Name: Bánh Phồng Tôm Recipe (Vietnamese Prawn Crackers)
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 15 Vietnamese prawn crackers; Olive oil; Cooking oil

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Bánh phồng tôm, or prawn crackers, are a popular snack that has won the hearts of food lovers across Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Made using authentic ingredients, these umami delights are a true representation of Vietnamese flavors you’ll undoubtedly want to savor.

Moreover, prawn crackers are not only perfect for snacking but also serve as a fantastic accompaniment to other main dishes of Vietnam. So don’t hesitate; dive into the enchanting realm of Vietnamese prawn crackers and let their irresistible appeal tantalize your senses.

Exploring the Basics of Bánh Phồng Tôm

Bánh phồng tôm (prawn crackers) are a specialty of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region and are usually sold uncooked. The famous Sa Giang brand hails from Sa Dec, a city in Dong Thap province, known for the largest production of prawn crackers in Vietnam.

Crafting Flawless Vietnamese Prawn Crackers

When you’re ready to enjoy these unique Vietnamese snacks, just fry them in hot oil and watch as they puff up to three or four times their original size. This is how they get their name “phồng,” which means “to puff up.”

The process of making these crackers involves a mixture of flour (starch or tapioca flour with a hint of baking soda), ground shrimp, and crushed pepper. This mixture is then stuffed into long, sausage-like fabric bags, steamed, and sliced into thin rounds before drying.

Some variations replace shrimp with crab or other seafood, and vegetarian alternatives primarily use flour and potatoes.

What Tools Are Needed for Bánh Phồng Tôm?

Ready to make some delicious Vietnamese prawn crackers? Let’s explore the essential tools you’ll need for a successful snack-making session.

Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the crackers using a convection mechanism.
Microwave: An appliance that helps cook your prawn crackers quickly and efficiently.
Pan: A flat metal container, typically having a handle, used for cooking prawn crackers directly in oil.
Tongs: In this recipe, you’ll use the tongs to grip and turn the prawn crackers as they fry, as well as pick them up.
In addition, you may also use other support tools such as:
Ceramic plate: Or a plate made from other microwave-safe material.
Food prep gloves: For hygiene and protection while handling food.
Oven mitts: For safety when handling hot cooking equipment or food.

Ingredients List for Vietnamese Prawn Crackers

The magic behind Vietnamese prawn crackers lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s dive into the key components that make this snack so irresistible.

Vietnamese prawn crackers: You can choose whatever type of crackers that you like. I often fry 10 to 15 crackers.
Olive oil: For tossing the prawn crackers before cooking them in the air fryer.
Cooking oil: For deep-frying the crackers.

How to Prepare Bánh Phồng Tôm: 3 Easy Methods

Turning your ingredients into scrumptious Vietnamese prawn crackers is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the directions to create this tempting treat in no time.

Method 1: Deep Frying in a Pan

Deep frying bánh phồng tôm in a pan is a traditional and quick method. There are 3 steps for you to follow:

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by pouring your cooking oil into a pan and heating it up. The quantity should be sufficient to fry 12 – 15 prawn crackers at a time, ensuring they expand evenly and cook to perfection.

Step 2: Add the Prawn Crackers

Once the oil reaches the right temperature, add your prawn crackers to the pan. It’s important to distribute them evenly in the hot oil to allow each one to cook uniformly.

Step 3: Cook the Crackers

Keep a close eye on the crackers, and make sure to flip them regularly. This helps them to absorb the oil equally and puff up uniformly. Remember to maintain medium heat during this process to avoid over-browning or hardening the crackers.

Let the crackers fry for around 2 – 3 minutes or until they’ve fully expanded and are evenly puffed up. Once done, use a pair of tongs to remove the crackers one by one, placing them onto a plate lined with paper towels to help absorb any excess oil.

Method 2: Using a Microwave

Using the microwave to prepare Vietnamese prawn crackers is an easy and mess-free way. Please follow 2 main steps below:

Step 1: Place the Crackers on A Plate

Arrange the crackers on a microwave-safe plate. Remember to space them out and keep some distance between each piece. Doing this will allow the heat to distribute better, ensuring that all your crackers expand evenly.

