Banh xeo crepes
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its exotic flavors and vibrant colors, and one dish that encapsulates this a true delicious fashion is the Banh Xeo crepe. Banh Xeo is a savory Vietnamese crepe that is stuffed with a variety of fillings, including meat, seafood, and vegetables. The dish epitomizes the melting pot of flavors that is characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine.
Banh Xeo literally translates to “sizzling cake,” and it got its name from the sound the batter makes when it is poured onto the hot pan. The crepe is made from rice flour, water, and turmeric, which gives it its golden yellow color. It’s a dish that is often enjoyed as an appetizer, snack or even as a meal.
The dish is believed to have originated in Central Vietnam, but has since become a popular street food across the entire country. Unlike traditional European crepes, Banh Xeo is crispy on the exterior and chewy on the inside, thanks to the use of coconut milk in the batter.
The filling for Banh Xeo is traditionally made using pork belly, shrimp, bean sprouts, and onions. However, the filling can be customized to suit individual preferences, and many variations exist depending on the regional influences.
Banh Xeo is cooked in a wok or a large frying pan and is best enjoyed straight off the heat, with a side of lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce. It’s an interactive dish, where diners get to wrap the crispy crepe in a lettuce leaf and enjoy it with the fresh herbs, all while dipping it into the delicious fish sauce-based dipping sauce.
The dipping sauce for Banh Xeo is a crucial component that takes the dish to the next level. Fish sauce and lime juice form the base of the sauce, and it is flavored with sugar, garlic, and chili. This sauce balances the different flavors and elevates the overall taste of the dish. Its sweet, sour, and salty profile is also typical of Vietnamese cuisine.
The Banh Xeo is more than just a food item; it’s a social experience that brings people together. It’s a dish that is typically enjoyed in the company of friends or family, with laughter and conversation filling the air. The interactive nature of the dish also allows for a shared experience, as diners build their crepes, wrap them in lettuce, and enjoy them together.
In conclusion, Banh Xeo is a delicious and versatile dish that should be on everyone’s culinary bucket list. It’s a true masterpiece of Vietnamese cuisine, with its crispy exterior, chewy interior, and an explosion of flavors with each bite. The dish is easy to prepare, and it’s a great opportunity to experiment with different fillings and flavors. It’s also an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and community spirit that is characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. So, gather your friends and family and get ready to savor the deliciousness of a batch of freshly made Banh Xeo!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb pork belly or thinly sliced pork shoulder
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
- Fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and lime wedges for serving
- Vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Gradually add in water and coconut milk and whisk until smooth. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook pork until browned and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side until pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add sliced onions to the skillet and stir fry until softened, then add bean sprouts and cook for another minute or until wilted. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat.
- Pour a ladleful of the batter into the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the edges are crispy.
- Add some cooked pork, shrimp, onion, and bean sprouts onto one side of the pancake, then fold the other side over to cover.
- Transfer the banh xeo to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped scallions.
- Repeat steps 6-9 for the remaining batter and ingredients.
- Serve hot with fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and lime wedges for squeezing. Enjoy your delicious Vietnamese Banh xeo crepes!