Hot Rolled Rice Cake : A Beloved Vietnamese Breakfast Treat
Hot Rolled Rice Cake in Vietnamese, is a cherished breakfast staple in Vietnam. These thin, delicate rice sheets are carefully steamed and filled with a savory mix of ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and green onions. Topped with crispy fried shallots and served with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint, this dish is accompanied by a light, tangy fish sauce dipping sauce delivers a satisfying blend of soft textures, savory fillings, and fragrant herbs, making it an ideal start to the day.
At Viet Kitchen, we’ll guide you through each step of making this classic Vietnamese breakfast at home. Using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can recreate the comforting and fresh flavors of Vietnam in your kitchen.
How to Make Hot Rolled Rice Cake
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- For the Rice Sheets:
- Rice flour: 150g
- Tapioca starch: 50g (for added elasticity)
- Water: 500ml
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Oil: for lightly greasing the steaming cloth or pan
- For the Filling:
- Ground pork: 200g
- Wood ear mushrooms: 50g, soaked and finely chopped
- Green onions: 2 stalks, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnishing and Serving:
- Fried shallots: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh herbs: a handful of mint, cilantro, and Thai basil
- Bean sprouts: 100g
- Cucumber slices
- Dipping Sauce:
- Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Minced garlic and chili: to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca starch, salt, and water. Whisk until smooth. Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes to allow the flour to fully hydrate.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the pork is fully cooked, then set aside.
3. Steam the Rice Sheets:
- Heat a steamer and cover it with a cloth, or use a non-stick surface if not using a steaming cloth. Lightly grease the surface with oil.
- Pour a thin layer of batter onto the cloth, cover, and steam for 1-2 minutes until the rice sheet becomes translucent and cooked. Carefully transfer it to a clean plate.
4. Fill and Roll:
- Place a spoonful of the filling along one edge of the rice sheet. Gently roll up the sheet to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling.
5. Serve:
- Arrange the rolls on a serving plate, garnish with fried shallots, and serve with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and cucumber slices. Accompany with the tangy dipping sauce.
FAQs about Hot Rolled Rice Cake
1. How can I make the rice sheets thin and delicate?
Use a cloth over a steamer for an even surface, or use a thin, non-stick pan if you don’t have a steamer. Pour just enough batter to create a thin layer, and steam until it turns translucent.
2. Can I make these rice cakes without pork?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork with tofu for a vegetarian version. Crumble the tofu and sauté it with mushrooms and green onions.
3. How do I keep the rice sheets from sticking?
Lightly grease the steaming cloth or pan surface before pouring the batter. This helps prevent sticking when transferring the rice sheets to a plate.
4. Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Certainly, you can prepare the batter several hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Stir well before using, as the flour may settle at the bottom.
5. What’s the best way to serve Hot Rolled Rice Cake?
Serve with fresh herbs, crispy shallots, bean sprouts, and cucumber slices. The dipping sauce adds a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the rolls.
6. Is it necessary to use tapioca starch in the batter?
Tapioca starch adds elasticity to the rice sheets, making them easier to roll without tearing. However, if you don’t have tapioca starch, you can substitute it with a small amount of cornstarch.
7. How can I adjust the dipping sauce to my taste?
Adjust the balance of fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar to suit your preference. Add more lime juice for tanginess or sugar for sweetness.
8. Can I use pre-made rice sheets instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, pre-made rice sheets can save time. Simply steam them briefly to soften before adding the filling and rolling.
Tips for Extra Delicious Hot Rolled Rice Cakes:
- Achieving Thin Sheets: Use a small ladle to pour just enough batter for each layer. Thinner sheets create a more delicate texture and a better balance with the filling.
- Vegan Option: Replace pork with tofu and add more mushrooms for a flavorful vegan alternative.
Conlution
Hot Rolled Rice Cakes make a perfect option for breakfast or a light meal. Every bite provides a soft, tender rice sheet filled with savory ingredients and complemented by fresh herbs. Preparing Hot Rolled Rice Cake at home allows you to enjoy the genuine flavors and textures of Vietnamese cuisine, bringing a taste of Vietnam right to your table.
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