If you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, you’ve likely come across banh khot – the bite-sized and crispy savory pancakes that are a delight to eat. Whether you’ve tried them in a local Vietnamese restaurant or on the streets of Vietnam, making banh khot at home is a fantastic way to recreate that authentic experience and enjoy this delicious appetizer whenever you like.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making banh khot from scratch. From the essential ingredients to the cooking techniques and serving suggestions, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create the perfect banh khot at home. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to crafting these delectable Vietnamese mini savory pancakes!
Understanding Banh Khot
What is Banh Khot?
Banh khot is a Vietnamese dish that consists of bite-sized savory pancakes made from a batter of rice flour, corn starch, turmeric powder, water, and coconut milk. These pancakes are typically crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, offering a delightful contrast in texture. Banh khot is usually topped with shrimp, brushed with scallion oil, and sprinkled with minced dried salted shrimp. It is traditionally cooked on a special banh khot or aebleskiver pan, which gives the pancakes their distinctive shape.
The Difference Between Banh Khot and Banh Xeo
While banh khot and banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling crepes) may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two. Banh khot is smaller and thicker than banh xeo, making it perfect for enjoying in bite-sized form. Both dishes are wrapped in leafy greens and dipped in a sweet chili sauce, but banh khot has a unique texture and flavor profile that sets it apart. If you have to choose between the two, banh khot is an excellent choice for its simplicity, fewer ingredients, and fun bite-sized presentation.
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup cooked small shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup mung bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: sliced or diced mushrooms, sliced cooked pork, or any other preferred filling
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts (optional for garnish)
For Cooking:
- Vegetable oil for greasing the pan
- A Banh Khot pan or a mini pancake pan (available in Asian grocery stores)
Banh Khot Recipe
Step1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, cornstarch, coconut milk, water, ground turmeric (if using), salt, and sugar.
Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth and slightly thick batter. The consistency should be similar to that of pancake batter.
Step 2: Make the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, water, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced chili (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set the dipping sauce aside.
If using chopped peanuts for garnish, set them aside as well.
Step 3: Prepare the Fillings
Prepare and measure out the cooked small shrimp or prawns, mung bean sprouts, thinly sliced green onions, and any other desired fillings.
Step 4: Cook the Banh Khot
Preheat your Banh Khot pan or mini pancake pan over medium heat.
Grease each well of the pan with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Once the pan is hot, pour a small amount of the batter into each well, filling it to about two-thirds full.
Quickly add a few pieces of shrimp or prawns and a sprinkle of mung bean sprouts and green onions (plus any additional fillings) on top of the batter in each well.
Step 5: Cook the Banh Khot
Allow the Banh Khot to cook for a few minutes until the edges start to turn crispy and golden brown.
Use a small spoon or chopstick to lift the pancakes slightly and check if the bottoms are cooked and crispy.
Once the bottoms are golden and crispy, use a fork or small spatula to carefully flip the pancakes to cook the other side for another minute or two until fully cooked.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the Banh Khot from the pan and arrange them on a serving plate.
Sprinkle chopped peanuts (if using) on top.
Serve the Banh Khot hot with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.
Variations and Toppings
While the classic shrimp topping is traditional and delicious, you can get creative with your banh khot toppings. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary experiments:
- Squid: Cut squid into smaller pieces and marinate them according to your preferences. Cook them the same way you would cook the shrimp.
- Quail Eggs: Crack quail eggs directly into the center of each banh khot mold. The eggs will cook along with the pancakes and add a rich and creamy element to the dish.
- Mung Beans: Sprinkle dry mung beans onto the batter in each mold. The beans will cook and add a subtle nutty flavor to the pancakes.
- Seasoned Pork Mince: Prepare a seasoned pork mince mixture with mild seasonings and no overpowering flavors. Cook the mince separately and add it on top of the banh khot before serving.
- Dried Shrimp Floss: Use a food processor to finely chop dried shrimp into a floss-like texture. Cook the shrimp floss in a frying pan with oil and seasonings until it becomes lightly dry. Sprinkle the shrimp floss on top of the banh khot for an extra burst of umami flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings or create your own unique combinations. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for the Perfect Banh Khot
As you embark on your banh khot-making journey, keep these tips in mind to ensure a successful and enjoyable cooking experience:
- Let the Batter Rest: Allowing the batter to rest for at least 20 minutes or longer will help the flavors meld together and result in a more flavorful pancake.
- Control the Heat: Cooking the banh khot on medium-low heat ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Adjust the heat as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness.
- Be Generous with Oil: Adding enough oil to each mold of the banh khot pan is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness. The oil also adds flavor to the pancakes.
- Serve Fresh: Banh khot is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan. The pancakes will be at their crispiest and most flavorful when served immediately.
- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier texture, you can double fry the banh khot. After the initial cooking, remove the pancakes from the pan and let them cool slightly. Then, return them to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Banh khot is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your banh khot experience:
- Arrange the banh khot on a platter surrounded by an assortment of fresh leafy greens and herbs. This allows everyone to create their own personalized wraps.
- Serve banh khot as an appetizer at a dinner party or as part of a larger Vietnamese feast. The bite-sized pancakes are perfect for sharing and can be a fun and interactive addition to any gathering.
- Pair banh khot with other Vietnamese dishes, such as pho or banh mi, for a complete meal. The combination of flavors and textures will create a memorable dining experience.
- Create a banh khot bar where guests can customize their own pancakes with a variety of toppings and condiments. This interactive setup is perfect for parties and allows everyone to experiment with different flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a regular non-stick pan instead of a banh khot pan?
While a banh khot pan is ideal for achieving the traditional shape and texture of banh khot, you can use a regular non-stick pan as a substitute. Simply pour small amounts of batter into the pan and cook the pancakes like you would regular pancakes.
Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the banh khot batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to give the batter a good stir before using it to ensure it’s well mixed.
Can I freeze leftover banh khot?
Banh khot is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze them for later consumption. Place the cooled pancakes in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw the pancakes and pan-fry them until they are heated through and crispy.
