Teresa's Recipes
Banh Gio (Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cake)
Banh Gio, also known as Vietnamese steamed rice cakes, is a delightful and savory treat that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam. These fluffy, delicate cakes are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork and mushrooms, all wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. The result is a comforting dish that is not only delicious but also a beautiful representation of Vietnamese street food culture. Traditionally enjoyed during special occasions or as a snack, Banh Gio is best served warm with a side of soy sauce or a tangy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- enough to line molds Banana leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 2, finely chopped Shallots
- 1/2 cup, rehydrated and chopped Dried mushrooms
- 1 cup Ground pork
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Tapioca starch
- 1 cup Rice flour
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Snack/Appetizer
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the dried mushrooms in warm water for about 30 minutes until they are soft. Drain and chop them finely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca starch, and water. Stir until smooth and set aside to rest for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ground pork, rehydrated mushrooms, chopped shallots, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the mixture is well combined.
- Prepare the banana leaves by cutting them into squares large enough to line your cupcake molds or small bowls. This will create a cup shape for the rice cake.
- Place a piece of banana leaf in each cupcake mold and gently press it to create a cup shape.
- Fill each cup with the rice flour mixture, filling it halfway, and leaving enough space for the filling.
- Add a generous spoonful of the pork and mushroom filling into the center of each cup.
- Top off with more rice flour mixture to cover the filling completely, ensuring it is sealed.
- Fold the banana leaf over the filling to enclose it securely, creating a neat package.
- Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients until all are used.
- Steam the Banh Gio cups for about 45-60 minutes, checking for doneness. The cakes should be firm and cooked through.
- Once done, carefully remove the Banh Gio from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a side of soy sauce or a homemade dipping sauce made from soy sauce, lime juice, and chopped chili for an extra kick.
Tips
- For additional flavor, consider adding chopped green onions or bell peppers to the filling mixture.
- If banana leaves are unavailable, you can use parchment paper as an alternative, although the flavor will differ slightly.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as shrimp or vegetables, to suit your taste.