes before turning off the heat.
• Start by trimming the stems of the mushrooms, then soak them in saltwater for about 10 minutes before cooking. Cut the water spinach into short, bite-sized pieces, rinse well, and also soak in saltwater for 10 minutes. Clean the onions and carrots, slice them into thin pieces for an attractive presentation.
• Rinse the beef in saltwater, then slice it thinly. Add the previously prepared tamarind sauce mixture to the beef, along with 50g of sliced onions and 15g of chopped long chili. Mix well and marinate for 15 minutes to allow the beef to absorb the flavors.
• Prepare a baking tray with foil and heat it over medium heat. Add 15g of vegetable butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, layer the mushrooms and water spinach in the pan and cook until just tender. Then, add the marinated beef with tamarind sauce to the center of the pan. Continue cooking until the beef is tender and coated with the rich peanut butter tamarind sauce. Serve immediately.

A bowl of green bean porridge for breakfast is a smart choice. Not only is it packed with nutrients that support weight gain, but it's also refreshing, easy to digest, and quickly absorbed by the body.

Ingredients:

• 100g sticky rice
• 30g regular rice
• 50g green beans
• 200g pork bones
• 100g ground pork
• 1 shallot

Instructions:

• Start by placing both sticky rice and regular rice into a pot, adding water in a 1:4 rice-to-water ratio. Add the green beans and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the porridge is soft and fully cooked. Once the porridge is fully cooked, season it to taste, stir well, and turn off the heat. Serve the porridge in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions and perilla leaves. You can enjoy it hot or allow it to cool down before serving.

Chicken stew with Chinese herbs is a perfect dish for those aiming to gain weight quickly. It provides essential nutrients, boosts your health, and promotes effective weight gain when included in your daily diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 50g dried red dates
• 30g goji berries
• 1 fresh ginger root
• Salt, MSG

Instructions:

• First, clean the chicken and rub it with ginger slices. Then, marinate the chicken with soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped onions, and seasoning for about 5 minutes before frying it lightly to develop color.
• Wash the herbal packet, separate the red dates, and place the rest of the herbs at the bottom of a pressure cooker. Place the chicken on top, add a bit of water, and cook for about 20 minutes. If you have fresh coconut water, use that instead of regular water for a richer flavor.
• Once the chicken is tender and can be shredded, remove it from the pot. In a separate pan, sauté garlic, carrots, red dates, or fresh shiitake mushrooms. Then, transfer the liquid from the stew pot into the pan and let it cook until everything is tender.
• Finally, add sliced onions to the stew, transfer everything back to the pot, and simmer until hot. This stew can be served with noodles or rice vermicelli, according to your preference.

This beef stew with vegetables offers all four essential nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins and minerals. It's one of the best dishes for people trying to gain weight effectively.

Ingredients:

• 300g beef
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• 1 potato
• 1 stalk of celery
• 100g white reishi mushrooms
• 3 sprigs of thyme
• 4 tbsp tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp butter
• 6 tbsp red wine
• 4 tbsp cooking oil
• Seasonings

Instructions:

• The key to a flavorful beef stew is to coat the beef with a layer of salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, marinate the beef with smashed ginger, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tbsp sugar, and ½ tbsp fish sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it overnight for deeper flavor.
• Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pot and sauté finely chopped shallots. Add the marinated beef and sear it to lock in the flavor and juices. Once the beef is browned, add the tomatoes and cook until they soften. Pour enough water to cover the beef and bring it to a boil. Then, add the carrots and cook for 15–20 minutes before adding the potatoes. For an extra flavor boost, you can fry the potatoes before adding them to the pot. Season to taste.
• Simmer the beef and vegetables for about 2 hours. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, a tip for quicker cooking is to cover the pot with parchment paper instead of the regular lid. The beef will soften faster. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 40 minutes. Once the carrots and potatoes are tender and the beef is soft and aromatic, turn off the heat.

