Bánh Bèo
Steamed Water Fern Cakes
Delicate steamed rice cakes served in small dishes, topped with savory dried shrimp, crispy shallots, and a drizzle of sweet fish sauce.
Other variations:
Bánh bèo Huế, Bánh bèo Quảng, Bánh bèo miền Nam
Category
Steamed Dish
Region
Central Vietnam
Preparation Time
1h15
Servings
4–5
Difficulty
Easy
About this recipe
Bánh Bèo is a specialty of Huế and Central Vietnam, often served as a light snack or appetizer. The name “bèo” refers to the shape resembling water fern leaves. It is commonly enjoyed during family gatherings and street food outings.
Ingredients List
200 g rice flour 50 g tapioca starch 500 ml water 100 g dried shrimp 2 scallions (chopped) 3 tbsp fried shallots 3 tbsp fish sauce 2 tbsp sugar 1–2 red chilies (sliced) 2 tbsp oil
Materials & Tools
Steamer small ceramic dishes mixing bowls knife and chopping board spoon
Preparation steps
Total Time :
1h15
Active Time :
1h15
Cooking Time
–
Make Batter
Blend rice flour, tapioca starch, water; rest 30 min.
30 min
Prep Shrimp
Steam dried shrimp, pound into floss.
15 min
Make Scallion Oil
Sauté scallions in oil.
5 min
Steam Cakes
Pour batter into dishes, steam until set.
10 min
Top Cakes
Add shrimp floss, fried shallots, scallion oil.
10 min
Serve
With dipping sauce of fish sauce, sugar, chili, water.
5 min
Chef’s Tips
Steam in small batches to maintain cake softness; shrimp floss should be light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Fish sauce dipping sauce, fresh chili slices
Nutritional info
250kcal
7g protein
6g fat
40g carbs
You Might Also Like
Discover More Vietnamese Recipes
Explore our complete collection of Vietnamese Dishes, from Street Food favorites to traditional family recipes.