If you are looking for a fresh vibrant dish, then look no further than these Vietnamese Crepes with Pickled Slaw. This recipe brings the crispy texture of traditional Vietnamese crepes with the tangy crunch of pickled slaw, creating a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. If you are hosting a dinner party or simply want to try something new in the kitchen, this dish is a surefire hit.

Vietnamese Cooking a Perfect Blend of Flavors

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its balance of flavors and this dish is no exception. The crepes are made with rice flour and coconut milk. They are light and slightly crispy, thus providing the perfect base for the fresh flavorful filling. The pickled carrot slaw adds a tangy crunch that complements the savory prawns (shrimp) if using, bean sprouts, and cilantro. As with most asian dishes a touch of fresh chili brings a hint of heat, while sweet chili sauce or Vietnamese dipping sauce provides the perfect finishing touch.

Banh Xeo Vietnam’s Savory Crepe

Banh Xeo the traditional name of the savory Vietnamese crepe. Made with a simple rice flour batter, coconut milk, and turmeric. Banh Xeo gets its name from the sizzling sound it makes when it hits the pan “xeo” means “sizzle” in Vietnamese. Known for its light texture and vibrant flavors, Banh Xeo is a favorite street food across Vietnam.

Vietnamese Rice Crepe Banh Cuon

Another popular Vietnamese crepe is Banh Cuon, often called Vietnamese rice crepes. Unlike the crispy Banh Xeo, Banh Cuon is a softer, steamed rice crepe made from rice flour batter that’s poured thinly over a cloth or metal plate and then steamed. These delicate crepes are typically filled with a mix of seasoned ground pork, mushrooms, and shallots, then rolled up and topped with fried shallots and herbs. Banh Cuon is traditionally served with nuoc cham, fresh herbs, and sometimes Vietnamese sausage (cha lua), offering a tender and flavorful bite.

How to Eat Vietnamese Crepe

Eating vietnamese crepes or banh xeo is a bit of an experience. First break off a piece of the crepe using your chopsticks (or hands) and then wrap it in lettuce leaves. Add fresh herbs like mint, basil, or cilantro. Add pickled slaw and meat if using often filled with pork or shrimp. Finally dip it into nuoc cham for a burst of flavor that’s savory, sweet, and slightly tangy. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of crispy, fresh, and savory. Eating these crepes can be a fun and interactive experience, especially when shared with friends or family.

Pickled Slaw Ingredient Options

The pickled slaw in the recipe really compliments the crepes. Here are some ingredients that work beautifully in a pickled slaw.

Pickled Slaw Vegetables

• Cabbage (green, red, or Napa) Thinly sliced cabbage is a classic base, giving slaw its signature crunch.
• Carrots Julienne or grate for color and a bit of sweetness.
• Red Onion Thinly sliced for a mild, pickled bite.
• Radishes Adds a peppery flavor and lovely pink hue.
• Bell Peppers (red, yellow, or orange) Thinly sliced for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Jalapenos or Serrano Peppers For a bit of heat.
• Cucumbers Thinly sliced for a fresh, cooling element.
• Daikon Radish Adds a unique, slightly spicy flavor and crunchy texture.
• Bean Sprouts

Herbs and Aromatics for Pickled Slaw

• Cilantro Fresh cilantro adds brightness and complements many cuisines.
• Green Onions Sliced thinly for a mild onion flavor.
• Ginger Thinly julienned or grated for a warm, zesty kick.
• Garlic Sliced or minced for a savory depth.
• Mint

Pickling Liquid Add-Ins

• Vinegar (rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar) For the pickling base.
• Sugar Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Salt Essential for flavor and preservation.
• Mustard Seeds Adds a slight crunch and earthy flavor.
• Coriander Seeds For a subtle citrusy spice.
• Bay Leaves Adds an earthy, herbal note.
• Peppercorns Whole peppercorns for a touch of spice.
• Chili For a little extra heat if desired.

