Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Sizzling Crepes)

Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese street food with Banh Xeo, crispy rice flour crepes filled with savory shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Light, fragrant, and irresistibly crunchy, these golden pancakes are perfect for sharing and wrapping in fresh herbs and lettuce.

Ingredients

For the Batter

• 1 cup rice flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 green onions, finely chopped

For the Filling

• 200 g (7 oz) pork belly or thinly sliced pork shoulder
• 200 g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Fresh lettuce leaves
• Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro, perilla if available)
• Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

   In a mixing bowl, whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, turmeric powder, salt, coconut milk, and water until smooth. Stir in the chopped green onions. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to blend and the texture to develop.

2. Prepare the Filling

   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the pork slices until lightly browned and cooked through. Add shrimp and onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the shrimp turn pink. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Cook the Crepes

   Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil it. Add a few slices of pork and shrimp, then pour in just enough batter to thinly coat the pan. Tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly. Add a small handful of bean sprouts on one side. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, then uncover and cook another 2–3 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden. Fold the crepe in half and slide it onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling.

4. Serve

   Serve Banh Xeo hot with fresh lettuce and herbs on the side. To eat, tear off a piece of crepe, wrap it in lettuce with herbs, and dip it into Nuoc Cham sauce for a burst of flavor.

Serving

Banh Xeo is best enjoyed fresh off the pan, paired with a light dipping sauce and crisp greens. It makes a wonderful appetizer or a full meal when served with a variety of herbs and vegetables.

Delight in the textures and aromas of Banh Xeo — a classic Vietnamese dish that perfectly balances crispiness, freshness, and bold flavor.