Two-Layer Pandan Bánh Đúc with Savory Topping - A Unique Vietnamese Delicacy

Presenting the Two-Layer Pandan Bánh Đúc with Savory Topping – a fascinating twist on the traditional Bánh Đúc that promises an unforgettable culinary experience. This detailed guide will show you how to make a soft, chewy Bánh Đúc with aromatic pandan layers and a rich, savory meat filling right in your own kitchen. Don't miss out on this unique and delicious recipe!

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Ingredients for Two-Layer Pandan Bánh Đúc:

For the Bánh Đúc Cake Layers:

• 260g rice flour
• 40g tapioca starch
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 500ml coconut milk
• 500ml filtered water
• Pandan leaf extract (to replace filtered water for the pandan layer)

For the Savory Topping (Nhân Mặn):

• 200g pork shoulder (or pork belly), minced
• Shrimp (optional, to taste)
• 50g wood ear mushrooms, rehydrated and shredded
• 50g shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and finely chopped
• 1 small onion, minced
• 2-3 shallots, minced
• Seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, seasoning powder (hạt nêm), ground black pepper, cooking oil

Step-by-Step Instructions for Two-Layer Savory Bánh Đúc:

Follow these instructions to create your impressive two-layer Bánh Đúc:

Step 1: Prepare the Two-Layer Batter

- Divide Batter: To create two distinct layers, the batter will be divided. Adjust the proportion (e.g., 1/2 or 2/3 for each color) depending on whether you want a thinner or thicker layer for each color.
- Basic Batter: In a large bowl, combine 260g rice flour, 40g tapioca starch, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon salt. Add 500ml coconut milk and stir well, then gradually add 500ml filtered water. Stir until all the flour is dissolved. Finally, add 1 tablespoon cooking oil. Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 3 hours.
- Pandan Batter: For the pandan layer, prepare the batter similarly, but replace the filtered water with pandan leaf extract to achieve the vibrant green color and distinct aroma.

Step 2: Steam the Bánh Đúc Layers

- Prepare Steamer: Lightly grease your steaming mold with cooking oil. Place the mold into a steamer. Bring the water in the steamer to a rolling boil.
- Layer Steaming: Stir the batter well before pouring. Pour about 1/3 of the first color batter into the mold. Cover the steamer and steam for 10 minutes until set. Then, pour the remaining portion of that color batter, or switch to the next color batter (depending on your layering preference), into the mold and continue steaming until fully cooked. The total steaming time will be approximately 30 minutes.
Check for Doneness: A simple test: a wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 3: Prepare the Savory Topping for Two-Layer Bánh Đúc

- Sauté Shallots: Heat cooking oil in a pan. Add the minced shallots and sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Cook Pork: Add the minced pork (and shrimp, if using) to the pan. Stir-fry until the pork is cooked through and lightly browned. Season with a dash of fish sauce and seasoning powder.
- Add Vegetables & Mushrooms: Add the minced onion, rehydrated shredded wood ear mushrooms, and finely chopped shiitake mushrooms to the pan. Continue stir-frying.
- Season and Finish: Season with fish sauce, sugar, and ground black pepper to taste. Stir-fry until the filling is thoroughly cooked, fragrant, and relatively dry. Turn off the heat.

Serving:
To serve the Two-Layer Pandan Bánh Đúc with Savory Topping, cut the Bánh Đúc into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Spoon a generous amount of the savory meat topping over the Bánh Đúc. Drizzle with sweet and sour fish sauce. Serve with fresh herbs (such as basil, cilantro) and roasted peanuts as desired.

Enjoy your uniquely delicious and visually appealing Two-Layer Pandan Bánh Đúc!