Here's a Classic Vietnamese Bánh Xèo Recipe

Instructions - Putting It All Together

1. Prepare the Batter:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the rice flour, coconut milk, water, turmeric powder, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to fully hydrate. The vibrant color from the turmeric will give your crepes a beautiful golden hue.



2. Prepare the Filling:

• Season the thinly sliced pork with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of vegetable oil and sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant. Add the pork slices and cook until lightly browned, then add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside. Quickly toss in the bean sprouts for a minute just to soften slightly, then combine all the filling ingredients.



3. Cook the Bánh Xèo:

• Heat a nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and brush with a thin layer of oil. Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, swirling it around to cover the bottom in a thin, even layer. Immediately add a portion of the prepared filling (pork, shrimp, onions, and bean sprouts) on one half of the crepe. Let the crepe cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges lift and the bottom is crisp and golden.



4. Fold and Finish Cooking:

• Once the crepe is crispy, fold it in half over the filling and press gently to ensure it holds together. Allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld. If needed, adjust the heat to avoid burning while ensuring the crepe remains crispy.



5. Serve:

• Transfer the Bánh Xèo to a serving plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter and filling. Serve hot with fresh lettuce leaves, herbs, and additional vegetables on the side. To eat, tear a piece of the crepe, wrap it in a lettuce leaf along with some herbs, and dip it into your homemade nuoc cham sauce for an explosion of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors.

Savor your homemade Bánh Xèo, a sumptuous Vietnamese delight featuring perfectly crispy, golden crepes filled with vibrant, aromatic ingredients and paired with refreshing sides!

More Recipes from Vietnam

More recipes from Vietnam including the fragrant bowl of phở with its rich, aromatic broth and delicate rice noodles; the savory, grilled pork bún chả served with tangy dipping sauce; the crispy, flavor-packed bánh mì sandwich combining a French baguette with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs; and the refreshing, hand-rolled gỏi cuốn spring rolls bursting with shrimp, vermicelli, and basil. You'll also discover hearty dishes like cơm tấm, featuring broken rice paired with tender grilled pork and a perfectly fried egg, as well as sweet, silky chè, a dessert soup that melds fruit, beans, and coconut milk. Each of these dishes reflects the vibrant culinary heritage and innovative spirit of Vietnam, inviting you on a delicious journey through a landscape of bold flavors and time-honored traditions.

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Bánh Xèo, the iconic Vietnamese savory crepe, has evolved into a diverse culinary canvas that reflects the country’s regional nuances and innovative spirit. While the classic version features a crisp, golden exterior with fillings of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, variations across Vietnam showcase unique twists on this traditional favorite. In some areas, for instance, local ingredients such as mushrooms, chilis, or even different types of seafood are incorporated to create distinct flavor profiles. Chefs and home cooks alike experiment with the thickness of the batter or the intensity of the turmeric infusion to achieve a perfect balance between crunch and tenderness. These adaptations reveal a vibrant dialogue between tradition and creativity, allowing each region to imprint its own signature on the dish. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the more rural, artisanal kitchens, every variation of Bánh Xèo tells a story of culinary evolution and cultural pride. Ultimately, these differences not only honor the dish’s heritage but also invite diners to experience its endless possibilities.

In the southern regions, Bánh Xèo is often celebrated for its generous use of fresh herbs and bold, savory fillings that cater to a taste for vibrant, layered flavors. Here, the crepe is typically larger and crispier, designed to be wrapped in lettuce with a medley of mint, basil, and cilantro, creating a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich filling. Some vendors add a splash of lime or a drizzle of spicy fish sauce to elevate the experience further. Meanwhile, northern variations might offer a milder flavor profile, emphasizing the delicate balance of the rice batter and subtler fillings that reflect cooler regional tastes. Even within the same region, individual households put their own spin on Bánh Xèo, incorporating family recipes and secret ingredients passed down through generations. This culinary diversity not only enhances the dish’s appeal but also deepens its cultural significance as a shared food tradition. Whether served as a street snack or a festive meal, these regional interpretations resonate with the essence of Vietnamese hospitality and innovation.

The evolution of Bánh Xèo epitomizes the dynamic nature of Vietnamese cuisine, where each variation is a creative expression of local identity and resourcefulness. These adaptations demonstrate how traditional recipes can be reimagined to accommodate modern palates while preserving their cultural roots. Every bite of a freshly made Bánh Xèo offers a sensory journey—from the satisfying crunch of the crepe to the explosion of flavors from its varied fillings and vibrant accompaniments. This dish, with its endless permutations, serves as a culinary bridge linking history, community, and the ever-changing spirit of Vietnam. It invites both locals and visitors to explore a rich tapestry of flavors that evolves with each generation. Ultimately, the myriad forms of Bánh Xèo celebrate the innovative heart of Vietnamese cooking, where tradition is both revered and reinvented. Enjoy the adventure as you dive into this delicious mosaic of taste, texture, and culture.