Our full guide on How To Make Banh Xeo Vietnamese Sizzling Pancakes one of the most popular and delicious dishes in Vietnam.
Banh Xeo, also known as Vietnamese sizzling pancakes, are a popular and savory Vietnamese street food dish. These pancakes are characterized by their crispy, golden exterior, which is achieved by frying a thin rice flour batter infused with turmeric powder, giving them their distinct yellow hue.
The name “Banh Xeo” translates to “sizzling cake,” referring to the sound the batter makes when it hits the hot skillet. The batter typically includes coconut milk and green onions, creating a delicate, flavorful base for the fillings.
The fillings for Banh Xeo can vary, but they often include a combination of thinly sliced pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, all of which are cooked to perfection inside the pancake.
The pancakes are served with fresh lettuce leaves and a variety of herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil, which are used to wrap bite-sized pieces of the pancake before dipping them into a tangy and slightly sweet fish sauce-based dipping sauce known as nuoc cham.
This combination of textures and flavors makes Banh Xeo a delightful and interactive dining experience, showcasing the vibrant and fresh elements of Vietnamese cuisine.
Read here how to make Pho and Bun Cha
Read here best Vietnamese Breakfast, 40 Vietnam Travel Tips and Best Things to Do in Vietnam
WHERE TO STAY IN VIETNAM
The cost of staying for a night in a private double room in a low-end guest house is $8-10 USD. There are also Airbnb options starting from $10-20 USD and be ready to have a local experience.
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How to Make Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo Recipe Ingredients
For the batter:
1 cup rice flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1 1/2 cups water
4 green onions, finely chopped
For the filling:
1/2 pound pork belly or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
For serving:
Lettuce leaves
Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
Dipping sauce (nuoc cham)
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Step By Step How to Make Banh Xeo
Prepare the batter
In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, cornstarch, turmeric powder, and salt. Gradually whisk in coconut milk and water until smooth. Stir in the chopped green onions. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling
Season the pork and shrimp with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onions, sauté until fragrant. Add the pork slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp until pink. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Banh Xeo
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Pour a ladle of batter into the skillet, swirling to spread it thinly and evenly. Add a few slices of cooked pork, shrimp, and some bean sprouts on one side of the pancake.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the center is set. Fold the pancake in half and transfer to a serving plate. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling.
Serve
Serve Banh Xeo with lettuce leaves, fresh herbs, and nuoc cham dipping sauce. To eat, wrap a piece of Banh Xeo in a lettuce leaf with some herbs, and dip in the sauce.
Tips To Make Banh Xeo
For extra crispiness, use a well-heated skillet and enough oil. Adjust the batter consistency with water if it is too thick. Keep the pancakes warm in a low oven (200°F) if making in batches.
How Many Calories Have Banh Xeo
The calorie content of Banh Xeo can vary depending on the ingredients and portion size. On average, one Banh Xeo pancake (about 150 grams) can contain around 250-300 calories.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.