Banh Xeo: Vietnamese Savory Crispy Pancakes

Banh Xeo, often referred to as the “Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake,” is a delightful culinary treasure. This dish features a crispy crepe-like exterior made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, encasing a savory filling of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Often served with an array of fresh herbs, lettuce, and dipping sauce, Banh Xeo offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups rice flour
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1 cup water
– 150g peeled and deveined shrimp
– 150g pork belly, thinly sliced
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 2 spring onions, chopped
– Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro, etc.)
– Lettuce leaves
– Vegetable oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham):
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 red chili, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, turmeric powder, and salt. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and water until you achieve a smooth batter. Allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Filling:
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté the shrimp and pork slices until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Pancakes:
Wipe the pan clean, then add about 1/4 cup of the batter, swirling to cover the bottom of the pan to create a thin layer. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the edges start to become crispy.
Add a portion of the cooked shrimp and pork, a handful of bean sprouts, and a sprinkle of chopped spring onions on one half of the pancake.

4. Fold and Serve:
Fold the pancake in half and cook for another minute or until both sides are crispy and golden brown. Remove from the pan and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter and fillings.
Serve the pancakes with fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, and the prepared dipping sauce.

5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham):
In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, lime juice, water, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined.

Banh Xeo is a fantastic dish to enjoy with friends and family, perfect for those who appreciate a blend of crispy textures and vibrant flavors. Enjoy your Vietnamese culinary experience!