Bánh Xèo Recipe

Bánh xèo, also known as Vietnamese crêpes or Vietnamese pancakes, are one of many delicious dishes that prove how fine the line between snacks and the main course is. You can have them for breakfast or lunch while munching on a few crepes for a delicious bite between meals is also a fantastic idea.

Those crêpes will stimulate your appetite through the suggestive sizzling sound and rich fragrance they emit during the cooking process. Then their brilliant golden color, nicely adorned with the verdant hue of green vegetables, will make you want to sink your teeth into them right away.

Finally, touch the warm and smooth skin of a crepe and let its wonderful combination of aromatic starch, savory proteins, and delicious dipping sauces seduce you into complete enjoyment.

Scroll down to learn how to cook and succumb to this mouth-watering temptation!

Interesting Facts About Vietnamese Savory Crepes

While the English translation of this Vietnamese staple may remind you of a French dish, bánh xèo is an authentic Vietnamese dish. It originated in the central region of the country many centuries ago, although the exact birthplace and inspirations for this dish are rather murky.

Its local name stems from the sizzling sound made when the rice batter hits the hot skillet. A good Vietnamese crepe should be firm yet thin enough to fold over the rich stuffings of pork, prawns, and mung beans. Fresh herbs and flavorful dipping sauces are their essential garnishes.

In Central Vietnam, locals often cook small crepes about 10 – 15 centimeters (4 – 6 inches) in diameter. In other parts of the country, such as the Mekong River Delta, people prefer to increase their size. Meanwhile, people in the north don’t use coconut milk or eggs in the batter.

From Vietnam’s central region, this dish has spread to all corners of the country (and probably the world as well). It is particularly suitable for communal meals or potluck parties. Vietnamese people love to make a large batch of those crepes for family gatherings or intimate meetings.

Which Tools Do You Need to Prepare Bánh Xèo?

You may have to buy some of the following kitchen gadgets to make savory Vietnamese crepes or use different tools with the same function. It’s all up to you.

What Are the Ingredients for Bánh Xèo?

These crepes have more things than just rice batter and meat. There are many condiments and veggies you should gather to prepare the best Vietnamese crepes.

For the Rice Batter

For the Filling

Seasonings and Sides

How to Make Bánh Xèo Like A Local?

Don’t hesitate to ask your family members to help make those crepes. They are meant for a family meal, after all. While those steps aren’t difficult, there is plenty of work.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients for the Sauce and Filling

Finely chop scallion and shallots. Cut yam beans and onion into long thin pieces.

Julienne 1 carrot and 1 white radish, then mix with a teaspoon of sugar and leave the veggie undisturbed for 15 – 20 minutes.

Cut 0.55 lb pork belly into slices of your desired width. Marinate it with a mixture of:

Soak 3.53 ounces of mung beans in water for 1 hour before cooking them. Mix 3.53 ounces of coconut meat and cooked mung beans together.

Step 2: Prepare The Filling

Heat the skillet with olive oil. Add chopped shallots and saute until fragrant, then add pork belly slices to the skillet and cook until the meat firms up. Add 1.1 lb prawns and stir well for a few minutes. Set aside.

Saute julienned yam beans for 1 to 2 minutes, then add 7.05 ounces of enoki mushrooms, onions, and seasoning to taste. Cook until the veggies reach your desired level of doneness.

Step 3: Prepare The Rice Batter

In a large pot, mix:

Stir well until the mixture becomes smooth and no longer lumpy. You should do the stirring fast and in the same direction.

Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and chopped scallion to the batter before letting it rest in the fridge for 30 – 60 minutes.

Step 4: Fry the Crepes

Heat the skillet with some olive oil.

For each crepe, pour two ladlefuls of batter into the skillet (you can increase or decrease the amount based on the pan size). Spread the batter evenly to create a perfect circle by tilting and rotating the skillet.

Add mung beans, pork, prawns, and the enoki mushroom mixture on top of the crepe. Close the lid and wait for 3 – 4 minutes.

Remove the lid. If the crepe is crispy and golden on both sides, fold it in half. Transfer the crepe to a plate and repeat the process until the batter runs out.

Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

Mince garlic and fresh chili. Then mix thoroughly the following ingredients in a bowl:

Stir the mixture with minced garlic and chili, then add marinated carrots and white radishes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Roll each crepe with fresh herbs and greens, then dip it in the sauce. You can also serve the combo with some rice paper wraps.

Making Savory Vietnamese Crepes: Best Tips and Tricks

Pay attention to the following details to create the best Vietnamese crepes that can dazzle your friends and loved ones:

Bánh Xèo: Your Gateway to Vietnamese Cuisine

From the moment that the rice batter hits the hot frying pan and produces a hissing sound, you know that you’re in for a wonderful treat. But I assure you that not until your taste buds kiss those savory bites can you fully realize how many tantalizing sensations are waiting for you to discover.

Once you have a taste of this seductive delicacy, will you help introduce this post to your friends to tell them more about this Vietnamese treat? Feel free to share any ideas or amazing tips you have in the comment section. See you soon in other informative posts!