How To Make Crispy & Savory Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes)

Introduction

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes/Vietnamese Sizzling Crepes) is a quintessential Vietnamese dish renowned for its crispy texture and vibrant flavors. This savory pancake, whose name translates to “sizzling cake,” is celebrated for its golden, crispy exterior and flavorful filling. Made from a batter of rice flour and coconut milk, Banh Xeo is typically stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, creating a delightful contrast between the crunchy outside and tender inside. Its unique preparation and delicious taste have made Banh Xeo a beloved favorite in Vietnamese cuisine, cherished for both everyday meals and festive gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or new to Vietnamese flavors, Banh Xeo offers an unforgettable culinary experience that reflects the rich and diverse heritage of Vietnam.

Ingredients and Preparation

– Ingredients:

• For the Batter:
  • 200g rice flour
  • 50g cornstarch
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For the Filling:
  • 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 150g pork belly, thinly sliced
  • 100g bean sprouts
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For Serving:
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and basil)
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Dipping sauce ( soy sauce)

– Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

• In a large bowl, combine rice flour, cornstarch, turmeric powder, and salt.
• Gradually whisk in coconut milk until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add sliced pork and cook until browned.
• Add shrimp, fish sauce, and sugar, cooking until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and mix in bean sprouts and green onions.

Step 3: Cook the Banh Xeo

• Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it. Pour a ladleful of batter into the skillet, spreading it into a thin, even layer.
• Add a portion of the filling over half of the batter. Cook until the edges of the pancake are crispy and the bottom is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
• Fold the pancake in half and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully cooked through.

This preparation ensures that each Banh Xeo has a perfect balance of crispy texture and savory filling, offering a delightful taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

Banh Xeo Sauce Recipe

Banh Xeo is often paired with sause, a versatile Vietnamese dipping sauce that complements the flavors of the crispy pancakes. Here’s a classic recipe for making this essential sauce:

– Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (or more to taste)
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small chili pepper, finely sliced (optional, for heat)
• 1-2 tablespoons grated carrot (optional, for added texture and sweetness)

– Instructions:

• In a small bowl, mix the fish sauce, water, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Stir in the lime juice. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference, adding more if you prefer a tangier flavor.
• Add the minced garlic and, if using, the finely sliced chili pepper. Stir to combine. The garlic adds depth, while the chili provides a hint of heat.
• If desired, add the grated carrot to the sauce. This adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients if needed. You can add more sugar for sweetness, lime juice for tanginess, or fish sauce for a stronger umami flavor.

How to Serve Banh Xeo

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Vegetables
Serve with fresh greens such as lettuce, mustard leaves, and herbs like mint, cilantro, and perilla. These vegetables add a refreshing contrast to the crispy pancake.

Step 2: Make the Dipping Sauce
Prepare the traditional dipping sauce, made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili. This sauce enhances the savory flavors of Bánh Xèo.

Step 3: Serve in Portions
Cut Banh Xeo into smaller, manageable pieces so guests can easily wrap them with vegetables. This helps make each bite well-balanced with the filling, greens, and pancake.

Step 4: Wrap and Dip
Show diners how to wrap a portion of the pancake and its fillings with lettuce and herbs. Dip the wrap into the sauce before eating.

Top Banh Xeo Restaurants in Vietnam To Try

Below are our picked 5 most famous and beloved Banh Xeo restaurants in Vietnam.Each offers unique and delicious variations of this iconic dish:

1. Banh Xeo 46A – Ho Chi Minh City

• Address: 46A Dinh Cong Trang Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Notable Features: One of the most renowned spots in Ho Chi Minh City, Banh Xeo 46A is celebrated for its crispy and golden Banh Xeo, packed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The restaurant is also known for its delicious dipping sauce that perfectly complements the pancake’s flavors.

2. Banh Xeo Binh Dan – Hanoi

• Address: 103 Dang Van Ngu Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
• Notable Features: Banh Xeo Binh Dan is famous for its traditional and crispy Banh Xeo. The pancakes are freshly made with a crispy exterior and flavorful filling, served with a variety of fresh herbs and a distinctive dipping sauce.

3. Banh Xeo Mien Trung – Da Nang

• Address: 225 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
• Notable Features: At Banh Xeo Mien Trung in Da Nang, the Banh Xeo features a thin, crispy crust and generous fillings. The restaurant is known for its Central Vietnamese style pancakes, accompanied by fresh herbs and a special dipping sauce.

4. Banh Xeo 87 – Hue

• Address: 87 Nguyen Hue Street, Hue City
• Notable Features: Banh Xeo 87 is famous for its Hue-style Banh Xeo, characterized by a thin and crispy shell and a well-balanced filling of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. The pancakes are served with fresh vegetables and a tangy dipping sauce.

5. Banh Xeo Ngon – Nha Trang

• Address: 44/7 2/4 Street, Nha Trang City
• Notable Features: Banh Xeo Ngon in Nha Trang is known for its crispy and flavorful Banh Xeo with a rich filling of shrimp and pork. The restaurant provides an array of fresh herbs and a tasty dipping sauce, making it a memorable dining experience.

These Banh Xeo restaurants are renowned not only for the quality of their food but also for their warm service and inviting atmosphere, making each dining experience special and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Banh Xeo is a standout dish in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its crispy texture and savory fillings. Its distinctive flavor and simple preparation make it a must-try for anyone interested in authentic Vietnamese food.

We invite you to experience Banh Xeo either by making it at home or visiting a local Vietnamese restaurant. Its unique taste and cultural significance make it a valuable addition to any culinary exploration. Don’t miss the opportunity to try this remarkable dish and appreciate one of Vietnam’s most celebrated foods.