The Crispy Secret of Vietnam: How to Make Authentic Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancakes) at Home

If you’ve ever wandered the bustling streets of Vietnam and been captivated by the sound of something sizzling in a roadside pan, chances are you’ve encountered Bánh Xèo. Often described as Vietnamese sizzling pancakes, these crispy, golden crepes are a staple of southern Vietnamese street food—and a delightful collision of texture, flavor, and aroma. Made with a rice flour batter and turmeric, then stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, Bánh Xèo is folded like an omelet but eaten like a wrap.

What makes Bánh Xèo truly special is its DIY nature. Typically served with a generous heap of fresh herbs and leafy greens, each bite is wrapped in lettuce or rice paper and dipped in sweet, tangy nước chấm sauce. It’s as interactive as it is delicious, and perfect for sharing. While it might look impressive, Bánh Xèo is surprisingly easy to make at home with the right ingredients and a hot skillet.

Whether you’re craving something different for dinner or planning an international food night at home, this recipe will walk you through creating restaurant-worthy Bánh Xèo in your own kitchen. It’s light yet filling, savory with a touch of sweetness, and guaranteed to win over any dinner guest—or your own taste buds.

Read here how to make Pho and Bun Cha

Read here best Vietnamese Breakfast, 40 Vietnam Travel Tips and Best Things to Do in Vietnam

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki

Best Time to Eat and What to Pair It With

Best time to eat:

Bánh Xèo is best enjoyed for lunch or dinner, especially when served fresh off the pan while still crispy. It’s also ideal for casual get-togethers, weekend meals, or anytime you want a hands-on, interactive dining experience.

Perfect pairings:

Drink: Pair with a cold Vietnamese beer like Saigon Lager or a refreshing iced jasmine tea.

Side dish: Complement your Bánh Xèo with a light green papaya salad or pickled vegetables for crunch and balance.

Dessert: Finish the meal with something tropical and light, like mango sticky rice or Vietnamese coconut jelly for a refreshing sweet bite.

Let your readers know: Bánh Xèo isn’t just a dish—it’s a celebration of flavor, freshness, and Vietnamese culture right at your table.

There’s an ongoing debate among Vietnamese food lovers about what makes a perfect Banh Xeo. Some argue that it should be thin and crisp like a crepe, while others prefer a slightly thicker, softer version. The “right” answer often depends on where you’re from—southern Banh Xeo tends to be bigger and crunchier, while northern styles are smaller and more delicate.

Another hot topic is whether or not to use coconut milk in the batter. Traditional southern recipes include it for a subtle sweetness and fragrance, but many modern versions skip it for a lighter texture. Purists claim that without coconut milk, it loses its soul; others believe the flavor is too heavy for the dish.

Then there’s the filling debate—pork and shrimp are standard, but some creative cooks now use mushrooms, tofu, or even cheese. While innovation keeps cuisine alive, some Vietnamese chefs argue that reinventing Banh Xeo too far risks losing its traditional identity.

How to Make Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo Recipe Ingredients

For the batter:

1 cup rice flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1 1/2 cups water
4 green onions, finely chopped

For the filling:

1/2 pound pork belly or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced

For serving:

Lettuce leaves
Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
Dipping sauce (nuoc cham)

Get the best deals for your home and kitchen needs

Step By Step How to Make Banh Xeo

Prepare the batter

In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, cornstarch, turmeric powder, and salt. Gradually whisk in coconut milk and water until smooth. Stir in the chopped green onions. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling

Season the pork and shrimp with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onions, sauté until fragrant. Add the pork slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp until pink. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Banh Xeo

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Pour a ladle of batter into the skillet, swirling to spread it thinly and evenly. Add a few slices of cooked pork, shrimp, and some bean sprouts on one side of the pancake.

Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the center is set. Fold the pancake in half and transfer to a serving plate. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling.

Serve

Serve Banh Xeo with lettuce leaves, fresh herbs, and nuoc cham dipping sauce. To eat, wrap a piece of Banh Xeo in a lettuce leaf with some herbs, and dip in the sauce.

Tips To Make Banh Xeo

For extra crispiness, use a well-heated skillet and enough oil. Adjust the batter consistency with water if it is too thick. Keep the pancakes warm in a low oven (200°F) if making in batches.

How Many Calories Have Banh Xeo

The calorie content of Banh Xeo can vary depending on the ingredients and portion size. On average, one Banh Xeo pancake (about 150 grams) can contain around 250-300 calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Banh Xeo hot and fresh off the pan—its crispy texture starts to fade as it cools. Slice each pancake into quarters, arrange them on a platter, and surround them with lettuce leaves, mint, basil, and cucumber slices for easy wrapping.

Include a bowl of nuoc cham dipping sauce at the center of the table. You can also add small bowls of chili paste or lime wedges so everyone can customize their flavor experience. Presentation matters: a colorful spread of herbs and greens turns this street food classic into an elegant meal.

For a more filling option, serve Banh Xeo with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a light soup starter like clear Vietnamese broth with scallions. It’s a perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity.

Final Thoughts

Banh Xeo isn’t just about food—it’s about the experience of sharing, cooking, and connecting. Its sizzling sound, bold flavors, and fresh accompaniments reflect the warmth and creativity of Vietnamese culture. Once you master it, you’ll realize it’s not just a recipe—it’s a story told through texture, aroma, and taste.

Making Banh Xeo at home may take a bit of patience, but the reward is worth it. The first time you hear that satisfying “sizzle” in your pan, you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time across generations and regions.

So the next time you’re craving something unique, skip the takeout and fire up your skillet. Bring Vietnam into your kitchen, one crispy, golden pancake at a time.