Vegan Bánh Xèo (GF Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)

July 25, 2022
With COVID still happening and lockdowns still going on in some parts of the world, one of the places I miss the most is Vietnam. The hustle and bustle with crazy roads where locals say the zebra crossings are just for decoration—you either learn how to be one with it and motorcycle drivers or never get to the other side! … and of course most of all, I miss their amazing street food. One of my favorites is their Bánh Xèo.

The beautiful influence from the French and the fusion of Vietnamese ingredients created Bánh Xèo—a golden savory pancake. Its direct translation is cake or bread (Bánh, derived from the French word "pain" ) and Xèo, mimicking the sizzling sound of this savory crêpe that goes "ssseeeooohhh" when the batter is poured over hot pan.

It is crispy on the outside with a slight chew on the inside stuffed with fresh vegetables and herbs. We were taught to eat it the right way where you rip some of the Bánh Xèo then add a leaf of each herb (mint and cilantro) then wrap it with some fresh lettuce and pop it in your mouth for textures and flavors of wonders! Learn how to make your own sizzling cakes at home without traveling all the way to Southeast Asia.
vegan banh xeo on a white plate

Vegan Bánh Xèo (GF Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)

Recipe Type:
utensils YIELDS 2–3 pancakes
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  • 1 cup rice flour 
  • 1 tbsp corn flour   
  • pinch turmeric powder
  • pinch salt
  • 1 cup plant-based milk of choice
  • 2–3 stalks of spring onion (chopped)
  • 2–3 tbsp oil (for pan frying)
  • 1 cup beansprout
  • 1 carrot (cut into matchsticks)
  • 1 cucumber (also cut into matchsticks)
  • handful fresh mint
  • handful cilantro
  • 1 lime (cut into wedges)
tomato
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Directions

Watch me make it in our YouTube video.

1. In a big mixing bowl, combine your flours, a pinch of turmeric for that beautiful natural coloring and salt until well combined.

2. Next, pour in your vegan milk of choice (coconut milk is mainly used but any plant based milk will do, I’ve tried with soy milk and it worked out fine) and whisk until you have your own Bahn Xèo batter.

3. Add in your spring onion and preheat your pan.

4. Drizzle 1 tbsp oil to your hot pan for each 2–3 ladle spoonful of batter.

5. Pan fry each side until golden brown.

6. Add your choice of veggies as filling and fold in half like you would with a crepe.

7. Enjoy with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Also by Bel: Lentil Walnut Vegan Crumble

Vegan Pumpkin Tray Cake

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Photo, video and video editing by: @BelBrosasFaustino


Bel Faustino
Bel’s curiosity for healthy living started at a young age of 11. From mindful eating to exercise, she always had a sweet tooth struggle and her weakness are desserts. It then took her high school and uni days to find the balance to maintain the healthy lifestyle yet enjoy desserts in a more guilt-free way and veganizing them seems the way to do it. Obsessed with always finding healthier alternatives, she hopes to recreate her favorite non vegan treats and share her recipes through her culture (Filipina born in Macau, S.A.R., China), lifestyle, childhood memories and travels (Southeast Asia, USA, Mexico, UK and more to come!). Follow her journey in Instagram @belbrosasfaustino.

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