| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 310 | 20g | 12g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 1g | 13g | 1.20g |
When I first came across the recipe for Vietnamese Rice Paddy Herb Pancakes, I was immediately drawn to its vibrant array of ingredients and East-meets-West appeal. As someone who grew up savoring the diverse range of flavors in California’s melting pot and later creating health-conscious comfort food, this dish offered the perfect blend of the familiar and the exotic.
A Culinary Fusion
Vietnamese Rice Paddy Herb Pancakes, also known as “Bánh Xèo,” are reminiscent of the crispy, savory crepes my family enjoys, but with a unique twist. The use of rice flour and tapioca starch creates a batter that is both light and crispy, while the inclusion of rice paddy herb adds an aromatic depth that sets it apart from more traditional Western pancakes. The combination of fresh ingredients like shrimp, pork belly, and mung bean sprouts layered with coconut milk gives the dish a wonderfully rich and balanced flavor profile.
Health Benefits
Besides being absolutely delicious, this recipe includes several healthful benefits. The herbs and fresh vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which are excellent for the immune system. The turmeric powder not only adds a beautiful golden hue to the pancakes but also offers anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for overall wellness. Additionally, using coconut milk as a base helps to provide healthy fats, which are essential for brain health and maintaining optimal energy levels.
If you love Vietnamese cuisine, you might find that these pancakes have a flavor profile similar to other beloved dishes such as Spring Rolls or Pho. They pair beautifully with light salads or a side of pickled vegetables, making for an outstanding meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or looking to impress at your next dinner party, Vietnamese Rice Paddy Herb Pancakes are a fantastic choice. They capture the essence of California’s fresh, vibrant ingredients and marry them with the nuanced flavors of Vietnamese cooking. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound pork belly, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mung bean sprouts, rinsed
- 1 cup fresh rice paddy herb leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Method
Step One
In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca starch, turmeric powder, sugar, and salt. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and water until you achieve a smooth batter. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes.
Step Two
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Step Three
Add the pork belly slices to the skillet and cook until they start to turn golden brown. Then add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque. Stir in the fish sauce and ground black pepper. Remove from heat and set the filling aside.
Step Four
In a separate non-stick pan, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Pour a ladleful of the batter into the pan and tilt to spread it thinly and evenly.
Step Five
Allow the pancake to cook for about 2 minutes until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is golden brown. Add a portion of the pork and shrimp filling, a few slices of onion, some mung bean sprouts, and chopped rice paddy herb leaves on one half of the pancake.
Step Six
Fold the pancake over the filling and gently press down. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the pancake is crispy. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling.
Step Seven
Serve the Vietnamese Rice Paddy Herb Pancakes hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce, such as Nuoc Cham, and enjoy!
