Simple Vietnamese Pastry Recipes You Can Make at Home

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and diverse textures, with pastries being a delightful part of this culinary landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these simple Vietnamese pastry recipes will inspire you to bring a taste of Vietnam into your home. Here are three easy-to-follow recipes that showcase the unique and delicious flavors of Vietnamese pastries.

1. Bánh Pía (Vietnamese Moon Cake)

Bánh Pía is a traditional Vietnamese pastry that is particularly enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This flaky, sweet treat is often filled with mung beans and salted egg yolk. Here’s a straightforward recipe to try:

Ingredients:

  • 200g all-purpose flour
  • 100g unsalted butter
  • 80g sugar
  • 1/2 cup mung bean paste
  • 2 salted egg yolks (optional)
  • Water as needed

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and softened butter until crumbly.
  3. Add water gradually to form a dough, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
  4. Divide the dough into small balls.
  5. Flatten each ball and place a teaspoon of mung bean paste and a salted egg yolk in the center.
  6. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and reshape it into a ball.
  7. Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Let them cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade Bánh Pía with a cup of tea!

2. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancakes)

Bánh Xèo, or Vietnamese sizzling pancakes, is a fantastic way to enjoy a savory pastry filled with fresh ingredients. They are crispy on the outside and packed with flavor:

Ingredients:

  • 200g rice flour
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 100g bean sprouts
  • Chopped green onions
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Mix rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric powder, and salt to form a batter; let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add oil.
  3. Pour a ladle of batter into the skillet, swirling it to coat the bottom evenly.
  4. Add shrimp, bean sprouts, and green onions on top of the batter.
  5. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the shrimp is cooked.
  6. Fold the pancake in half and serve immediately with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.

Enjoy the crispy, savory delight of Bánh Xèo at any meal!

3. Bánh Flan (Vietnamese Caramel Custard)

A popular dessert in Vietnam, Bánh Flan is a smooth and creamy caramel custard that’s sure to impress:

Ingredients:

  • 500ml coconut milk
  • 100g sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Water

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a saucepan, melt sugar until it turns golden brown to make caramel. Pour it into individual ramekins and set aside.
  3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, coconut milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the egg mixture into the ramekins over the hardened caramel.
  5. Place the ramekins in a baking dish filled with water to create a water bath.
  6. Bake for 30-40 minutes until set.
  7. Let them cool before refriger