Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls: A Delightful and Beloved Dish

Bánh Cuốn, also known as Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, has been a beloved comfort food for many years. It is a popular breakfast choice for those familiar with it and once tasted, its delightful flavor captures the hearts of newcomers.

1. Making It Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls

To prepare this dish, begin by cooking a steamed rice roll on a pot until it becomes very thin and is covered with a thin fabric. Next, use a flexible bamboo stick to scrape off the roll from the pot. Once removed, fill the roll with a mixture containing pork, wood ear mushrooms, onions, and fish sauce.

2. The Origin and Variations of Banh Cuon

Banh Cuon, a renowned Vietnamese dish, has a long history originating from the Hanoi region in northern Vietnam. Initially prepared by street vendors, this delicacy involves steaming rice noodles and wrapping them around a filling to create rolls. Over time, different regions in Vietnam developed their own unique versions of Banh Cuon, featuring diverse fillings and dipping sauces.

• Northern-style Banh Cuon

The traditional version hailing from Hanoi consists of thin and delicate rice noodle rolls filled with seasoned ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. It is accompanied by a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, sugar, and garlic, enhancing the flavors of the filling.

• Central-style Banh Cuon

In central Vietnam, Banh Cuon typically incorporates a filling of shrimp and pork, complemented by a tangy dipping sauce. The rice noodle rolls are thicker compared to the northern-style variant and are often served with fresh herbs and lettuce.

• Southern-style Banh Cuon

Known for its bold and spicy taste, the southern-style Banh Cuon features a filling made of ground pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. It is served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, while the rice noodle rolls are thicker and commonly garnished with fried shallots and sliced chilies.

3. Making Bánh Cuốn – A Step-by-Step Guide

To prepare Bánh Cuốn, the following steps should be followed:

1. Rice Noodle Sheets Preparation:
   • Soak rice flour in water.
   • Steam the rice flour mixture until it forms a thin, delicate sheet.

2. Filling Preparation:
   • Sauté ground pork or shrimp with wood ear mushrooms and fried shallots.
   • Season the mixture with fish sauce and pepper.

3. Assembly:
   • Take the rice noodle sheet and place the filling along one edge.
   • Roll the sheet tightly to create a cylinder shape.

4. Steaming:
   • Steam the rolls for a few minutes until fully cooked.

Mastering the techniques involved in making Bánh Cuốn is crucial to ensure its authentic taste and texture.

4. Recommended Times and Locations for Eating

Finding a stall selling Banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) may be challenging during late morning or evening, as these times are typically busy for breakfast and dinner.

When dining at street vendors, it is advisable to use your own judgement, although banh cuon carts generally maintain better cleanliness standards compared to other street food stalls. Street prices range from 15,000 to VND20,000 per plate, while some local restaurants charge between 25,000 and VND50,000 if you prefer a different dining environment.

Source: www.visaonlinevietnam.com