Pork leg is known for its rich energy and nutrients, making it a common choice for postnatal meals. Similarly, those looking to gain weight can include this dish in their daily meals to get the best nutritional boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork leg
• 1 carrot
• 2 potatoes
• 2 beets
• 4 shallots
• 2 stalks green onions
• 2 sprigs cilantro
• 4 tbsp cooking oil
• Seasonings

Instructions:

• To remove the unpleasant smell of the meat and ensure the broth remains clear, chop the pork leg into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a basin, add 1 tsp of salt, and pour boiling water over the pork. Let it blanch for about 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water and set aside.
• Peel and cut the carrot, beet, and potato into bite-sized pieces. Wash and drain. Chop the green onions and cilantro to use as garnish later.
• Marinate the pork leg with 4 minced shallots, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp seasoning powder, ½ tsp pepper, and ½ tsp monosodium glutamate (optional). Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
• Heat 4 tbsp of oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the marinated pork leg and stir-fry until the meat is seared. Add 2 to 2.5 liters of water, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until the pork becomes tender.
• During the simmering process, remember to skim off any foam to keep the broth clear and add more water if it evaporates.
• Once the pork is tender, add the carrot and beet to the pot first, as they take longer to cook. After 10–15 minutes, when they begin to soften, add the potatoes and cook for another 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and a dash of pepper before serving.

Beef is well known for being a rich source of nutrients, particularly protein and iron. Including stir-fried beef noodles in your meals will help you gain weight more effectively.

Ingredients:

• 4 packs instant noodles
• 400g beef
• 500g bok choy
• 2 stalks green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• 1 garlic bulb
• 2 shallots
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Seasonings

Instructions:

• Wash and drain the beef, then slice it thinly and place it in a large bowl. Marinate the beef with 1 tbsp seasoning powder, ½ tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp sesame oil, and half of the minced shallots and garlic. Mix thoroughly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Prepare the bok choy by removing the roots, separating the leaves, and cutting any long stems in half. Wash thoroughly in salt water and drain. Mince the garlic and shallots, and chop the green onions and cilantro. Cook the noodles in boiling water until tender, then drain.
• Heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil in a hot pan. Add the minced garlic and shallots, and sauté until fragrant. Add the bok choy, seasoning with 1 tbsp seasoning powder and ½ tbsp sugar. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until the bok choy begins to soften, then add the marinated beef. Stir-fry on high heat, ensuring the beef cooks evenly.
• Once the beef is cooked to your desired level, add the cooked noodles and stir-fry with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir well to combine the noodles with the vegetables and beef. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, add the chopped green onions, cilantro, and a pinch of pepper. Stir for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
• Serve the stir-fried beef noodles on a plate, and enjoy with extra soy sauce and chili sauce for added flavor.

This chicken soup with lotus seeds is packed with essential nutrients and a variety of vitamins that contribute to improved health, while promoting effective weight gain.

Ingredients:

• 400g chicken
• 50g fresh lotus seeds
• 2 shallots
• 2 tsp seasoning powder
• 2 tsp fish sauce
• ¼ piece of ginger
• 30g dried shiitake mushrooms
• 5g cilantro
• 5g green onions
• 1 liter of broth

Instructions:

• Rinse the chicken and cut it into small cubes. To eliminate any odor, soak the chicken in a diluted salt solution for 7-10 minutes. Rub the chicken with your hands and rinse again with clean water. Place the chicken in a bowl with 1 sliced shallot, 1 tsp seasoning powder, and 1 tsp fish sauce. Mix well and marinate for 15 minutes.
• Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in water to soften them. Trim the stems and rinse. Clean the lotus seeds and remove the cores. Peel and slice the shallots, and slice the ginger thinly. Clean the cilantro and green onions and chop them.
• Heat some cooking oil in a pot, then sauté the ginger and shallots until fragrant. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the chicken becomes golden. Pour in 1 liter of broth and bring to a boil. Add the lotus seeds, shiitake mushrooms, 1 tsp seasoning powder, and 1 tsp fish sauce. Stir well, cover the pot, and cook for 20 minutes. Add the green onions and cilantro just before finishing.

This chicken soup with lotus seeds offers a light, sweet broth with flavorful chicken, tender lotus seeds, and mushrooms. It’s not only delicious but also highly nutritious.

Both eggs and shrimp are packed with nutrients. This easy dish helps you save time while ensuring you get the necessary nutrients during weight gain.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 200g fresh shrimp
• 1 tsp chopped green onions
• 1 tsp minced shallots
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• Salt and ground pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Start by cleaning the shrimp: peel off the head, shell, and legs, then devein. Soak the shrimp in a saltwater solution for 2-3 minutes, rinse with clean water, drain, and finely chop. Place the chopped shrimp in a bowl, and add green onions, minced shallots, salt, pepper, and fish sauce. Mix well and marinate for 15 minutes.
• Crack the eggs into a bowl, add 1/4 tsp salt and 1 tsp oil, then beat until the egg whites and yolks are fully mixed and the seasoning is dissolved.
• Heat a pan, pour in the beaten eggs, cover, and cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes, until the egg is set. Remove from heat.
• Allow the omelette to cool slightly, then place it on a cutting board. Spread the marinated shrimp evenly over the omelette and roll it up. Steam the roll for about 8 minutes over high heat until fully cooked. Remove from the steamer, place on a plate, and slice into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 finger widths.

