Banh Cong (Vietnamese Fried Shrimp and Mung Bean Cakes) – Southern Vietnamese Style

Step 1: Prepare Batter and Fillings

Prepare the batter by mixing rice flour and soybean flour with liquid until smooth. Also, prepare the filling ingredients: seasoned pork, creamy steamed mung beans, and crispy shredded taro.

Step 2: Heat Pan and Oil

Heat a non-stick or cast iron pan (like a muffin pan with round molds) over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of oil.

Step 3: Add Batter

Pour a small ladle of batter into each mold, just enough to make a thin circle.

Step 4: Add Fillings

Quickly add a portion of seasoned pork, a spoonful of steamed mung beans, shredded taro, and a few raw shrimps on top of the batter in each mold.

Step 5: Cook Covered

Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about two minutes.

Step 6: Crisp Up Uncovered

Remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for another minute to crisp up the bottom, looking for a deep golden color underneath.

Step 7: Remove and Drain

Carefully slide each cooked Banh Cong out of the mold onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Repeat Cooking Process

Repeat steps 3-7 until all the batter and fillings are used.

Step 9: Serve with Accompaniments

Serve the Banh Cong with fresh lettuce, a variety of fresh herbs (such as purple perilla, mint, and mustard greens), and a bowl of Nuoc Cham dipping sauce.

Step 10: Enjoy

To eat, wrap each Banh Cong in a lettuce leaf with some fresh herbs, dip it into the Nuoc Cham sauce, and enjoy.

• Use a generous amount of oil to ensure crispy edges on the Banh Cong cakes.

• Cook until the edges curl and turn golden, then crisp up the bottom uncovered for a deep golden color.