Banh Bot Bang, meaning "flattened tapioca cakes," are a beloved Vietnamese street food known for their incredibly chewy texture and subtly sweet flavor. These delightful treats are incredibly versatile, often served plain with a sprinkle of sugar or enjoyed as part of a larger dish, alongside savory toppings like grilled pork or fresh herbs. Their simple elegance belies a surprisingly satisfying culinary experience, one that's both comforting and unique. The preparation, while seemingly straightforward, requires careful attention to achieve the perfect balance of chewiness and smoothness.
This recipe will guide you through the process of creating these delightful rice cakes from scratch, ensuring you achieve that perfect, slightly translucent and wonderfully chewy texture. From preparing the tapioca flour batter to mastering the delicate art of cooking the cakes on a lightly oiled griddle, each step will be clearly outlined to make this Vietnamese culinary adventure a success in your own kitchen. Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- pots
- pan
- steamer
- bowl
- strainer
Ingredients
- mung beans: 200g
- purple leaves: 100g
- Banh Asian flour: 200g
- water: 600ml + 450ml + 1L (optional)
- sugar: 70g + 1 tbsp
- salt: 1/3 tsp
- coconut milk: 150ml + 400ml
- tapioca starch: 40g
- rice flour or cornstarch: 1/2 tbsp
- sesame seeds (optional)
- roasted peanuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Fillings and Batter
- Wash 200g mung beans, soak in water for at least 2 hours. Rinse again, add 600ml water, bring to a boil, skim foam, reduce heat, cover loosely and cook for 15-20 minutes until soft and water is absorbed.
- Bring 450ml purple leaf water to a boil, add 200g Banh Asian flour, stir constantly until boiling, then cook for 1 minute and turn off heat. Cover to let it expand for 15-20 minutes.
- Repeat step 3 but use 450ml filtered water instead of purple leaf water.
- Add 70g sugar, 1/3 tsp salt, 150ml coconut milk to cooked mung beans. Stir-fry over low heat for 10 minutes until thickened and smooth.
- Add 1 tbsp sugar and 40g tapioca starch to each batter; mix well.
Step 2. Shape and Steam the Rice Cakes
- Divide the mung bean filling into 20g balls. Take a 40g portion of the dough, flatten it, enclose the filling and roll it into a ball. Place into small oiled bowls.
- Steam the shaped rice cakes for 15 minutes over medium heat until translucent.
Step 3. Prepare the Coconut Milk Sauce
- Combine 400ml coconut milk, 60g sugar, 1/3 tsp salt, and 1/2 tbsp rice flour. Bring to a boil, simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the cooled rice cakes with coconut milk sauce. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
Read more: Vietnamese Sponge Wedding Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Cover the beans loosely while cooking to prevent overflow.
- Stir frequently while cooking the filling to prevent sticking.
- Don't overcook the mung bean filling, it will dry out when it cools.
- Don't leave the rice cake batter for too long after cooking, or it will be difficult to mix with tapioca starch.
- Add tapioca starch in two or three times to ensure good mixing.
- The rice cakes are best served cold.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute tapioca flour with other flours?
While tapioca flour is key to Banh Bot Bang's unique texture, you can try a small substitution (up to 25%) with rice flour for a slightly different, but still enjoyable result. However, all-tapioca flour is recommended for best results.
2. How do I store leftover Banh Bot Bang?
Store leftover cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Gently reheat them in a pan or microwave before serving.
3. What are some good toppings for Banh Bot Bang?
Banh Bot Bang are incredibly versatile! Enjoy them plain with sugar, or add savory toppings like grilled pork, shredded chicken, fresh herbs (cilantro, mint), pickled vegetables, or even a drizzle of nước chấm (fish sauce dipping sauce).
Making Banh Bot Bang may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you'll be creating these chewy delights in no time. Enjoy the satisfying chewiness and subtle sweetness of your homemade Banh Bot Bang, experimenting with different toppings to discover your favorite combination. Now go forth and enjoy this delicious taste of Vietnamese street food!