Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake: Crispy, Savory, and Simply Delicious

Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake (bánh xèo)”Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake,” also known as bánh xèo, is a beloved Vietnamese dish that has won the hearts of food enthusiasts with its unique combination of textures and flavors. Originating from Southern Vietnam, bánh xèo is a crispy, savory pancake made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with a variety of ingredients like shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. This dish has become a favorite both in Vietnam and abroad, celebrated for its satisfying crunch and the vibrant contrast of fresh herbs and dipping sauce. For the Vietnamese, bánh xèo is more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of communal dining and the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam.

How to Make Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake (Bánh Xèo)

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Rice flour: 1 cup
• Coconut milk: 1 cup
• Water: 1 cup
• Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Pork belly: 200g, thinly sliced
• Shrimp: 200g, peeled and deveined
• Bean sprouts: 200g
• Green onions: 2 stalks, finely chopped
• Vegetable oil: for frying
• Lettuce leaves: for serving
• Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro): for serving

Detailed Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pancake Batter:
   • In a large bowl, mix the rice flour, coconut milk, water, turmeric powder, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to fully combine.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the pork belly slices and cook until they begin to brown. Stir in the shrimp and cook until they become pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Pancakes:
   • Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Pour in a thin layer of batter, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
   • Add a portion of the cooked pork, shrimp, and a handful of bean sprouts on one side of the pancake.
   • Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges of the pancake are crispy and the batter is cooked through. Fold the pancake in half over the filling and slide it onto a plate.
   • Recreate the process with the leftover batter and filling.
4. Serve with Fresh Herbs and Lettuce:
   • Bánh xèo is traditionally served with lettuce leaves and a variety of fresh herbs. To eat, tear off a piece of the pancake, wrap it in a lettuce leaf with some herbs, and dip it in the accompanying sauce.

Dipping Sauce :

• Ingredients:
  • 4 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 chili, finely chopped
• Instructions:
  • Mix the sugar into the water until it dissolves in a small bowl.
  • Add the fish sauce and lime juice, stirring well to combine.
  • Mix in the chopped garlic and chili. Adjust the balance of sweet, salty, and sour to your taste.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Vietnamese Sizzling Pancakes

• Advantages: Bánh xèo is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s great for sharing. The combination of crispy pancake, savory filling, and fresh herbs offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
• Disadvantages: The cooking process can be a bit tricky, especially achieving the right level of crispiness without burning the pancake. The use of fresh herbs and lettuce also requires careful preparation.

5 Famous Bánh Xèo Spots in the U.S.

1. Banh Xeo 46A – San Jose, CA
   • Address: 1440 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
2. Little Vietnam – Los Angeles, CA
   • Address: 1027 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
3. Banh Xeo Saigon – Houston, TX
   • Address: 10613 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072
4. Banh Xeo Quan – Seattle, WA
   • Address: 1024 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104
5. Banh Xeo Binh Minh – New York, NY
   • Address: 1234 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11229

Enjoying Bánh Xèo in Vietnam

If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, be sure to try bánh xèo at these renowned spots:

Saigon:

1. Bánh Xèo 46A Đinh Công Tráng – 46A Đinh Công Tráng, District 1
2. Bánh Xèo Mười Xiềm – 190 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, District 3
3. Bánh Xèo Lê Văn Sỹ – 174 Lê Văn Sỹ, Phú Nhuận District
4. Bánh Xèo 31 – 31 Cao Thắng, District 3
5. Bánh Xèo Đường Phố – 102 Trần Hưng Đạo, District 1

Hanoi:

1. Bánh Xèo Hàng Bông – 22 Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm
2. Bánh Xèo Kim Mã – 98 Kim Mã, Ba Đình
3. Bánh Xèo Bà Hường – 30 Tạ Hiện, Hoàn Kiếm
4. Bánh Xèo Láng Hạ – 98 Láng Hạ, Đống Đa
5. Bánh Xèo Đinh Liệt – 20 Đinh Liệt, Hoàn Kiếm

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Vietnamese Sizzling Pancakes

1. Where does bánh xèo originate from?
   • Bánh xèo originated in Southern Vietnam and is popular throughout the country.
2. Can bánh xèo be made vegetarian?
   • Yes, bánh xèo can be made vegetarian by using ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables in place of meat and shrimp.
3. How do I keep bánh xèo crispy?
   • To keep bánh xèo crispy, make sure to use a hot pan with enough oil and avoid covering the pan too long while cooking.
4. Can I prepare bánh xèo batter in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
5. What is usually served with bánh xèo?
   • Bánh xèo is typically served with lettuce leaves, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili.

Conclusion

“Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake” (bánh xèo) is a delightful dish that embodies the vibrant flavors and communal spirit of Vietnamese cuisine. With its crispy exterior, savory filling, and fresh herbs, bánh xèo offers a unique and satisfying dining experience. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a snack, bánh xèo is sure to impress with its balance of textures and flavors. Try making it at home to bring the authentic taste of Vietnam’s sizzling pancake to your table.

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