Vetri Cooking Lab

Vegetarian Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepes)

Adapted from Andrea Nguyen, Bon Appétit

Ingredients

For the batter:

  • ¾ cup (120 g) white rice flour
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp (heaping) ground turmeric
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 ½ cups hot tap water

For the dipping sauce:

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce (or 2 Tbsp. fish sauce)
  • 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 2 Tbsp honey/agave/maple syrup

For the crepes and serving:

  • 1/4 head of red cabbage, core removed, thinly sliced
  • 1 small yellow or red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, cut into thin strips (julienned)
  • 4 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 head tender lettuce (eg. butter or red leaf)
  • 1 large handful fresh mint or basil leaves
  • 1 large handful cilantro leaves, with tender stems

Directions

  1. Make the batter: Whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, salt, and turmeric. Stream in the hot water and whisk to combine, then add the coconut milk. Let batter sit, uncovered for about 30 minutes, until thickened slightly. Liquid will separate out to the top, so give it a good stir to check the consistency.
  2. Prepare the dipping sauce: Combine all ingredients in a bowl, making sure the honey (or agave or maple) is evenly distributed.
  3. Heat 2 tsps oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat until very hot and shimmering. Add a small handful (about 1/6th) of the onions, scallions, and carrots to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally for about 30 seconds.
  4. Give the batter a good stir, ensuring even consistency throughout. Add ⅓ cup of the batter to the pan, swirling around to cover the pan. Pile 1/6th of the cabbage onto one half of the crepe and cover pan, allowing cabbage to cook until softened, about 1 minute. Uncover and drizzle small amount of oil around edges of crepe (this is to make sure it crisps)
  5. Reduce heat and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until edges of crepe release from pan. Using a spatula fold crepe in half. If it is not lightly browned and crispy, leave in pan for additional minute or two.
  6. Remove crepe to plate and serve immediately. Use scissors to cut into manageable pieces and serve by wrapping each piece in a leaf of lettuce, adding herbs, and dipping in sauce.

@vetricommunity

Follow us on social media for recipes, resources and the latest VCP news!

Follow us on Instagram