Bánh Cuốn

Name: Bánh Cuốn
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Ăn vặt • Việt Nam

130

kcal

Protein

18g

Carbs

Fat

Data source: VietCalorie

Log This Food

Track with App

Log this food instantly with our mobile app

Get App

Về Bánh Cuốn

Steamed rice rolls with minced pork and wood ear mushroom — Hanoi breakfast

How to Make Bánh Cuốn (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

Medium

Bánh Cuốn is a beloved Vietnamese steamed rice roll that hails from the northern regions of Vietnam, particularly Hanoi. This delicate dish features thin rice flour crepes filled with a savory mixture of lean ground pork, minced wood ear mushrooms, and shallots, all gently rolled and served with aromatic Vietnamese dipping sauce (nước chấm). Bánh Cuốn is renowned for its light, silky texture and its harmonious blend of flavors that highlight the subtlety and elegance of Vietnamese cuisine. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast or light snack, Bánh Cuốn is both satisfying and easy on the palate. Its preparation requires a gentle touch, making it a favorite in Vietnamese households and street-side eateries. The dish is often garnished with fresh herbs, crispy shallots, and a side of cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage) for added protein. With its fresh ingredients and minimal oil, Bánh Cuốn is a great choice for those seeking a wholesome and authentic Vietnamese snack that is as nutritious as it is delicious. For international audiences, Bánh Cuốn offers a glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese culinary tradition, delivering a unique taste experience that combines savory fillings with the delicate texture of steamed rice sheets. Its health-conscious preparation makes it a wonderful addition to modern, calorie-aware meal plans.

Diabetic-Friendly Weight Loss Kid-Friendly Vegan Adaptable

Allergens: gluten

Ingredients(for 4-5 rolls per serving, typical Vietnam snack portion)

1 cup Rice flour (bột gạo)
2 tablespoons Tapioca starch (bột năng)
1 1/2 cups Water (Room temperature)
1/4 teaspoon Salt
100 grams Lean ground pork (Minced finely)
2 tablespoons Wood ear mushrooms (Soaked, finely chopped (nấm mèo))
2 tablespoons Shallots (Minced)
2 teaspoons Fish sauce (nước mắm)
1 teaspoon Cooking oil (Preferably vegetable oil)
1/2 cup Fresh herbs (Mint, cilantro, optional garnish) - optional
2 teaspoons Fried shallots (Optional, for topping) - optional
2 slices Vietnamese pork sausage (cha lua, optional) - optional

Instructions

1
Prepare the batter by mixing rice flour, tapioca starch, salt, and water in a bowl. Stir until smooth and let rest for 10 minutes.
10 minutes
Letting the batter rest ensures a smoother, silkier texture for the crepes.
2
Soak wood ear mushrooms in warm water for 10 minutes until soft, then finely chop. Mince shallots.
10 minutes
Squeeze excess water from mushrooms before chopping for the best texture.
3
In a non-stick pan, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Sauté shallots until fragrant, then add ground pork and chopped mushrooms. Stir-fry until pork is cooked. Season with 1 teaspoon fish sauce. Set aside.
5 minutes
Cook filling just until the pork is no longer pink to keep it moist.
4
Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet (20cm). Pour a thin layer of batter, swirl to coat, cover with a lid, and steam for 1 minute.
3 minutes
Use a ladle to control batter amount and ensure even, thin sheets.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This traditional Vietnamese dish is a healthy choice thanks to its steamed preparation, lean protein filling, and absence of heavy sauces or deep-frying. With its balance of protein, fiber, and complex carbs, Bánh Cuốn is ideal for calorie-conscious eaters and those seeking lighter, yet flavorful, international snacks.

Bánh Cuốn is a nutritious snack that provides protein from lean pork, dietary fiber from wood ear mushrooms, and complex carbohydrates from rice flour. The minimal use of oil and inclusion of fresh herbs add vitamins such as vitamin C, K, and minerals like iron and magnesium. The dish is naturally low in saturated fat and can be adapted easily to suit various dietary needs.

Pro Tips

💡Tip 1: Use a non-stick skillet or a special Bánh Cuốn steamer for best results.
💡Tip 2: Keep the rice batter thin for delicate, transparent crepes.
💡Tip 3: Prepare filling and garnishes ahead for efficient assembly.