Bánh Khọt, or Vietnamese mini savory pancakes, are a treasured dish that showcases the vibrant flavors and textures of Southern Vietnamese street food. These small, golden pancakes are made with a rich rice flour and coconut milk batter, infused with turmeric for color and depth. They are typically cooked in a cast iron pan with rounded molds, resulting in crispy edges and a soft, creamy center. Each one is traditionally topped with succulent shrimp, mung beans, and scallions, then served with a side of fresh herbs, leafy greens, and a tangy nước chấm dipping sauce. Bánh Khọt is a delightful combination of crispy, creamy, and savory, delivering a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re trying this dish for the first time or recreating a taste of home, these mini pancakes are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Rice flour

• Cornstarch

• Coconut milk

• Turmeric powder

• Salt

• Water

• Cooked mung beans

• Medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• Scallions

• Oil (for frying)

• Fish sauce

• Sugar

• Lime juice

• Garlic

• Red chili

• Assorted herbs (mint, basil, cilantro)

• Leafy greens (lettuce or mustard greens)

Directions

• Mix rice flour, cornstarch, coconut milk, turmeric powder, salt, and water until smooth.

• In a small bowl, make the dipping sauce by combining fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and red chili.

• Heat a Bánh Khọt or Aebleskiver pan on medium heat and lightly grease each mold with oil.

• Pour the batter into each mold until about ¾ full.

• Place a shrimp and some mung beans in the center of each pancake.

• Cover with a lid and let steam cook until the shrimp are fully cooked and the bottoms are crispy and golden.

• Remove the lid, add scallions on top, and cook uncovered for a few more minutes.

• Carefully remove the pancakes and serve immediately with herbs, greens, and dipping sauce.

Nutrients

• High in protein from shrimp and mung beans

• Rich in healthy fats from coconut milk

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from turmeric

• Offers vitamins A and C from fresh herbs

• Gluten-free when using rice flour

• Balanced in sodium and sugar due to the dipping sauce

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Bánh Khọt is a truly unique dish that showcases the complexity and richness of Vietnamese cuisine. One of the key reasons this recipe stands out is its harmony of texture and flavor. With a crispy exterior, creamy inner layer, and a burst of umami from the shrimp, each bite is satisfying and layered. The preparation is visually appealing and interactive, making it a great addition to family gatherings or parties. What makes Bánh Khọt even more special is its adaptability—while shrimp is traditional, you can substitute it with other seafood or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

This dish is also a cultural gem, deeply rooted in Southern Vietnamese culinary traditions. Street vendors across Vietnam often serve Bánh Khọt sizzling hot, topped with fresh herbs and accompanied by nước chấm sauce. Recreating this experience at home allows you to enjoy authentic Vietnamese street food in your own kitchen. The vibrant colors from turmeric and fresh herbs also make it visually stunning, ensuring that it appeals to both the eyes and the palate.

Another unique aspect of this dish is its bite-sized nature. These mini pancakes are designed for sharing and grazing, encouraging conversation and interaction at the table. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, Bánh Khọt is a flavorful and memorable addition to any menu.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The ingredients in Bánh Khọt are not only flavorful but also contribute significant nutritional benefits. Rice flour, the main component of the batter, is naturally gluten-free and easy to digest, making it suitable for people with gluten sensitivities. Coconut milk adds creaminess and a rich flavor while also supplying healthy fats that help with energy and nutrient absorption. Turmeric, known for its golden hue, is packed with curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Shrimp serves as a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. Mung beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and key vitamins like folate and magnesium, which help in regulating blood sugar levels and improving digestion. The addition of fresh herbs such as mint, basil, and cilantro not only enhances flavor but also supplies a burst of antioxidants and micronutrients.

The dipping sauce, typically made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili, is more than just a condiment. Fish sauce offers a deep umami flavor while being low in calories. The lime juice adds vitamin C and a refreshing zing, while chili provides capsaicin, which is known to boost metabolism and support immune health. Altogether, these ingredients make Bánh Khọt a well-rounded dish that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Cooking Tips

To make the perfect Bánh Khọt at home, using the right equipment and technique is essential. First and foremost, invest in a Bánh Khọt or Aebleskiver pan, as it provides the individual molds necessary for shaping and cooking the pancakes. Preheating the pan thoroughly before adding the batter is key to achieving that crispy, golden crust. Make sure to use enough oil to coat each mold evenly; this not only prevents sticking but also contributes to the signature crispiness.

When pouring the batter, avoid overfilling the molds. Leave room for the toppings and allow the pancake to cook evenly without spilling. Once the batter is in, immediately add your toppings—shrimp, mung beans, and scallions—so they cook simultaneously with the pancake. Covering the pan while cooking helps steam the batter, ensuring the inside remains soft and fully cooked while the bottom crisps up.

Be patient and resist the urge to flip or move the pancakes too soon. Let them develop that crispy layer before attempting to remove them. Using a small spoon or skewer helps lift the pancakes gently without tearing them. Always serve Bánh Khọt hot, as the crisp texture is best enjoyed fresh from the pan.

If you’re making them for a gathering, consider preparing the batter and toppings ahead of time, so the actual cooking process can be done quickly and efficiently. You can also make a scallion oil (scallions cooked gently in oil) to drizzle over the pancakes before serving for an added layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Bánh Khọt is best served as an appetizer or part of a light meal, accompanied by fresh greens and a dipping sauce. The traditional way to enjoy it is to wrap each pancake in a large lettuce leaf with assorted herbs and dip it into nước chấm. This method provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm, savory pancake and allows you to experience a full range of textures and flavors in each bite.

For a party or casual dinner with friends, present Bánh Khọt on a large platter with individual bowls of dipping sauce and piles of herbs and greens so guests can assemble their own wraps. This interactive format not only makes dining more engaging but also invites conversation and enjoyment.

You can also serve Bánh Khọt as part of a Vietnamese-themed meal. Pair it with fresh spring rolls, grilled pork skewers, or vermicelli noodle salads for a complete spread. The contrast between hot and cold dishes, fresh and fried textures, and spicy and tangy flavors makes for a well-balanced and exciting meal.

If you’re looking to get creative, try experimenting with other toppings. Scallops, squid, or even thin slices of pork belly can add new dimensions to the dish. Vegetarian options such as mushrooms or tofu also work well, especially when paired with the right seasoning. No matter how you serve it, Bánh Khọt is a delightful dish that brings both flavor and fun to the table.

Conclusion

Bánh Khọt is a dish that truly encapsulates the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine. With its vibrant flavors, engaging preparation, and rich cultural roots, it offers more than just sustenance—it offers a culinary experience. The contrast between crispy and creamy textures, combined with the freshness of herbs and the depth of the dipping sauce, makes each bite complex and satisfying.

Beyond its taste, Bánh Khọt stands out for its adaptability and healthful ingredients. From heart-healthy shrimp to fiber-rich mung beans and antioxidant-packed herbs, each component contributes to a nourishing, flavorful meal. It’s a dish that can easily be made gluten-free and modified to fit different dietary preferences, ensuring it can be enjoyed by everyone.

Cooking Bánh Khọt at home is an opportunity to bring Vietnamese street food into your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, the process is both fun and rewarding. And when you sit down to enjoy it—wrapping each pancake in crisp greens, dunking it into tangy sauce, and savoring the blend of textures—you’ll understand why this dish holds such a cherished place in Vietnamese hearts.