The vibrant and flavorful cuisine of Vietnam is loved by many, and one dish that stands out in particular is the Vietnamese prawn pancake. This delicious dish, known as "banh xeo" in Vietnamese, is a savory pancake filled with succulent shrimp and vegetables, and is a must-try for any food lover. In this article, we will provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to this popular Vietnamese dish, along with a mouth-watering recipe that you can easily recreate at home.
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Cornstarch, Turmeric Powder, Kosher Salt
Banh Xeo, also known as Vietnamese Crêpe, is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine. It is a savory pancake made with rice flour and turmeric, filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. This dish is a perfect blend of crispy and chewy texture, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
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Crispy Vietnamese Pancakes (Banh Xeo)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Turmeric, Sea Salt, Coconut Milk, Water
Banh Xeo is a must-try dish when visiting Vietnam. The pancakes are cooked in a hot skillet until they are crispy on the outside and filled with a delicious combination of ingredients. The secret to achieving the perfect crispiness is to use a good amount of oil and cook the pancakes on high heat.
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Bánh Xèo – Savoury Vietnamese Pancakes
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Turmeric, Salt, White Sugar, White Pepper
Banh Xeo is a popular street food in Vietnam, and it is often served as a snack or appetizer. The pancakes are usually served with a side of fresh herbs and lettuce, which adds a refreshing crunch to the dish. The combination of the savory pancake and fresh herbs creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
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Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Cornstarch, Ground Turmeric, Salt
Banh Xeo is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different preferences. For example, vegetarians can opt for a filling of tofu and vegetables, while meat lovers can enjoy a combination of pork, shrimp, and beef. No matter the filling, the crispy pancake remains the star of the dish.
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Bánh xèo (Vietnamese Crepes)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Water, Coconut Milk, Salt, Turmeric
Banh Xeo is often referred to as Vietnamese Crepes due to its thin and crispy texture. The pancake is made by pouring a thin layer of batter onto a hot skillet, similar to how a traditional crepe is made. The addition of turmeric gives the pancakes its vibrant yellow color.
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Vietnamese Sizzling Crepes (Banh Xeo)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Turmeric Powder, Spring Onion, Olive Oil
One of the most exciting parts of eating Banh Xeo is the sizzling sound it makes when it is served. The pancake is usually served on a hot skillet, which keeps it crispy for a longer time. The sizzling sound adds to the overall experience of enjoying this delicious dish.
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Sizzling Vietnamese Crepe (Banh Xeo)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Cornstarch, Salt, Turmeric Powder, Coconut
Aside from the sizzling sound, the hot skillet also gives the pancakes a nice char and enhances its flavor. The edges of the pancake are slightly crispy, while the center remains soft and chewy. This contrast in texture makes Banh Xeo a delightful dish to eat.
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Vietnamese Crispy Crepes – Banh Xeo
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Spring Onions, Salt, Water, Coconut Cream
Banh Xeo is often served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili. This sauce adds a tangy and spicy element to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors of the pancake. Some restaurants also offer a sweet and sour sauce, which is a great alternative for those who can't handle spicy food.
The fillings of Banh Xeo are what make it a complete meal. Along with the traditional filling of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, there are also variations that include chicken, mushrooms, and even cheese. These fillings add more depth and flavor to the dish, making it a satisfying and fulfilling meal.
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Vietnamese Stuffed Crepes ~ Banh Xeo
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Turmeric, Salt, Coconut Milk, Water, Oil
Another unique aspect of Banh Xeo is that it is often served with a variety of toppings. Some popular toppings include fried shallots, crushed peanuts, and fresh herbs. These toppings not only add more flavor and texture to the dish but also make it visually appealing.
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Vegan Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, Coconut Cream, Water, Salt
Vegans can also enjoy the deliciousness of Banh Xeo by opting for a vegan-friendly version of the dish. Instead of meat and seafood, the pancakes are filled with tofu and vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying option for those following a plant-based diet.
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Bánh Xèo - Vietnamese Sizzling Crepe
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Turmeric Powder, Water, Coconut Cream, Oil
Banh Xeo is often served as a main dish, accompanied by other Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls and pho. However, it can also be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Its versatility and delicious flavors make it a popular choice among locals and tourists.