Step 2: Microwave the Crackers

Microwave the crackers for 2 minutes on high power.

Then, allow the crackers and the plate to cool off a little before taking them out. You should use tongs or wear an oven mitt to prevent burning your hands accidentally.

Method 3: Using an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to cook prawn crackers offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying. This method requires little to no oil, making it a great option for a guilt-free treat.

Step 1: Toss the Crackers with Olive Oil

Toss the prawn crackers with a little olive oil. The oil will help them expand faster.

Step 2: Air Fry the Crackers

Arrange the crackers onto the air fryer’s basket, spacing them out. Then, air fry them for 3 minutes at 400 degrees F (about 200 degrees C).

Expert Tips for Vietnamese Prawn Crackers

Crafting flawless Vietnamese prawn crackers is even easier with these helpful tips. Incorporate these insights into your cooking for the best possible results.

Do not use a stainless steel plate or other metal plates to cook the crackers in the microwave. Instead, use microwave-safe materials, such as ceramic.
During the microwaving process, you can check the crackers through the window and shorten the cooking time if they have expanded to the ideal size to prevent them from being burned.
Each microwave and air fryer has its own temperature mechanism. Yours might be different from mine, so you should experiment to find the best cooking time and temperature.
When it comes to frying in oil, it’s important to use a generous amount to guarantee even puffing of the crackers. While this method is the most traditional one, it can result in a richer, oilier taste, which might be too heavy for some palates.
Additionally, you’ll need to be quick on your feet, constantly flipping the crackers for a uniform cook. So, do weigh these considerations before deciding on this cooking approach.

What Are the Best Pairings for Vietnamese Prawn Crackers?

Bánh phồng tôm is not only a fantastic stand-alone snack but also the perfect sidekick for many mouth-watering Vietnamese appetizers, making them a must-have for parties and gatherings. Here are my best picks!

Lotus stem and shrimp salad (gỏi ngó sen): This refreshing Vietnamese salad features crunchy lotus stems, tender shrimp, and a medley of fresh herbs. It has a vibrant flavor profile enhanced by a zesty dressing.
Green mango salad with shrimp (gỏi tôm xoài): A delightful combination of tangy green mango, succulent shrimp, and aromatic herbs creates a fantastic salad that pairs wonderfully with the crispy prawn crackers.
Chicken salad (gỏi gà): Tender shredded chicken is tossed with a mix of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing in this traditional Vietnamese salad. It perfectly complements the seafood notes and satisfying crunch of bánh phồng tôm.

Proper Storage for Vietnamese Prawn Crackers

Below are the proper storage instructions for uncooked and cooked Vietnamese prawn crackers:

For Uncooked Prawn Crackers:

Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, like a pantry or cupboard.
Use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent moisture from affecting their texture. This way, they can last for several months.

For Cooked Prawn Crackers:

Keep cooked prawn crackers in an airtight container to preserve their crunch.
Store at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Personally, I usually eat up my bánh phồng tôm within a day, as the longer you store them, the more likely they will turn chewy and soft. The good thing is that cooking up a new batch is super quick and easy!

Must-Try Bánh Phồng Tôm Variations

Besides the classic prawn crackers, there are some pretty awesome variations of this snack, as described below:

Bánh phồng cua (crab-flavored crackers): Imagine swapping shrimp with crab meat – it brings a slightly different but delicious seafood twist.
Bánh phồng cua (fish-flavored crackers): With ground fish meat instead of shrimp, you’ll find this one has a gentler, more delicate seafood taste.
Bánh phồng mực (squid-flavored crackers): Replace shrimp with ground squid, and you’ll get a unique, slightly chewier texture and that unmistakable squid flavor.
Bánh phồng chay (vegetarian crackers): For my plant-based friends, there’s a version made with flour and potatoes – perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

FAQs

You can purchase Vietnamese prawn crackers at Asian grocery stores, some supermarkets, or online retailers specializing in Asian foods.

Prawn crackers are most likely to have originated in Indonesia, known as “kerupuk udang.” They have since become popular in various countries throughout Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, where they are called “Banh Phong Tom.”

