Vietnamese Banh Xeo

Vietnamese Banh Xeo: Crispy Spring Pancakes with Fresh Herbs

Banh Xeo, meaning “sizzling cake,” is a crispy Vietnamese rice flour pancake stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then wrapped in lettuce and herbs before dipping into a tangy fish sauce. Its freshness and vibrant flavors make it a springtime favorite across Vietnam and beyond.

Ingredients

For 4 servings:

• 200 g rice flour
• 250 ml coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 150 g pork belly, thinly sliced
• 150 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 200 g bean sprouts
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh lettuce, mint, and basil
• Oil for frying
• For the dipping sauce: 2 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 chili (sliced)

Preparation

Making the Batter

1. Whisk together rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. Sauté pork belly until browned. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Remove from pan and set aside.

Cooking the Pancakes

1. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet. Pour in a ladle of batter, tilting the pan to coat evenly.
2. Add a few pieces of pork, shrimp, green onions, and bean sprouts to one side of the pancake.
3. Cover and cook for 2 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking until crispy.
4. Fold the pancake in half and slide onto a plate. Repeat with remaining batter.

Serving

Serve with lettuce, fresh herbs, and the dipping sauce. Diners wrap pieces of Banh Xeo in lettuce and herbs before dipping.

Tips and Variations

• Use mushrooms: For a vegetarian version, replace meat with shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
• Keep warm: Place cooked pancakes in a warm oven while finishing the batch.
• Chill the batter: Cold batter makes crispier pancakes.

FAQ

Can I make Banh Xeo batter in advance?

Yes, prepare the batter a few hours ahead and store in the fridge. Stir before using.

What does “Banh Xeo” mean?

It means “sizzling cake,” referring to the sound the batter makes when it hits the hot pan.

Is Banh Xeo gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free if all ingredients used are pure and not cross-contaminated.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Banh Xeo is a perfect springtime dish: light, flavorful, and interactive. Whether enjoyed as a main or shared appetizer, these sizzling pancakes bring the taste of Vietnam to your table with every crispy bite.