Easy Bánh Cuốn/ Bánh Ướt Recipe (Vietnamese Rice Rolls)

Banh Cuon, also known as Banh Uot, is a unique and delicious Vietnamese dish made from ultra-thin rice flour sheets stuffed with savory fillings and herbs. This article will provide an in-depth exploration of the origins, cultural significance, ingredients, recipes, serving suggestions, and FAQs related to these tasty bánh ướt recipe.

Whether you are new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned Banh Cuon/Banh Uot aficionado, this article has everything you need to master this iconic dish.

All About Bánh Cuốn/ Bánh Ướt

Banh Cuon (rolled rice crepes) and Banh Uot (wet rice sheets) are essentially two variations of the same fundamental dish in Vietnamese cuisine. Both feature soft, delicate sheets made of rice flour filled with savory ingredients like ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shrimp.

While Banh Cuon is rolled into cylindrical shapes, Banh Uot consists of rectangular rice sheets that are layered rather than rolled. Banh Cuon is more common in northern Vietnam, while Banh Uot originated in the south.

The invention of Banh Cuon/Banh Uot is attributed to the rice-growing cultures of the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam. Rice flour has always been central to the dish, as it produces the tender sheets that take well to rolling and filling.

High-quality rice flour is key for making the wrappers. Opt for rice flour labeled “superfine” or “extra-fine” if available. The flour should feel silky and flow freely between the fingers.

To produce smooth, delicate wrappers, the rice flour batter must be strained through a fine mesh sieve. Resting the batter for 1-2 hours allows the starches to fully hydrate for optimal consistency.

While the classic Banh Cuon/Banh Uot has northern origins, many regions of Vietnam have developed their own variations. Some differences include:

• Central Vietnam: Spicier fillings with chili and lemongrass
• Southern Vietnam: Emphasis on shrimp, pork belly, herbs
• Hanoi: More emphasis on wood ear mushrooms, chicken, black pepper

Each regional style offers its own unique take on the classic dish!

Bánh Cuốn/ Bánh Ướt Recipe (Vietnamese Rice Rolls)

Preparing the fragile rice sheets for Banh Cuon/Banh Uot requires some skill, but follows several straightforward steps:

• Mix rice flour with water until a smooth, thin batter forms
• Strain batter through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps
• Rest batter for 1-2 hours for starches to fully hydrate
• Brush a nonstick pan in a thin layer of oil and heat over medium flame
• Pour in just enough batter to coat the surface in an ultrathin layer
• Cook 1-2 minutes until edges lift from the pan
• Gently transfer freshly cooked sheet to a plate

Tips for perfect sheets:

• Maintain batter consistency by stirring frequently
• Use a rounded spatula to spread batter thinly
• Adjust heat to prevent sticking or burning

For fillings, both traditional and creative combinations work well. Some popular options include:

• Ground pork seasoned with black pepper and fish sauce
• Shrimp sauteed with onion, mushroom, and nuoc cham
• Wood ear mushrooms braised with garlic and scallions
• Tofu scrambled with turmeric and soy sauce
• Chicken shredded with lemongrass, chili and lime

Fillings should be cooked in advance and seasoned boldly, as they are wrapped within the mild rice sheets. Do not overstuff rolls, as the filling expands upon steaming.

An indispensable condiment for dipping is nuoc cham sauce:

• 3 parts fish sauce
• 1 part rice vinegar
• 2 parts water
• Sugar and chili to taste

Lime juice, garlic, or citrus offer tasty nuoc cham variations. Aim for a balance of salty, sour, sweet and spicy.

Serving and Enjoying Bánh Cuốn/ Bánh Ướt Recipe

To serve Banh Cuon, place desired fillings in the lower third of the sheet, then tightly roll from the bottom up.

Banh Uot does not require rolling – simply layer the rice sheets and fillings.

Both variations can be cut into segments and **garnished with:

• Fried shallots
• Chopped peanuts
• Cilantro
• Chili slices
• Bean sprouts

Banh Cuon/Banh Uot makes a light, balanced meal when served with:

• Vegetable soup
• Stir-fried greens
• Fresh herbs and lettuces

Some creative dishes featuring Banh Cuon/Banh Uot include:

Breakfast: Rice sheet rolls with bacon, egg, and avocado

Lunch: Grilled lemongrass chicken salad wrapped in rice sheets

Dinner: Banh Uot layered with beef and mushrooms

These rice crepes are especially popular for Vietnamese holidays like Tet and Mid-Autumn Festival. Creative Banh Cuon/Banh Uot dishes make fantastic additions to potlucks, luncheons, or dinner parties.

Conclusion: Bánh Cuốn/ Bánh Ướt Recipe

Making restaurant-quality Banh Cuon/Banh Uot is an art, but with the right techniques and ingredients, you can master this Vietnamese specialty. Savor the reward of silky rice sheets stuffed with savory fillings and dipped in flavorful nuoc cham sauce. Share your own creations with the community – together we can elevate this traditional dish to new levels.