Vietnamese Pancake Recipe (Bánh Xèo): A Crispy, Savory Delight

Vietnamese cuisine offers a variety of flavors, textures, and aromas, and Bánh Xèo, the crispy Vietnamese pancake, is one of its most popular dishes. With its crunchy texture, savory fillings, and fragrant herbs, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves a delicious and interactive meal. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Vietnamese pancakes at home. From ingredients to cooking tips and serving suggestions, we’ve got you covered.

What is Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh Xèo)?

Bánh Xèo is a traditional Vietnamese street food that is known for its crispy texture and savory fillings. The name “Bánh Xèo” translates to “sizzling cake” due to the sound it makes when the batter hits the hot pan. The pancake itself is thin and crispy, with a golden, crunchy exterior and soft interior. It’s typically filled with a variety of ingredients, including shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and mushrooms, and served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.

Ingredients for Making Bánh Xèo

To create the perfect Vietnamese pancake, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

For the Pancake Batter:

• 1 cup rice flour (a key ingredient for that perfect crispy texture)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crunch)

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (this gives the pancake its yellow color)

• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk (for richness and flavor)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon sugar (to balance out the flavors)

• 1 cup water

For the Filling:

• 200 grams of shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 200 grams of pork belly (thinly sliced)

• 1 cup bean sprouts

• 1/2 cup mushrooms (optional, but adds great texture)

• 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)

For Garnish and Dipping Sauce:

• Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and lettuce)

• Nuoc Cham dipping sauce (a mix of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili)

How to Make Bánh Xèo

Making Bánh Xèo at home is simple, but it requires patience and practice to get the crispy texture just right. Follow these steps to create your own Vietnamese pancakes:

1. Prepare the Pancake Batter:
   In a bowl, mix rice flour, cornstarch, turmeric, salt, and sugar. Gradually add water and coconut milk to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to ensure no lumps form. Let the batter sit for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the fillings.

2. Cook the Filling:
   In a pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Cook the pork belly slices until they are slightly crispy, then add the shrimp. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink. Add the mushrooms and onions, cooking them for another 2 minutes until they soften.

3. Fry the Pancake:
   Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with oil. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan, swirling it to form a thin layer. Add the cooked filling on one half of the pancake. Cover the pan with a lid and let the pancake cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Once the pancake is cooked, fold it in half and remove it from the pan.

4. Serving:
   To serve, cut the pancake into wedges and garnish with fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and lettuce. The Nuoc Cham dipping sauce adds a flavorful punch and balances the savory flavors of the pancake.

Tips for Making Perfect Bánh Xèo

Making crispy Bánh Xèo can be tricky, but here are some tips to ensure success every time:

• Heat the pan properly: The key to a crispy pancake is ensuring the pan is hot enough. A medium-high heat works best to achieve that golden, crispy texture.

• Use coconut milk: For a rich, authentic flavor, coconut milk is a must. It adds a creamy richness that elevates the pancake.

• Don’t overfill the pancake: Overloading the pancake with fillings can prevent it from becoming crispy. A little goes a long way!

Variations of Vietnamese Pancake

While the classic Bánh Xèo recipe features shrimp and pork, you can customize it to suit your taste. Here are some variations to try:

• Vegetarian Bánh Xèo: Skip the meat and shrimp and add extra mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini.

• Bánh Xèo with Beef: Substitute pork with thinly sliced beef for a richer, meatier version of the pancake.

• Spicy Bánh Xèo: Add sliced chilies or a spicy dipping sauce for those who enjoy a little heat.

Serving Suggestions for Bánh Xèo

Bánh Xèo is often served as a fun, interactive dish where everyone can build their own wraps. Here are some ideas for serving:

1. Wrap in Lettuce: Take a wedge of Bánh Xèo and wrap it in a fresh lettuce leaf. Add herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil for extra flavor.

2. Serve with Nuoc Cham: The sweet, sour, and salty dipping sauce is essential for pairing with this crispy pancake.

3. Pair with Rice: For a more filling meal, serve Bánh Xèo alongside steamed rice.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using it, as the ingredients may settle.

2. Can I make Bánh Xèo without shrimp?

Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp with other proteins such as chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

3. How do I keep my Bánh Xèo crispy?

To keep the pancakes crispy, serve them immediately after cooking. If you need to reheat them, try baking them in the oven at a high temperature to maintain their crispiness.

Conclusion

Making Bánh Xèo at home is a rewarding experience that brings the flavors of Vietnam into your kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of shrimp, pork, or vegetables, this savory pancake offers endless customization possibilities. With the right ingredients and a little practice, you can master this crispy, savory treat and enjoy it anytime.

So, why not try making your own Vietnamese pancakes today? It’s a fun, delicious way to explore Vietnamese cuisine and share a meal with family and friends.

For more amazing recipes and tips on Vietnamese food, check out our other articles on DUYTHIN.DIGITAL. We specialize in bringing you all the best from Vietnamese cuisine, with easy-to-follow guides that anyone can try at home!