The Best Vietnamese Bakery Recipes for Home Bakers

If you're looking to bring the delightful flavors of Vietnamese cuisine into your kitchen, baking traditional Vietnamese pastries is a fantastic way to do so. Vietnamese bakery recipes are often filled with delicious ingredients, unique textures, and aromatic spices. Here are some of the best Vietnamese bakery recipes for home bakers that are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.

Bánh mì

Bánh mì is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that features a crispy baguette filled with various proteins, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. To create the perfect baguette at home, you need:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl and let it sit until frothy. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt, then mix in the yeast mixture and oil to form a dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth, then let it rise until doubled in size. Shape into baguettes, bake until golden, and fill with your favorite ingredients!

Bánh bao (Vietnamese Steamed Buns)

Bánh bao are soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with savory ingredients, most commonly pork and vegetables. Here’s how to make the dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm water

Activate the yeast with sugar and warm water. Combine with flour and salt, knead until smooth, and let rise in a warm place. For the filling, sauté ground pork with onions, mushrooms, and seasonings. After the dough has risen, roll it out, add the filling, and steam for about 15 minutes.

Che (Vietnamese Dessert Soup)

Che is a versatile dessert that can be made with a variety of ingredients such as beans, fruits, and coconut milk. One popular version is Che Ba Mau, or three-color dessert. For this recipe, you will need:

  • 1 cup mung beans
  • 1 cup red beans
  • 1 cup diced jackfruit
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • Sugar to taste
  • Ice (if desired)

Cook the mung beans and red beans separately until soft. Layer the beans and jackfruit in a glass, drizzle with coconut milk, and sweeten to taste. Serve with ice for a refreshing treat!

Bánh trung thu (Mooncakes)

Mooncakes are a traditional Vietnamese treat often enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The basic ingredients for the dough include:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup golden syrup
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon alkaline water

Mix all ingredients together until it forms a smooth dough. For the filling, you can use red bean paste or lotus seed paste. Shape the dough around the filling, mold it into traditional mooncake shapes, and bake until golden.

Custard Vapor Cake (Bánh Pudding)

This steamed cake is light and fluffy, with a wonderful coconut flavor. Here’s how to make it:

  • 1 ½ cups rice flour
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Mix all the ingredients until combined, then steam in a cake pan for about 30 minutes. Slice and serve as a delightful dessert at any gathering!

These Vietnamese bakery recipes are a wonderful way to explore the country's rich culinary traditions while baking at home. Each recipe brings its unique flavor and texture to the table, making them enjoyable for both you and your loved ones. Happy baking!