Craving a taste of Vietnam? Then prepare yourself for a culinary adventure with our crispy vegetarian Banh Xeo recipe! This delightful Vietnamese savory crepe, traditionally made with seafood or pork, gets a vibrant, plant-based makeover without sacrificing any of its delicious, textural complexity. Imagine a golden-brown crepe, crackling with a delightful crispness, filled with fragrant herbs, juicy vegetables, and a hint of turmeric's earthy warmth. This recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible even for novice cooks, delivering authentic Banh Xeo flavor in your own kitchen.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists. Our recipe utilizes readily available produce and simple steps to achieve restaurant-quality results. Get ready to be amazed by the stunning flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a unique appetizer. Ready to create your own crispy, vegetarian Banh Xeo masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Spoon
- Pot
Ingredients
- Banh xeo flour: 500g
- Fried crispy flour: 150g
- Coconut milk: 1 liter
- Onion
- Turmeric powder
- Vegetarian seasoning
- Whole green beans: 100g
- Vegetarian beef
- Oyster mushrooms
- Vegetarian chicken patties
- Carrots
- Bean sprouts
- Cilantro
- Chili
- White radish
- Sugar
- Seasoning powder
- Vegetarian char siu marinade
- Vegetarian oyster sauce
- Vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Fresh water: half a cup
- Rock sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Pickled shallots
- Garlic
- Leaf mushroom
- Bitter greens
- Betel leaves
- Cucumbers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Savory Filling and Batter
- Stir-fry green beans, vegetarian beef, oyster mushrooms, vegetarian chicken patties, carrots, bean sprouts, and cilantro. Season with water, sugar, seasoning powder, and vegetarian char siu marinade. Add more vegetables as desired.
- Combine banh xeo flour, fried crispy flour, coconut milk, onion (optional), turmeric powder, and vegetarian seasoning in a bowl or pot until smooth. The batter shouldn't be too runny or too thick.
Step 2. Cook the Banh Xeo Pancake
- Add oil to a hot pan.
- Pour the batter onto the hot pan, creating a circle. Add green beans and bean sprouts on top, cover and cook until the bean sprouts are cooked.
- Add the prepared filling to the pancake. Cover and cook for another 2 minutes. Reduce heat to allow the edges to crisp.
Step 3. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce
- Combine vinegar, fresh water, sugar, and chili, carrots, and white radish (optional). Simmer until sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly before adding chili, carrots, and white radish.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the banh xeo hot with the sweet and sour fish sauce and fresh vegetables.
Read more: Vietnamese Sponge Wedding Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- For extra crispy pancakes, use fried crispy flour. Keep bean sprouts dry for better results.
- Adjust the seasoning in the filling and fish sauce to your family's preference.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and mushrooms in the filling.
- Use a large pan for larger, more attractive banh xeo.
- The batter shouldn’t be too runny or too thick; adjust accordingly.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 2500-3000
- Fat: 120-150g
- Carbs: 300-350g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the coconut milk?
While coconut milk gives the best flavor and texture, you can try substituting with regular milk or even water, but the crepe might be slightly less flavorful and less rich.
2. What can I use instead of bean sprouts?
Other crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, julienned cabbage, or mung bean sprouts would work well as a substitute for bean sprouts.
3. How do I store leftover Banh Xeo?
Store leftover Banh Xeo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
So there you have it – a delicious and surprisingly simple vegetarian Banh Xeo recipe that brings a taste of the Vietnamese countryside to your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfying crunch, the vibrant flavors, and the sheer joy of creating this beautiful dish. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!