Southern Vietnamese Savory Bánh Đúc (Bánh Đúc Mặn) Recipe

Southern Vietnamese Savory Bánh Đúc (Bánh Đúc Mặn) is characterized by its delightful chewiness, smooth texture, and rich, flavorful shrimp and pork topping. More than just a snack, this dish is a complete meal, packed with carbohydrates and protein, making it incredibly appealing to gourmands.

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Ingredients for Southern Savory Bánh Đúc:

** For the Bánh Đúc Cake:

• 250g rice flour
• 40g tapioca starch
• 300ml coconut milk
• 400ml filtered water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

** For the Savory Topping (Nhân Mặn):

• 150g ground pork
• 50g wood ear mushrooms
• 100g dried shrimp
• 1 large purple shallot, sliced (for frying)
• 2 small purple shallots, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 chili, minced (optional)
• Seasonings: sugar, seasoning powder (hạt nêm), fish sauce, lime

Step-by-Step Instructions for Southern Savory Bánh Đúc:

Follow these instructions to create this irresistibly delicious Southern Vietnamese dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Bánh Đúc Batter
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 250g rice flour, 40g tapioca starch, 300ml coconut milk, 400ml filtered water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are completely dissolved and the batter is smooth.
- Strain (Optional): For an even finer texture, you can strain the batter through a sieve to remove any remaining lumps.
- Rest Batter: Let the batter rest for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Steam the Bánh Đúc
- Prepare Steaming Tray: Lightly brush a thin layer of cooking oil onto your steaming tray or mold to prevent sticking.
- Layer Steaming: Pour a layer of batter into the prepared tray, about 1cm thick. Place the tray into a steamer and steam for 7-8 minutes. Open the steamer lid to check if the cake has set. Once firm, pour another 1cm thick layer of batter on top and continue steaming for another 7-8 minutes. Repeat this process until all the batter is used.

- Check for Doneness: To check if the Bánh Đúc is fully cooked, insert a wooden skewer into the center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, it's done.
- Cool and Cut: Carefully remove the Bánh Đúc from the steamer. Let it cool slightly before cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Savory Topping
- Rehydrate Dried Shrimp: Soak 100g dried shrimp in warm water for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and drain.
- Marinate Pork: Marinate 150g ground pork with a pinch of seasoning powder and a dash of fish sauce, according to your taste. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Aromatics: Slice the large purple shallot thinly for making fried shallots. Finely mince the small purple shallots and garlic. Finely chop the chili (if using).
- Prepare Wood Ear Mushrooms: Rehydrate 50g wood ear mushrooms, wash them clean, and finely chop.
- Fry Shallots: Heat cooking oil in a pan. Once hot, add the sliced large purple shallot and fry until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside for garnish.
- Sauté Topping: In the same pan with the remaining oil, sauté the minced small shallots and garlic until fragrant. Add the marinated ground pork and stir-fry until almost cooked through. Then, add the rehydrated dried shrimp and stir-fry together. Next, add the finely chopped wood ear mushrooms and stir well. Season with sugar, fish sauce, and seasoning powder to taste. Turn off the heat once the topping is cooked and flavorful.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Fish Sauce (Nước Mắm Chấm)

- Mix Base: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon water, 4 tablespoons fish sauce, and 3 tablespoons sugar. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add Lime/Chili/Garlic: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the fish sauce mixture. Add finely minced chili and garlic.
- Optional Addition: If you enjoy carrots, you can add some shredded carrots to the dipping sauce for extra texture and color.

Serving:

Arrange the cut pieces of Bánh Đúc Mặn in a bowl. Spoon the freshly made savory shrimp and pork topping over the top. Drizzle generously with the prepared dipping fish sauce, or dip each piece as you eat.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Southern Vietnamese Savory Bánh Đúc!