Banh Xeo Recipe: A Delicious Vietnamese Savory Crepe
Banh Xeo, meaning "sizzling crepe" in Vietnamese, is a popular street food known for its crispy texture and flavorful filling. This recipe will guide you through creating this iconic dish at home.
Ingredients:
For the batter:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (for color and flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chopped shrimp (or pork, or both)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For serving:
- Lettuce leaves
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
- Nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) - recipe below
Instructions:
Making the Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together rice flour, coconut milk, water, turmeric powder, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flour to fully hydrate. This will result in a crispier crepe.
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Pro-Tip: The batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter. If it’s too thin, add more rice flour. If it’s too thick, add a little more water.
Preparing the Filling:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened. Add the shrimp (or pork) and cook until pink and opaque. Stir in the bean sprouts and green onions. Season with fish sauce and sugar. Set aside.
Cooking the Banh Xeo:
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Heat a large non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the pan with oil.
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Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the hot pan, swirling to create a thin, round crepe.
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Immediately add a spoonful of the prepared filling to one half of the crepe.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The edges will begin to crisp up, letting you know it’s almost ready to flip.
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Carefully fold the crepe in half.
Making Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce):
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fish sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon water, and a few chopped chilies (optional).
Serving:
- Serve the Banh Xeo immediately, placing it on a bed of lettuce leaves. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with the Nuoc Cham dipping sauce on the side.
Tips for the Perfect Banh Xeo:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook one crepe at a time to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- High heat is key: A hot pan helps the crepe crisp up nicely.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or carrots. You can even add shredded cooked chicken or tofu!
- Make it a party: Banh Xeo is a great dish to make with friends or family. Everyone can get involved in the cooking and filling process.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Banh Xeo! Remember to share your creations and tag us in your photos. Happy cooking!