Bánh Phu Thê - Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes with Shrimp Filling

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) rice flour 1 cup (200g) rice flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) tapioca starch 1/4 cup (30g) tapioca starch
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) water 1 1/4 cups (300ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro and mint) for garnish Fresh herbs (such as cilantro and mint) for garnish
• Dipping sauce (fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili) for serving Dipping sauce (fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili) for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca starch, water, and salt. Stir until well combined and let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Meanwhile, prepare the shrimp filling. In a separate bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, chopped shallots, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
3. 3.
   After the batter has rested, give it a good stir to ensure it is well mixed. Grease a steamer tray or individual molds with oil.
4. 4.
   Pour a thin layer of the batter into the greased tray or molds, then add a spoonful of the shrimp filling on top.
5. 5.
   Steam the rice cakes over high heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cakes are cooked through and become translucent.
6. 6.
   Remove the steamed rice cakes from the steamer and let them cool slightly before removing them from the molds.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with the dipping sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to remove any grit or sand. You can also chop the shrimp into smaller pieces if desired for easier filling.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a smooth and translucent texture for the rice cakes, make sure the batter is well mixed and the steaming process is done over high heat.
• You can add additional herbs or spices to the shrimp filling according to your preference, such as lemongrass or chili flakes.
• Serve the Bánh Phu Thê warm for the best taste and texture.

Serving advice

Bánh Phu Thê is traditionally served as an appetizer or snack. Arrange the steamed rice cakes on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side for guests to enjoy.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, arrange the steamed rice cakes on individual serving plates. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs and drizzle the dipping sauce over the cakes for added visual appeal.