Savory Vietnamese Banh Xeo with Shrimp and Bean Sprouts

Name: Savory Vietnamese Banh Xeo with Shrimp and Bean Sprouts
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 1 cup rice flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 1/2 cups coconut milk; 1 cup water; 1 tsp turmeric powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup bean sprouts; 1/2 cup thinly sliced pork belly (optional); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fish sauce; 2 tbsp sugar; 1/4 cup lime juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 bird's eye chili, sliced; Fresh lettuce leaves; Mixed herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil); Lime wedges

Crispy Vietnamese Crêpes

Delight in these crispy and savory Vietnamese pancakes, packed with fresh shrimp, crunchy bean sprouts, and aromatic herbs for a delightful meal.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Banh Xeo Batter

1 cup rice flour

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 1/2 cups coconut milk

1 cup water

1 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 green onions, thinly sliced

For the Filling

8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup bean sprouts

1/2 cup thinly sliced pork belly (optional)

1 small onion, thinly sliced

For the Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham)

1/4 cup fish sauce

2 tbsp sugar

1/4 cup lime juice

1 clove garlic, minced

1 bird's eye chili, sliced

For the Accompaniments

Fresh lettuce leaves

Mixed herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)

Lime wedges

Preparation

Preparing the Batter

Whisk the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, coconut milk, water, turmeric, and salt until smooth.

Add green onions

Stir in the sliced green onions.

Rest the batter

Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes.

Chef’s Tip: For the crispiest texture, ensure your pan is hot before adding the batter.

Preparing the Filling

Sauté pork belly

Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the pork belly slices until lightly browned.

Cook shrimp and onion

Add the shrimp and onion, cooking until the shrimp are just opaque.

Make sure to thoroughly drain any excess moisture from the shrimp to ensure the pancakes stay crispy. Pro Tip: Marinate shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Set aside

Remove from heat and set aside.

Cooking Process

Cooking Banh Xeo

Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil. Pour a thin layer of batter, swirling to coat the bottom.

Adding Filling

Place a portion of shrimp, pork, and onions on one half, topping with bean sprouts.

Crisping & Folding

Allow the pancake to crisp, then fold in half once the edges are golden and crisp.

Plating & Serving