On chilly, rainy days, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a crispy Vietnamese pancake, known as “banh xeo.” The perfect banh xeo boasts a golden-brown exterior, enclosing a savory filling of shrimp, pork, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, among other delicious ingredients.
While the process of making banh xeo is not overly complicated, achieving that desirable crispiness that lasts is an art. Phunutoday.vn is here to share a recipe for mouth-watering, crispy banh xeo that stays crunchy even when it cools down, and it all starts with the batter:
When pouring the batter, use a suitable amount depending on the size of your pan, typically around one soup spoonful.
Banh Xeo Batter:
(Use a single utensil to measure the ingredients)
- 4 tablespoons of banh xeo flour
- 2 tablespoons of crispy flour
- A pinch of turmeric powder (for an attractive yellow color)
- A pinch of seasoning powder (to enhance the flavor of the batter)
- 8 tablespoons of water
Combine four tablespoons of water with the dry ingredients, stirring to prevent lumps. Then, add the remaining four tablespoons of water and chopped scallions to complete the batter.
Banh Xeo Filling:
The beauty of banh xeo lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with various fillings according to your taste preferences. Options include ground pork, pork belly, beef, squid, shrimp, bean sprouts, steamed mung beans, coconut stem, mushrooms, and tofu, to name a few.
Dipping Sauce:
For a refreshing and tangy dipping sauce, combine shredded carrot with a pinch of sugar and salt. Add the juice of half a lemon, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then squeeze out the excess liquid. In a separate bowl, crush some peppers and sugar, add lemon juice, and then pour in fish sauce and filtered water to taste. Finally, add crushed garlic and the prepared carrots for a delightful dipping sauce.
Banh Xeo Filling
Cooking Instructions:
Heat a non-stick pan over high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil. Sprinkle some bean sprouts evenly across the pan, and quickly pour in just enough batter to cover the pan’s surface. Swirl the pan to distribute the batter evenly, add your desired fillings, and cover the pan for about two minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, uncover, and wait for the pancake to cook through. Once crispy, fold the pancake in half and transfer it to a plate lined with oil-absorbing paper. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all your batter.
Enjoy the warm, crispy banh xeo with the sweet and sour dipping sauce and various fresh herbs on a chilly, rainy afternoon.
Tips for Making Golden, Crispy, and Delicious Banh Xeo:
To ensure your banh xeo turns out crispy and tasty, consider the following tips:
Firstly, when preparing the filling, opt for fresh, lively shrimp. For pork, look for a pinkish or light red color, with good elasticity and no slimy or foul odor. Always use fresh, unwilted herbs. Sauté the filling over medium heat until just cooked to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the crispiness of the pancake.
Secondly, use a non-stick pan with a deep well to form the perfect pancake shape.
Thirdly, when cooking banh xeo, use low to medium heat. High heat can lead to burnt or unevenly cooked pancakes.
Fourthly, when pouring the batter, adjust the amount according to the size of your pan, typically around one soup spoonful. Avoid pouring too much batter, which can result in a thick center. Use medium-high heat and swirl the pan to distribute the batter evenly, adding more oil if needed to ensure crispiness and prevent sticking.
- Get a small bowl or cup for mixing the sauce.
- Pour in some fish sauce as the base.
- Add sugar to taste, depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Introduce lemon juice or rice vinegar for a tangy twist. Lemon juice adds a refreshing note, while rice vinegar provides a subtle sourness.
- Throw in some crushed garlic for a distinctive, savory kick.
- If you like it spicy, add some freshly chopped chili peppers. Otherwise, you can omit them or add just a tiny amount.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the sugar dissolves, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
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