Hue Crispy Pancake A Delightful Crunch of Vietnamese Flavors
Hue Crispy Pancake is a beloved dish originating from the ancient city of Hue, renowned for its rich culinary heritage. This golden, crispy pancake is filled with a savory mix of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, creating a unique balance of textures and flavors that highlights central Vietnamese cuisine. Paired with fresh herbs, lettuce, and a flavorful dipping sauce, offers a delightful, interactive dining experience where every bite combines crispiness, freshness and delicious taste.
At Viet Kitchen, we’ll guide you through each step of making this iconic Hue Crispy Pancake right in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you can recreate the vibrant flavors of Hue and experience the culinary essence of central Vietnam.
How to Make Hue Crispy Pancake
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- For the Pancake Batter:
- Rice flour: 200g
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (for added crispiness)
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon (for a warm golden color)
- Coconut milk: 150ml (optional, for a richer, creamier taste)
- Water: 200ml (adjust as needed for consistency)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- For the Filling:
- Shrimp: 200g, peeled and deveined
- Pork belly: 100g, thinly sliced
- Bean sprouts: 150g
- Green onions: 2 stalks, chopped
- Mushrooms: 100g, sliced (optional for added flavor and texture)
- For Serving:
- Fresh herbs: a handful of mint, cilantro, and Thai basil
- Lettuce leaves: for wrapping the pancakes
- Dipping sauce (recipe below)
- Dipping Sauce:
- Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Minced garlic and chili: to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pancake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, add rice flour, cornstarch, turmeric powder, and salt, then stir to combine.
- Slowly add coconut milk (if using) and water, stirring until smooth. The batter should have a thin, pourable consistency that spreads easily in the pan. Let it rest for 15 minutes for the best texture.
2. Make the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and chili. Adjust the flavors to your preference—adding more lime for tanginess or sugar for sweetness. Set aside.
3. Cook the Pancakes:
- Warm a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of oil.
- Add a few pieces of shrimp and pork slices, cooking until they begin to brown.
- Stir the batter, then pour a thin layer into the pan, swirling to spread evenly. Add bean sprouts and green onions on top of the batter.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and the bottom turns golden. Remove the lid and cook uncovered for another minute to ensure extra crispiness.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slide the pancake onto a plate and fold it in half. Serve with fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, and the prepared dipping sauce. To eat, wrap pieces of the pancake in lettuce with herbs and dip into the sauce.
FAQs about Hue Crispy Pancake
- How can I make the batter crispy?
To make the pancake crispier, use cold water when mixing the batter, or add a little cornstarch to the rice flour mixture. A thinner batter will also help achieve a crispier texture when poured into a hot pan. - Can I substitute the shrimp and pork in the pancake filling?
Yes, you can replace the shrimp and pork with tofu and mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Mushrooms and tofu add great flavor and variety to the filling. - How do I prevent the pancake from sticking to the pan?
Use a non-stick pan and ensure it’s hot before adding oil. Then, add just enough oil and wait until it’s hot before pouring in the batter. This will help prevent sticking. - Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to rest. This will help the pancake turn out smoother and crispier when cooked. - What are the best side dishes to serve with Hue Crispy Pancake?
Hue Crispy Pancake is usually served with fresh lettuce, herbs like Thai basil and cilantro, and a tangy dipping sauce. You can also add chili sauce or chopped fresh chili for extra flavor. - Is it necessary to use coconut milk in the batter?
Coconut milk is optional. Adding it to the batter gives the pancake a rich, creamy taste, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the coconut milk. - How can I make the dipping sauce perfect for the pancake?
The dipping sauce for Hue Crispy Pancake typically includes fish sauce mixed with lime juice, garlic, sugar, and chili. Adjust the balance of sweet and sour to your taste to make the sauce well-rounded and flavorful. - Can I make the pancake without turmeric powder?
Turmeric powder gives the pancake a lovely golden color, but you can still make the pancake without it. It won’t affect the flavor significantly. - What’s the best way to keep the pancakes crispy for longer?
To keep the pancakes crispy longer, cook them over medium heat and serve immediately after frying. If you need to keep them for a bit, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Additional Tips:
- Achieving Extra Crispiness: Use ice-cold water in the batter to help achieve a light, crispy crust. The cold water keeps the batter from becoming too thick, resulting in a crispier pancake.
- Vegan Version: Replace shrimp and pork with tofu and mushrooms for a delicious vegan alternative. The pancakes remain just as flavorful and satisfying!
Conlution
Hue Crispy Pancakes is a wonderful dish for gatherings and shared meals, as everyone can assemble their bites with herbs, lettuce, and dipping sauce to suit their tastes. This dish captures the vibrant, savory essence of Hue’s culinary traditions, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Vietnamese cuisine. Recreating Hue Crispy Pancakes at home brings not only the flavors but also the spirit of central Vietnam to your table.
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