Crispy Vietnamese Pan Cake (Bánh Xèo) Recipe
Introduction:
Crispy Vietnamese Pan Cake, known as “Bánh Xèo,” is a delightful and savory Vietnamese dish that’s popular for its crispy, golden shell and flavorful fillings. This recipe will guide you through making these delectable pan cakes at home.
Ingredients:
For the Pancake Batter:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1 1/4 cups cold water
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
For the Filling:
- 1/2 pound (about 225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup thinly sliced white onion
- 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red or green)
- Cooking oil
- Fresh lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
- Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and basil)
- Nuoc Cham dipping sauce
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pancake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the rice flour, cornstarch, ground turmeric, and salt.
- Add the coconut milk and cold water, whisking until you have a smooth batter.
- Stir in the chopped green onions. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling:
- Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the sliced white onions and bell peppers until they’re softened. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same pan, cook the shrimp until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Pancakes:
- In a non-stick skillet, heat a bit of cooking oil over medium-high heat.
- Pour a ladle of the pancake batter into the skillet, swirling it to coat the bottom evenly.
- Add a portion of the sautéed onions, bell peppers, and shrimp onto one half of the pancake.
- Cover the skillet and let the pancake cook until the edges turn crispy and golden.
4. Fold and Serve:
- Once the pancake is crispy and holds together, fold it in half to cover the fillings.
- Carefully slide it onto a serving plate.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Crispy Vietnamese Pan Cake with fresh lettuce leaves, herbs, and a side of Nuoc Cham dipping sauce.
- To enjoy, take a piece of the pancake, wrap it in a lettuce leaf, add fresh herbs, and dip in Nuoc Cham.
Conclusion:
Crispy Vietnamese Pan Cakes (Bánh Xèo) are a delightful combination of textures and flavors, offering a unique culinary experience. With a crispy shell, tender shrimp, and fresh herbs, they’re a true Vietnamese culinary gem that’s worth trying at home. Enjoy!