Steamed Rice Cake with Shrimp: Vietnamese Banh Cuon Hai San

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, one dish that stands out for its unique combination of flavors and textures is Banh Cuon Hai San, also known as steamed rice cake with shrimp. This delicate and savory dish is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and it’s easy to see why.

Banh Cuon Hai San is a traditional Vietnamese dish that consists of thin steamed rice cakes filled with a delicious mixture of shrimp, pork, and mushrooms. The rice cakes are soft and silky, while the filling adds a burst of umami flavor that is irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup wood ear mushrooms, soaked and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Green onions, chopped for garnish
• Cilantro, chopped for garnish
• Fried shallots, for garnish
• Nuoc cham dipping sauce

Instructions:

To make the rice cakes, start by mixing the rice flour, tapioca flour, salt, and water in a bowl until smooth. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour a ladleful of the batter onto the pan, swirling it around to form a thin layer. Cover and cook for a few minutes until set, then carefully transfer the rice cake to a plate.

For the filling, heat some oil in a pan and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the shrimp, pork, and mushrooms, and cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Season with fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper.

To assemble the Banh Cuon Hai San, place a spoonful of the filling onto each rice cake and roll it up to form a tight cylinder. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and fried shallots. Serve with nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side.

Conclusion:

Banh Cuon Hai San is a dish that showcases the delicate and nuanced flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. The combination of soft rice cakes and savory shrimp filling is a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese food or looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and experience the deliciousness of Banh Cuon Hai San!