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Bánh Xèo – Crispy & Savory Vietnamese Crêpes
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Wheat Flour, Turmeric, Water, Coconut
Banh Xeo is a perfect representation of the flavors and textures of Vietnamese cuisine. The pancake is crispy, savory, and bursting with fresh herbs and vegetables. It is a dish that truly captures the essence of Vietnamese street food.
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Vegetarian Bánh Xèo -Crispy Vietnamese Crepes
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Tumeric, Coconut Milk, Lime, Soy Sauce
Vegetarians can enjoy the full experience of Banh Xeo by ordering a vegetarian version of the dish. The crispy pancake, combined with the flavorful and hearty filling of tofu and vegetables, makes it a delicious and satisfying meal option.
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Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crêpes) with Tofu
Main Ingredients: Mung Beans, Tofu, Scallions, Cilantro, Mung Bean
Tofu is a common protein option in Vietnamese cuisine, and it works perfectly as a filling for Banh Xeo. The tofu is usually marinated in a flavorful sauce before being added to the pancake, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
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Vietnamese Crispy Rice Crepes (Banh Xeo)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Turmeric, Soda Water, Coconut Milk
In some regions of Vietnam, Banh Xeo is made with a batter that includes rice flour and coconut milk. This version of the pancake is even crispier and has a slight hint of sweetness from the coconut milk. It is a must-try for those who love crispy textures.
Main Ingredients: Mung Beans, Rice Flour, Nutritional Yeast, Turmeric
Similar to the traditional version, vegetarian Banh Xeo is made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. However, the filling is made with a delicious combination of vegetables and tofu, making it a healthier and lighter option for those who prefer meatless dishes.
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Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crispy Savory Crepes)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Corn Starch, Mung Beans, Coconut Milk
Banh Xeo is often served with a side of fresh lettuce and herbs, allowing diners to create their own lettuce wraps. This adds a fun and interactive element to the dining experience and also adds a refreshing crunch to the dish.
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Vegan Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Sizzling Cakes) with Tofu
Main Ingredients: Mung Beans, Water, Coconut Milk, Rice Flour
Vegans can enjoy the full experience of Banh Xeo by ordering a vegan version of the dish. The combination of crispy pancake and flavorful tofu filling is a match made in heaven. It is a must-try for vegans and non-vegans alike.
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Vietnamese crepes with prawns and pork Bánh Xèo
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Corn Starch, Salt, Ground Turmeric, Water
Banh Xeo is often filled with a variety of seafood, such as prawns and squid. These ingredients add a delicious seafood flavor to the dish and make it a more substantial meal option. The combination of seafood, pork, and vegetables make Banh Xeo a well-rounded and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Making the batter
To make the perfect Vietnamese prawn pancake, you will need rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, salt, and water. The use of rice flour gives the pancakes a light and crispy texture, while the addition of coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess. Turmeric not only adds a beautiful golden color to the pancakes but also adds a depth of flavor. Salt is essential to enhance the overall taste, and water is needed to create a smooth and thin batter.
Filling and toppings
The key ingredient in this dish is, of course, prawns. You can use either fresh or frozen prawns, but make sure to clean and devein them before using. Other ingredients for the filling include bean sprouts, spring onions, and bean curd. These vegetables add a nice crunch and freshness to the pancakes. Additionally, you can also add shredded carrots and mung bean for more texture and flavor. For toppings, you can use lettuce leaves, fresh herbs like basil and mint, and dipping sauce like nuoc cham or hoisin sauce.
Instructions
Making the batter
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rice flour, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
2. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of water to the batter, mixing well until it reaches a thin consistency.
3. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Cooking the pancakes
1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Once the pan is hot, pour in 1/4 cup of batter and quickly swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
3. Add a few shrimp and a handful of bean sprouts, spring onions, and bean curd on one half of the pancake.
4. Let the pancake cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges turn crispy and golden.
5. Using a spatula, carefully fold the other half of the pancake over the filling.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the pancake is crispy and golden on both sides.
7. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling ingredients.
Serving the pancakes
1. Serve the pancakes hot, garnished with lettuce leaves and fresh herbs.
2. Serve the dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
3. Enjoy the pancakes by wrapping a piece of lettuce, fresh herbs, and a slice of pancake in a lettuce leaf and dipping it in the sauce.
Now that you have a professional and well-organized introduction to Vietnamese prawn pancakes, it's time to try out this delicious recipe for yourself. Impress your friends and family with this authentic and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Experience the taste of Vietnam in every bite of this mouth-watering dish.
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