Crispy & Savory Vietnamese Pork-Floss Cake (Bánh Chả)

Rediscover a taste of childhood with our authentic recipe for Bánh Chả! This traditional Vietnamese delicacy features a savory filling of pork floss, candied pork fat, and crunchy nuts, all wrapped in a crispy, flaky pastry. Perfect for special occasions or as a unique snack, this recipe brings a beloved Vietnamese classic to your home kitchen.

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Ingredients for Authentic Bánh Chả

For the Pork Floss & Candied Pork Fat Filling

• 100g (approx. 0.4 cup) Pre-made Candied Pork Fat (Mỡ đường, a traditional ingredient for texture and sweetness)
• 100g (approx. 0.4 cup) Pork Floss (Chà bông, the savory star of the filling)
• 50g (approx. 0.5 cup) Toasted Peanuts
• 50g (approx. 0.5 cup) Roasted Sesame Seeds
• 10g (approx. 10 leaves) Kaffir Lime Leaves, thinly shredded
• 1 tbsp Cooking Oil
• 50g (approx. 0.4 cup) Candied Winter Melon (Mứt bí, for a classic texture)

For the Flaky Outer Dough

• 200g (approx. 1.5 cups) All-Purpose Flour
• 100g (approx. 0.5 cup) Confectioner's Sugar
• 60ml (approx. 4 tbsp) Water
• 1 Egg Yolk, beaten
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt

For the Egg Wash

• 1 Egg Yolk
• 1 tsp Cooking Oil

Instructions for Making Crispy Bánh Chả

Step 1: Prepare the Savory Filling

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the pork floss, candied pork fat, toasted peanuts, roasted sesame seeds, candied winter melon, and thinly shredded kaffir lime leaves.

Bind the Filling: Add a tablespoon of cooking oil to the mixture and stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated and can hold their shape when pressed.

Pro Tip: If the filling is too loose, you can add a small amount of roasted glutinous rice flour to help it bind.

Step 2: Make the Flaky Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioner's sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the water and beaten egg yolk. Gently mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-kneading, which can make the crust tough.

Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This will help the gluten relax, making it easier to roll.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin, rectangular sheet, about 2-3 mm thick.

Fill the Dough: Spread the prepared savory filling evenly over the dough sheet, leaving a small border on one of the long edges. Gently press the filling into the dough.

Roll the Cake: Tightly roll the dough sheet from the long edge with the filling, creating a long, compact log.

Slice the Cookies: Use a sharp knife to cut the log into small, bite-sized rectangular pieces.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

First Bake: Arrange the Bánh Chả pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough looks set and opaque.

Egg Wash & Second Bake: While the cookies are baking, prepare the egg wash by whisking one egg yolk with one teaspoon of cooking oil.

Remove the cookies from the oven, brush the tops with the egg wash, and return them to the oven. Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the Bánh Chả from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will become even crispier as they cool. Store in an airtight container to maintain their crunch. Enjoy this delicious Vietnamese snack!