Nutritional Vietnamese Dish

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients. Prawns are a great source of lean protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Bean sprouts add a dose of fiber and vitamins, and the various vegetables contribute antioxidants and nutrients essential for a balanced diet. By making these crepes at home, you can enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal that is free from the additives and excess sodium often found in restaurant versions.

How to Make Rice Flour

Rice flour is a key ingredient in many Asian recipes, including these Vietnamese crepes. If you don’t have rice flour on hand, you can easily make your own at home. Making your own rice flour is a simple process that allows you to enjoy fresh, homemade ingredients in your cooking.

1. Choose Your Rice: For the best results, use white rice, such as jasmine or long-grain rice. Brown rice can also be used, but it will result in a different texture and flavor.
2. Grind the Rice: Put rice in a high-speed blender or coffee grinder. Blend in small batches to ensure a fine, even texture. Grind the rice until it reaches a powdery consistency, similar to store-bought rice flour.
3. Sift the Flour: To achieve a smooth texture, sift the freshly ground rice flour through a fine-mesh sieve. Any larger particles can be returned to the blender for additional grinding.

How to Make Nuoc Cham

Nuoc Cham is a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce that combines sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. This makes a perfect complement to dishes like spring rolls, salads, and noodles. It’s typically made with the following ingredients. Fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, garlic, and fresh chili.

To make Nuoc Cham dissolve about 2 tablespoons of sugar in ¼ cup of warm water, then add 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, the juice of one lime, one minced garlic clove, and a finely chopped chili. Adjust to taste for a balance of flavors…. It should be tangy, slightly sweet, and savory.

Vietnamese Crepe Recipe

Print Recipe

Vietnamese Crepes with Pickled Slaw

These crispy mini Vietnamese pancakes are filled with prawns and pickled carrot, and make a perfect starter or light dinner.

Prep Time4 hours hrs

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• –Vietnamese Crepes Ingredients–
• 7 oz 1 cup rice flour
• 1 tbsp cornflour / cornstarch
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 9 fl oz 1 cup coconut milk
• –Pickled Slaw–
• 3 fl oz 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
• 1 oz 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 about 5.3 oz carrot grated or thinly sliced
• 1 small cucumber about 4 oz thinly sliced
• 1 small capsicum / pepper thinly sliced
• 1.8 oz 1/2 cup bean sprouts, trimmed
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves plus extra to serve
• –Optional Ingredients–
• 20 cooked prawns shrimp, peeled, deveined, halved lengthways
• 1 long fresh red chili sliced
• Sweet chili sauce or Vietnamese dipping sauce to serve
• Lime wedges to serve

Instructions

• –Crepe Instructions–
• Combine the rice flour, cornflour (cornstarch), sugar, salt, and turmeric in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the coconut milk and 8.5 fl oz (1 cup) water. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight to rest.
• –Pickled Slaw Instructions–
• For the pickled slaw, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, and 2.7 fl oz (1/3 cup) water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Place the carrot, cacsicum/pepper, cucumber and sprouts into the saucepan. Cook stirring for 3-4 minutes or until the sugar dissolves and slaw softens. Set aside to cool. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes or until required.
• Drain the slaw, discarding the liquid. Place the slaw in a bowl. Add the prawns (shrimp), chili, and cilantro. Toss to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until required.
• –Cook the Crepes–
• Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Spray with oil. Give the crepe mixture a good stir. Carefully drop 1 tablespoonful of the batter into the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface. Carefully turn and cook for a further minute. Transfer to a plate. Continue with the remaining batter, reheating the pan between batches and stirring the batter often.
• –Assemble and Serve–
• Spoon some prawn mixture into the center of each crepe. Serve with sweet chili or dipping sauce and lime wedges.

Keywords

• Vietnamese street food
• Savory rice crepes
• Authentic Banh Xeo recipe
• Crispy crepe fillings
• Asian pickled slaw
• Vietnamese dipping sauce
• Fresh herb garnishes
• Southeast Asian flavors
• Light and crunchy wraps
• DIY Vietnamese dishes