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Bánh xèo
Whisk the rice flour, cornflour, turmeric and salt with the coconut milk and water until smooth. Stir in the spring onion and rest for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge. It should be as thin as single cream; add a splash of water if it is not.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Bánh xèo take?
2 hr 10 min all in — 40 min prep, 1 hr cook, 30 min rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Fish, Shellfish, Soy. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Gluten-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Frying pan, Saucepan, Mixing bowl, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at ½ tsp.
How much fish sauce?
1 tbsp (for the pork and prawns) of Fish sauce.
How much fish sauce?
3 tbsp of Fish sauce.
How much sugar?
3 tbsp of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Pork and prawns → Oyster mushrooms and firm tofu. Use soy sauce in place of fish sauce in the filling and the dip for a vegetarian bánh xèo. Split mung beans → More bean sprouts. Mung beans add body and a nutty taste, but plenty of home cooks leave them out.
Any tips from this recipe?
Stir the batter before every pancake. Rice flour sinks to the bottom of the bowl. A carbon-steel or well-seasoned pan crisps better than a worn non-stick one. Whatever you use, keep it hot. If the first ones come out soft, add a spoon more cornflour or a splash of beer to the batter.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Whisk the rice flour, cornflour, turmeric and salt with the coconut milk and water until smooth. Stir in the spring onion and rest for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge. It should be as thin as single cream; add a splash of water if it is not.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.