Savory pandan cake, or Banh Duc Man in Vietnamese, is a delightful and unique culinary experience. Unlike its sweeter counterparts, this cake boasts a subtle savory flavor profile, thanks to the addition of shrimp and scallions. The fragrant pandan leaves infuse the cake with their signature aromatic essence, creating a delicate balance of savory and sweet. This recipe offers a fresh twist on traditional pandan cake, perfect for those looking to explore the versatility of this popular Southeast Asian ingredient. Its soft, spongy texture and flavorful fillings make it a captivating appetizer or snack, ideal for sharing with friends and family.
This recipe unlocks the secrets to crafting the perfect savory pandan cake, from preparing the pandan paste to achieving the ideal texture. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below and create this delectable Vietnamese treat together.
Tools Needed
- steamer
- mixing bowl
- mold
- spatula
- whisk or spoon
- bamboo core
- food wrap
- pan
- knife
Ingredients
- rice flour: 200g
- tapioca starch: 40g or 60g (optional)
- sugar: 2 tablespoons
- salt: 1/3 teaspoon
- coconut milk (concentrated): 500ml
- hot water: 500ml
- pork: 200g
- cassava: 50g
- carrots: 50g
- shrimp: 200g
- wood ear mushrooms: 50g
- onion: 1 tablespoon (minced)
- cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
- pandan essence or water: a little
- green onions: some
- pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- sugar for fish sauce: 1 ladle
- fish sauce: 1 ladle
- water for fish sauce: 3 ladles
- lemon or lime juice (optional): 1 tablespoon
- garlic and chili (for fish sauce): some
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Savory Pandan Cake Batter and Steam
- Combine rice flour, tapioca starch (optional), sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add concentrated coconut milk and mix well. Gradually add hot water while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Grease a steamer mold and preheat it for a few minutes.
- Pour half of the batter into the mold, steam for 5-6 minutes. Then stir the remaining batter and pour it over the first layer. Continue steaming.
- Set aside a small portion of batter. Mix with pandan essence or water.
- Steam the bottom layer until cooked, then add the green pandan layer on top. Steam for an additional 12-15 minutes.
Step 2. Prepare the Savory Pork Filling
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté minced onion until fragrant. Add ground pork and stir-fry until firm. Add cassava and carrots, stir-fry until partially cooked.
- Add shrimp and stir-fry until cooked. Add wood ear mushrooms and season with sugar, seasoning powder, and salt.
- Stir in green onions and pepper.
Step 3. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Fish Sauce
- Combine sugar, fish sauce, and water. Cook until sugar dissolves. Add chili, lemon/lime juice (optional), and garlic.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting. To speed up cooling, submerge the cake in iced water.
- Cut the cake and arrange slices on a plate. Top with the filling, garnish with herbs and cucumber, and serve with the fish sauce.
Read more: Vietnamese Sponge Wedding Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Don't use too much tapioca starch, it will make the cake tough.
- Steam the bottom layer of the cake until fully cooked before adding the top layer to prevent a soggy texture.
- Cover the cake with food wrap after steaming to prevent it from drying out.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting and serving.
- Stir-fry the meat filling over high heat to prevent it from releasing too much water.
- Add cassava and carrots early in the filling preparation as they take longer to cook.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes! Ground pork or shredded chicken work well as substitutes for the shrimp. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
2. How do I store leftover Banh Duc Man?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
With its delicate pandan aroma and savory shrimp filling, this Banh Duc Man is a true culinary delight. This recipe is a fantastic way to experience the unique flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, impressing even the most discerning palates. Enjoy the delicious results of your hard work, and don't hesitate to experiment with different fillings to create your own variations!