Banh Cuon (Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls)

Banh Cuon is a delicate Vietnamese dish made of thin, silky rice rolls filled with savory ingredients. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast or light meal, these steamed rolls are served with fresh herbs, crispy shallots, and a tangy dipping sauce, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Rice Batter:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 3 tablespoons tapioca starch
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 200g ground pork
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

For Serving:

• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
• Fried shallots
• Nuoc cham dipping sauce (or fish sauce with lime, sugar, water, and chili)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice Batter

   In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca starch, salt, and water. Whisk until smooth and let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Filling

   Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant. Add ground pork, fish sauce, and black pepper. Cook until the pork is fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Set aside.

3. Steam the Rice Rolls

   Use a non-stick pan or a flat steaming tray. Brush lightly with oil. Pour a thin layer of batter to cover the surface and steam for 2–3 minutes, until the rice sheet becomes translucent. Carefully remove the sheet and place on a clean surface.

4. Fill the Rolls

   Place a small amount of the cooked pork filling on one edge of the rice sheet. Roll it up gently, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling.

5. Serve

   Arrange the rolls on a serving plate. Garnish with fried shallots and fresh herbs. Serve with nuoc cham or your preferred dipping sauce.

Serving

Banh Cuon pairs beautifully with Vietnamese pork sausage (cha lua) and cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture with the aromatic herbs and tangy dipping sauce for an authentic taste of Vietnam.