If you’ve ever craved something savory, crispy, and utterly satisfying, Bánh Xèo is the dish to try! This iconic Vietnamese pancake is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or create a family favorite, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers authentic results.

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What is Bánh Xèo?

Bánh Xèo, meaning “sizzling pancake,” gets its name from the sound it makes when the batter hits a hot skillet. It’s a thin, golden crepe made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Traditionally, it’s served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and a tangy dipping sauce called Nuoc Cham.

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📌 Tools:

• Wok: https://amzn.to/3VglQll
• Knife: https://amzn.to/3ZvnCS4
• Cutting Board: https://thedrunkenwoodshop.com/previous-projects/

📜 Recipe Overview:

• Prepare the Batter: Combine rice flour, turmeric powder, coconut milk, and water to create a smooth batter.

• Cook the Fillings: Sauté shrimp, pork belly, bean sprouts, and green onions until tender.

• Make the Pancake: Heat a non-stick skillet, pour in the batter, and spread it thin. Add the cooked fillings on top.

• Achieve the Perfect Crisp: Let the pancake cook until the edges are crispy and golden brown.

• Fold and Serve: Fold the pancake in half and serve hot with fresh lettuce, herbs, and fish sauce.

Ingredient list:

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter:

• In a bowl, combine the batter ingredients until smooth.
• Gradually whisk in more water (if needed) until you get a batter that is a little thinner than the pancake ( see YouTube video)
• Add sliced green onions and let the batter rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the fish sauce:

• Mix all fish sauce ingredients until sugar dissolves.
• Adjust flavors to taste.

3. Cook the filling:

• cook the green beans like how you would cook your rice
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear pork slices until lightly browned, about 80% cooked

4. Make the pancakes:

• Heat a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
• Add shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, then add pork, mushroom, and onion
• Pour a thin layer of batter into the skillet, swirling to coat evenly.
• Add cooked green beans and bean sprouts to one side of the pancake.
• Cover with a lid and cook for 3–5 minutes until the edges are crispy and the bottom is golden brown.

5. Fold and serve:

• Fold the pancake in half and transfer to a plate.
• Serve with lettuce, fresh herbs, and Nuoc Cham (fish sauce) on the side.

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Tips for Success

1. Hot skillet is key: A well-heated skillet ensures a crispy pancake.
2. Thin batter: The batter should be watery, not thick, for a light, crispy texture.
3. Customize the filling: Substitute shrimp and pork with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.

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Enjoy Your Bánh Xèo!

Bánh Xèo is more than just a dish; it’s a fun, hands-on dining experience. Wrap a piece of the pancake in lettuce, add herbs, and dip it into the Nuoc Cham for a burst of flavor.

Have you tried making Bánh Xèo at home? Let me know how it turned out or share your unique twists in the comments below! 🌿