Bánh bèo: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:31, 13 February 2025

Vietnamese steamed rice cake

Bánh bèo is a traditional Vietnamese dish that consists of small, steamed rice cakes typically topped with savory ingredients. It is a popular street food in Vietnam, especially in the central region, and is known for its delicate texture and flavorful toppings.

Etymology[edit]

The name "bánh bèo" is derived from the Vietnamese words "bánh," meaning "cake," and "bèo," which refers to the water fern or duckweed. The name reflects the appearance of the dish, as the small, round rice cakes resemble floating water ferns.

Ingredients[edit]

The primary ingredient in bánh bèo is rice flour, which is mixed with water to create a smooth batter. This batter is then poured into small, shallow dishes and steamed until set. The toppings for bánh bèo can vary, but commonly include:

Dried shrimp
Scallions
Crispy fried shallots
Mung bean paste
Fish sauce

Preparation[edit]

To prepare bánh bèo, the rice flour batter is first made by combining rice flour with water and a pinch of salt. The mixture is stirred until smooth and then poured into small, round dishes. These dishes are placed in a steamer and cooked until the rice cakes are firm and translucent.

Once steamed, the bánh bèo are removed from the dishes and arranged on a serving plate. The toppings are then added, starting with a layer of mung bean paste, followed by a sprinkle of dried shrimp, chopped scallions, and crispy fried shallots. A drizzle of fish sauce is often added just before serving to enhance the flavor.

Serving[edit]

Bánh bèo is typically served as an appetizer or snack. It is often accompanied by a side of fish sauce mixed with chili and lime juice, which can be used as a dipping sauce. The dish is enjoyed for its combination of textures, from the soft rice cake to the crunchy toppings.

Cultural significance[edit]

Bánh bèo is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is particularly associated with the city of Hu_, where it is considered a specialty. It is often served during festivals and family gatherings, reflecting its cultural importance.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Bánh bèo''' is a variety of small, steamed, savory [[rice cake]] or [[rice pancake]] in [[Vietnamese cuisine]]. It originates from the central region of [[Vietnam]], particularly in the cities of [[Huế]] and [[Quảng Trị]]. The name "bánh bèo" literally translates to "water fern cake" due to its resemblance to the small, round, green leaves of water ferns.
+{{short description|Vietnamese steamed rice cake}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== Ingredients and Preparation ==
+'''Bánh bèo''' is a traditional Vietnamese dish that consists of small, steamed rice cakes typically topped with savory ingredients. It is a popular street food in Vietnam, especially in the central region, and is known for its delicate texture and flavorful toppings.
-The primary ingredient in bánh bèo is [[rice flour]], which is mixed with water to create a batter. This batter is then poured into small, round or cup-shaped containers and steamed until it solidifies into a soft, jelly-like cake. The cakes are typically topped with a variety of ingredients, including dried or fresh [[shrimp]], scallions, mung bean paste, crispy fried shallots, fish sauce, and oil.
-In some regions, bánh bèo is served with a side of [[nước chấm]], a Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime, sugar, water, and fresh herbs. The cakes are traditionally eaten with a spoon, and are often served in the dishes they were cooked in.
+==Etymology==
+The name "bánh bèo" is derived from the Vietnamese words "bánh," meaning "cake," and "bèo," which refers to the water fern or duckweed. The name reflects the appearance of the dish, as the small, round rice cakes resemble floating water ferns.
-== Cultural Significance ==
+==Ingredients==
-Bánh bèo is a popular dish in both rural and urban areas of Vietnam, and is often served at family gatherings, festivals, and other special occasions. It is also commonly sold by street vendors and in markets. The dish is considered a symbol of the rich culinary tradition of central Vietnam, and is known for its unique texture and flavorful toppings.
+The primary ingredient in bánh bèo is rice flour, which is mixed with water to create a smooth batter. This batter is then poured into small, shallow dishes and steamed until set. The toppings for bánh bèo can vary, but commonly include:
-== Variations ==
+* Dried shrimp
-There are several regional variations of bánh bèo. In [[Huế]], the cakes are typically smaller and served in individual dishes, while in [[Quảng Trị]], they are often larger and served in a communal dish. The toppings can also vary depending on the region, with some areas using pork rinds or different types of shrimp.
+* Scallions
+* Crispy fried shallots
+* Mung bean paste
+* Fish sauce
-== See Also ==
+==Preparation==
-* [[Bánh]]
+[[File:Bánh_bèo.jpg|thumb|right|A plate of bánh bèo topped with dried shrimp and scallions.]]
+To prepare bánh bèo, the rice flour batter is first made by combining rice flour with water and a pinch of salt. The mixture is stirred until smooth and then poured into small, round dishes. These dishes are placed in a steamer and cooked until the rice cakes are firm and translucent.
+Once steamed, the bánh bèo are removed from the dishes and arranged on a serving plate. The toppings are then added, starting with a layer of mung bean paste, followed by a sprinkle of dried shrimp, chopped scallions, and crispy fried shallots. A drizzle of fish sauce is often added just before serving to enhance the flavor.
+==Serving==
+Bánh bèo is typically served as an appetizer or snack. It is often accompanied by a side of fish sauce mixed with chili and lime juice, which can be used as a dipping sauce. The dish is enjoyed for its combination of textures, from the soft rice cake to the crunchy toppings.
+==Cultural significance==
+Bánh bèo is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is particularly associated with the city of [[Hu_]], where it is considered a specialty. It is often served during festivals and family gatherings, reflecting its cultural importance.
+==Related pages==
 * [[Vietnamese cuisine]]
+* [[Street food]]
 * [[Rice cake]]
-* [[Huế]]
-* [[Quảng Trị]]
 [[Category:Vietnamese cuisine]]
-[[Category:Rice dishes]]
+[[Category:Rice cakes]]
-[[Category:Street food]]
-{{Vietnamese-cuisine-stub}}
-{{food-stub}}