Uncooked prawn crackers have a long shelf life and can last for several months when stored in a cool, dry place and sealed in an airtight container or their original packaging. Cooked prawn crackers should be consumed within 4 days when stored at room temperature.

While all prawn crackers share a similar base of flour and ground shrimp, variations in seasonings, types of flour, and additional ingredients create subtle differences in flavor and texture.

Additionally, each country may have its unique way of enjoying prawn crackers, either as a standalone snack or paired with specific dishes.

Explore Your New Snack Obsession!

These crispy, airy, and delectably flavored prawn crackers have not only conquered Southeast Asia but have also gained fans all around the world. With various types catering to different tastes and countless ways to savor them, it’s no wonder they’ve become such a big hit!

Now, I’m eager to hear from you! If you’ve tried these crackers or have any thoughts, experiences, or feedback to share, feel free to write them in the comment section.

Also, please spread your love for this irresistible Vietnamese gem by liking and sharing this post!

Bánh Phồng Tôm Recipe (Vietnamese Prawn Crackers)

Savor the crunch of bánh phồng tôm (Vietnamese prawn crackers), a beloved Southeast Asian snack. Enjoy this crispy, seafood-infused delight on any occasion with today's recipe.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate Save Recipe

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Keyword: Bánh Phồng Tôm, Vietnamese Prawn Crackers

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Dietary Preference: None

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 8

Servings: servings

Calories: 132kcal

Equipment

Pan
Tongs
Microwave
Air Fryer

Ingredients

▢ 15 Vietnamese prawn crackers
▢ Olive oil
▢ Cooking oil

Instructions

Method 1: Deep Frying In A Pan

Start by pouring your cooking oil into a pan and heating it up. The quantity should be sufficient to fry 12 – 15 prawn crackers at a time.
Once the oil reaches the right temperature, add your prawn crackers to the pan. Keep a close eye on the crackers and make sure to flip them regularly.
Frythe crackers on medium heat for around 2 – 3 minutes or until they've fully expanded and are evenly puffed up. Once done, use a pair of tongs to remove the crackers one by one.
Placing them onto a plate lined with paper towels to help absorb any excess oil.

Method 2: Using A Microwave

Arrange the crackers on a microwave-safe plate. Space them out and keep some distance between each piece.
Microwave the crackers for 2 minutes on high power.
Allow the crackers and the plate to cool off a little before taking them out. Use tongs or wear an oven mitt to prevent burning your hands accidentally.

Method 3: Using An Air Fryer

Toss the prawn crackers with a little olive oil.
Arrange the crackers onto the air fryer's basket, spacing them out.
Air fry them for 3 minutes at 400℉ (about 200℃).

Video

Notes

Do not use a stainless steel plate or other metal plates to cook the crackers in the microwave. Instead, use microwave-safe materials, such as ceramic.
During the microwaving process, you can check the crackers through the window and shorten the cooking time if they have expanded to the ideal size to prevent them from being burned.
Each microwave and air fryer has its own temperature mechanism. Experiment to find the best cooking time and temperature.
When it comes to frying in oil, it’s important to use a generous amount to guarantee even puffing of the crackers..
Constantly flipping the crackers during frying.

Nutrition

Richie

Content Writer

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Food Styling, Food Photography, Cooking-video Maker, Beverage Evaluation Expert

Education

Saigon Culinary Arts Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Vietnamese and Asian cuisines with intensive training and hands-on approach.

Vietnam Australia Vocational School (VAAC), Hanoi, Vietnam

Program: Bartender
Focus: Basic knowledge on how to store, preserve and select ingredients, and practice cocktails, mocktails, hot and cold drinks.

Richie, based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a dynamic Content Writer with a talent for capturing the essence of culinary art.

Richie specializes in creating visually appealing and tasty content, offering a new angle on Vietnamese and other culinary traditions. With a background in graphic design and a love for food styling and photography, he expertly combines beauty with food narratives, encouraging his audience to discover the culinary world through his imaginative perspective.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Bánh Phồng Tôm Recipe