Bánh Khọt - Crispy Vietnamese Mini Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) rice flour 1 cup (240ml) rice flour
• 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut milk 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 pound (225g) small shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 pound (225g) small shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro), for garnish Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro), for garnish
• Fish sauce, for serving Fish sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric powder, salt, and water. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
2. 2.
   Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil.
3. 3.
   Pour a spoonful of the batter into each mold of a Bánh Khọt pan or use a mini muffin pan as a substitute.
4. 4.
   Place a shrimp on top of each pancake and cook until the edges turn crispy and golden brown.
5. 5.
   Carefully remove the pancakes from the pan and garnish with fresh herbs.
6. 6.
   Serve the Bánh Khọt warm with a side of fish sauce for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice flour — Make sure to use rice flour specifically made for cooking, as other types of rice flour may have different textures and results.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before measuring to ensure the cream and liquid are evenly mixed.
• Shrimp — Choose small shrimp for this recipe, as they cook quickly and are the perfect size for the mini pancakes.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, you can add a little more oil to the pan when frying the pancakes.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced scallions or crushed peanuts for added flavor and texture.
• If you don't have a Bánh Khọt pan, you can use a mini muffin pan as a substitute.

Serving advice

Serve the Bánh Khọt as an appetizer or as part of a larger Vietnamese meal. They are best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Bánh Khọt on a platter and garnish with a generous amount of fresh herbs. Drizzle the fish sauce over the pancakes just before serving for an appetizing presentation.