The finished shrimp omelette rolls will have a beautiful golden color. When you bite into them, you'll enjoy the creamy egg wrapped around the sweet, savory shrimp filling. For an extra flavor boost, dip the rolls in chili sauce or ketchup – they’re incredibly tasty and perfect with rice.

Catfish is an ingredient packed with energy. It contains nearly five times more fat per 100g than snakehead fish, and three times more than mackerel. With 173 kcal per 100g, catfish is a great choice for those seeking to gain weight or recover their strength.

Ingredients:

• 1 catfish (about 1kg)
• 1 green mango
• 1 carrot
• 1/2 lemon
• 2 long chilies
• 5 sprigs of Vietnamese coriander
• 6 shallots
• 50g peanuts
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• Seasonings to taste

Instructions:

• To remove any fishy odor, rinse the catfish with saltwater for 5 minutes, then wash it with clean water and drain. Use a knife to fillet the fish and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season the catfish with 1 tsp MSG, 1 tsp seasoning powder, and 1/2 tsp ground pepper, then let it marinate for 15 minutes.
• Peel and shred the mango and carrot. To keep them crispy, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain. Peel and thinly slice the shallots. Pick and wash the Vietnamese coriander leaves, then chop them finely. Remove the stems from the chilies, rinse, slice one into strips and chop the other into small pieces.
• In a bowl, combine 4 tbsp sugar, 3 tbsp fish sauce, and the chopped chilies. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the bowl, stir, and adjust the seasoning as needed to complete the dressing.
• Toast the peanuts with 1 tsp salt in a pan over low heat for 5-7 minutes until golden, then cool, remove the shells, and crush them slightly.
• Heat a pan over medium heat, add 3 tbsp oil, and fry the shallots until golden and fragrant. Remove the shallots and set aside. In the same pan, add the marinated catfish and fry for about 5 minutes on medium heat, turning until both sides are golden. Remove and drain off excess oil.
• In a large bowl, combine the shredded mango, carrot, fried catfish, fried shallots, chili strips, crushed peanuts, and fish sauce dressing. Toss everything together with your hands (wear gloves), and your mango salad with catfish is ready to enjoy!

If you're craving a filling meal but tired of regular rice, try this dish. It's a great option for those looking to gain weight.

Ingredients:

• 1 catfish
• Rice
• Onion, carrot, mushrooms, Vietnamese sausage
• Seasonings

Instructions:

• First, cut the catfish into pieces, then briefly boil it. Let it cool slightly, then remove the meat and season it. Sauté the seasoned fish until fragrant, and this will be the filling for your sushi rolls.
• Chop the onion, mushrooms, carrot, and Vietnamese sausage, then stir-fry them quickly with some seasoning. Mix them with the sautéed catfish.
• Spread the rice thinly while it is still hot and sticky—this makes it easier to roll. Add the filling and roll tightly. Cut the sushi rolls neatly, then sear them in a pan until golden brown. The catfish filling will release a fragrant aroma.
• Drizzle green onion oil and crushed peanuts over the rolls. They look beautiful and taste even better—it's hard to describe how delicious it is!

Bittermelon is a nutritious vegetable that, when combined with catfish, is a perfect choice for anyone looking to gain weight. Incorporating this dish regularly will help you achieve your weight gain goals in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 catfish
• 2 bittermelons
• Ginger, spring onions
• Seasonings

Instructions:

• Prepare the catfish by cooking it similarly to the method used for sushi rolls. Briefly stir-fry the fish to create a tasty filling.
• Remove the seeds from the bittermelons, then slice them into strips. Boil water, add sliced ginger, and then the bittermelon. Lastly, add the catfish to the pot.
• Season to taste, and your soup is ready! Enjoy it while it's hot and freshly prepared.
• The slight bitterness of the melon pairs wonderfully with the tender catfish, creating a flavorful and hearty soup that is sure to delight your taste buds.