Banh Cuon: Steamed Rice Rolls with Pork and Wood Ear Mushrooms
Introduction
Banh Cuon is a traditional Vietnamese dish that consists of light and delicate steamed rice rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. This dish is a popular choice for breakfast or as a light meal throughout the day. The combination of tender rice rolls, flavorful pork, and earthy mushrooms makes Banh Cuon a delicious and satisfying dish that is enjoyed by many.
Ingredients
For the rice rolls:
– 1 cup rice flour
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 tsp salt
– Cooking oil
For the filling:
– 1/2 lb ground pork
– 1/2 cup wood ear mushrooms, rehydrated and chopped
– 2 shallots, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 tsp fish sauce
– 1/2 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
– Fried shallots (for garnish)
– Vietnamese ham/sausage, cut into thin slices (optional)
For the dipping sauce:
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp sugar
– Garlic, chili, and lime juice to taste
Directions
1. Prepare the rice rolls:
In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, water, and salt. Stir the mixture until smooth. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease with cooking oil. Pour a thin layer of the rice batter into the pan, swirling to cover the bottom evenly. Cover and cook for a few minutes until set. Remove the rice sheet and repeat the process until all the batter is used.
2. Make the filling:
In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add the ground pork and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped wood ear mushrooms, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Banh Cuon:
Place a spoonful of the filling onto a rice sheet and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining rice sheets and filling.
4. Prepare the dipping sauce:
In a bowl, mix fish sauce, rice vinegar, water, sugar, garlic, chili, and lime juice. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
5. Serve:
Arrange the Banh Cuon on a plate, garnish with green onions, fried shallots, and Vietnamese ham/sausage. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy these flavorful and tender steamed rice rolls hot, fresh, and delicious!
FAQ About Banh Cuon
What is Banh Cuon?
Banh Cuon is a Vietnamese dish consisting of delicate, steamed rice rolls filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground pork and wood ear mushrooms.
How is Banh Cuon made?
To make Banh Cuon, a thin rice batter is steamed into translucent sheets, then filled with the flavorful pork and mushroom mixture and rolled up into delectable parcels.
What are Wood Ear Mushrooms?
Wood ear mushrooms, also known as black fungus, are an edible fungus with a unique, chewy texture commonly used in Asian cuisines for their earthy flavor.
What is the traditional way to serve Banh Cuon?
Banh Cuon is typically served with a side of fresh herbs like cilantro and Vietnamese mint, topped with crispy fried shallots, and drizzled with a seasoned fish sauce or nuoc cham.
Is Banh Cuon a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine?
Yes, Banh Cuon is a beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine, often enjoyed as a light and flavorful breakfast or snack, showcasing the delicate flavors and textures of the rice rolls.
