Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo – crispy Vietnamese savory pancakes
Vietnam
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Banh Xeo is a vibrant Vietnamese street food dish, known as the 'sizzling pancake.' Made with a rice flour batter and filled with savory ingredients, it holds a special place in Vietnamese culture, often enjoyed during family gatherings or festive occasions. Typically served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • For the Batter:
  • 1 cup (120 g) rice flour
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) coconut milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) pork belly or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (100 g) bean sprouts
  • 1 cup (75 g) mushrooms, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • For Serving:
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and basil)
  • Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce, recipe below)
  • For the Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce):
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) lime juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red chili, thinly sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, cornstarch, turmeric powder, and salt.

Whisk in the coconut milk and water until smooth.

Stir in the thinly sliced green onions.

Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Nuoc Cham

In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, water, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced red chili.

Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Add the thinly sliced pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.

Remove the pork and shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Sauté the thinly sliced onion and mushrooms (if using) until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Crepes

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Lightly grease the skillet with a small amount of vegetable oil.

Pour a ladleful of batter into the skillet, swirling to cover the bottom with a thin layer.

Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to crisp and lift from the skillet.

Add a portion of the pork, shrimp, sautéed onion, mushrooms (if using), and a handful of bean sprouts to one side of the crepe.

Fold the other side of the crepe over the filling and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the crepe is crispy and the filling is heated through.

Serve

Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter and filling.

Enjoy your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Banh Xeo?

Banh Xeo is a crispy Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour and turmeric, filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.

Where does Banh Xeo come from?

Banh Xeo originates from Southern Vietnam, particularly popular in regions like Ho Chi Minh City.

What are the main ingredients in Banh Xeo?

Key ingredients include rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, green onions, pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.

How long does Banh Xeo take to make?

Banh Xeo takes approximately 60-80 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Banh Xeo?

Banh Xeo is often served with fresh lettuce, herbs like mint and basil, and a tangy dipping sauce called Nuoc Cham.