Simple Recipe for Vietnamese Pancakes (Banh Khot)

Banh khot, those delightful miniature Vietnamese pancakes, are a street food staple that capture the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, these bite-sized treats are a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. If you’re craving authentic banh khot, look no further than Com Com Restaurant in London, where we’ve perfected the art of this Southern Vietnamese delicacy. But what if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try making these delicious pancakes at home? This article will guide you through a Simple Recipe For Vietnamese Pancakes (Banh Khot) that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.

A Taste of Vietnam at Com Com: The Story of Banh Khot

At Com Com Restaurant, we’re passionate about bringing the vibrant flavors of Vietnam to your table. Banh khot holds a special place in our hearts, representing the rich culinary heritage of Southern Vietnam. The name itself, “banh khot,” literally translates to “pancake sizzling,” perfectly describing the satisfying sound these little pancakes make as they cook in their specialized pan. Our recipe stays true to tradition, using fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver an authentic banh khot experience. From the creamy coconut milk to the succulent prawns nestled in each golden shell, every bite is a journey to the bustling streets of Vietnam.

Banh Khot at Com Com Restaurant

Gathering Your Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

Just like any great dish, the key to delicious banh khot lies in the quality of your ingredients. Com Com Restaurant sources the freshest produce and proteins to ensure an authentic taste. You can replicate this at home by using readily available ingredients from your local Asian supermarket or even your regular grocery store. For the batter, you’ll need rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric powder (for that beautiful golden hue), and a pinch of salt. The filling traditionally consists of prawns, but you can also use other seafood or even minced pork. Don’t forget the essential accompaniments: fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, crisp lettuce leaves, and the flavorful dipping sauce, nuoc cham.

From Batter to Bliss: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Banh Khot

Making banh khot is easier than you think! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating these miniature masterpieces:

1. Prepare the Batter: Combine the rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: Clean and devein the prawns. If using other fillings, prepare them accordingly.
3. Heat the Banh Khot Pan: This specialized pan is crucial for achieving the signature crispy crust. Heat it over medium heat and brush each mold with a little oil.
4. Cook the Pancakes: Pour a small ladleful of batter into each mold. Add a prawn or your chosen filling to the center.
5. Sizzle and Flip: Cook for a few minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy. Flip the pancakes and cook for another minute.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the banh khot to a platter lined with lettuce leaves. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately with nuoc cham.

Preparing Banh Khot at Home

Tips and Variations: Taking Your Banh Khot to the Next Level

Want to experiment with your banh khot? Here are some tips and variations:

• Vegan Banh Khot: Substitute the prawns with diced tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the batter or the nuoc cham for an extra kick.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Try adding shredded carrots, daikon radish, or pickled onions for added flavor and texture.

A Nutritional Powerhouse: The Health Benefits of Banh Khot

Banh khot isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Rice flour provides carbohydrates for energy, while prawns are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The fresh herbs add vitamins and antioxidants, making banh khot a relatively healthy and satisfying snack or meal.

The Com Com Experience: Pairing and Enjoying Your Banh Khot

At Com Com Restaurant, we believe that food is best enjoyed in good company. Banh khot is a perfect sharing dish, ideal for a casual gathering with friends and family. Pair it with a refreshing Vietnamese beer or a glass of iced tea for a complete culinary experience.

Enjoying Banh Khot at Com Com

FAQs: Answering Your Banh Khot Queries

• Q: Where can I buy a banh khot pan? A: You can find banh khot pans at most Asian supermarkets or online retailers.
• Q: Can I make banh khot without a specialized pan? A: While a specialized pan is ideal, you can try using a regular skillet or aebleskiver pan.
• Q: What is nuoc cham? A: Nuoc cham is a Vietnamese dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, garlic, and chili.
• Q: Can I make banh khot ahead of time? A: Banh khot is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the batter and filling ahead of time.
• Q: Are there gluten-free options for banh khot? A: Traditionally, banh khot is made with rice flour, which is gluten-free.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits: Your Banh Khot Journey Begins

Banh khot offers a delicious glimpse into the rich culinary landscape of Vietnam. Whether you enjoy them at Com Com Restaurant or try making them at home, these miniature pancakes are sure to delight your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your pan, and embark on your banh khot adventure!