- Dried shrimp, soaked and minced (SEO: Soaked and Minced Dried Shrimp)
- Lemongrass, grated (SEO: Grated Lemongrass)
- Fish sauce, for flavoring (SEO: Fish Sauce)
- Sugar, to balance flavors (SEO: Granulated Sugar)
- Salt, to taste (SEO: Kosher Salt or Table Salt)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (SEO: Vegetable Oil)
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined (SEO: Peeled and Deveined Shrimp)
- Rice flour, for batter (SEO: Rice Flour)
- Water, for mixing the batter (SEO: Cold Water)
Note: Ensure all ingredients are fresh and of high quality to achieve authentic flavors. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Steps
### How to Make Delicious Banh Xeo Vietnamese Shrimp Pancakes
Banh Xeo is a popular Vietnamese pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and herbs. It's crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside—perfect for those who love a fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Follow these detailed steps to make banh xeo at home!
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Oil for cooking
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Pork slices
- Bean sprouts
- Cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
#### Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Non-stick skillet or wok
- Spatula
#### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Prepare the Batter:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rice flour with 3/4 cup of water.
- Mix well until you achieve a smooth batter consistency similar to pancake batter. You can add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and 1 teaspoon of sugar for extra flavor if desired.
2. **Heat the Skillet:**
- Heat your non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough oil (about 3-4 tablespoons) to coat the surface evenly.
- Once the oil is hot, add a small ladleful of batter and quickly spread it with a spatula into a round shape.
3. **Add Fillings:**
- Place two pieces of shrimp, a few slices of pork, and a handful of bean sprouts onto one half of the pancake.
- Fold the other half over to cover the fillings, creating a half-moon shape.
4. **Cook the Pancakes:**
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip carefully without breaking the pancake.
- Drain any excess oil with paper towels before serving.
5. **Serve:**
- Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve alongside lime wedges for squeezing over the pancakes as a finishing touch.
#### Tips for Perfect Banh Xeo:
- Ensure your batter is smooth to avoid lumps in your final dish.
- Use high heat for cooking but be careful not to burn the pancake.
- Fresh shrimp and pork slices will give you better flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning according to personal taste by adding more fish sauce or sugar.
By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy homemade banh xeo right in your kitchen. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a special treat on weekends. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Vietnamese flavors!