Banh Hoi Recipe Vegetarian: Easy and Delicious Guide

Bánh hỏi is a beloved Vietnamese dish known for its delicate, thin rice vermicelli woven into intricate bundles. Traditionally served with grilled meats and fresh herbs, bánh hỏi offers a delightful texture and fresh flavor profile.

However, making a vegetarian bánh hỏi recipe can be just as satisfying and vibrant, perfect for those who prefer plant-based meals or want to explore a lighter, healthier option. This recipe will guide you through creating the delicate rice noodle sheets and pairing them with a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs, accompanied by a savory vegetarian dipping sauce that enhances every bite.

Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or just looking to try something new, this vegetarian bánh hỏi will impress with its balance of textures and flavors.

In this post, you’ll find a simple yet authentic approach to crafting bánh hỏi at home, along with helpful tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Plus, we’ll share some related recipes to expand your culinary repertoire.

Let’s dive into this tasty and visually stunning dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian bánh hỏi recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients combined with traditional Vietnamese culinary techniques. Here’s why it stands out:

• Delicate and unique texture: The fine rice vermicelli sheets are light, airy, and fun to eat, offering a texture different from standard noodles.
• Versatile and customizable: You can easily switch up the toppings and dipping sauce to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
• Vibrant and fresh: Loaded with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful vegetarian sauce, it’s a feast for the senses.
• Impressively homemade: Making bánh hỏi at home may seem intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into manageable steps, perfect for adventurous cooks.
• Healthy and nourishing: Made without meat or fish sauce, it’s light on calories but rich in flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients

• For the bánh hỏi noodles:
• 2 cups rice flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca starch
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the vegetable toppings:
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (green leaf or butter lettuce)
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
• For the vegetarian dipping sauce (nước chấm chay):
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small fresh chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• Optional garnish:
• Chopped roasted peanuts
• Fried shallots

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Steamer setup (bamboo steamer or metal steamer rack)
• Flat heatproof tray or shallow pan (to spread batter thinly)
• Spatula or thin knife (to loosen noodles)
• Large serving plates
• Small bowls for dipping sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca starch, and salt. Gradually add the water while whisking continuously to form a smooth, thin batter with no lumps. The consistency should be slightly thinner than pancake batter.
2. Set up the steamer: Fill your steamer pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil. Place a flat tray or shallow pan inside the steamer, and lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
3. Steam the rice noodle sheets: Pour a thin layer of batter (about 1/4 cup) evenly over the tray, tilting it to distribute the batter as thinly as possible. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until the sheet becomes translucent and firm.
4. Remove and cool: Carefully remove the tray from the steamer. Use a spatula or thin knife to gently loosen the edges, then slide the sheet onto a clean, flat surface or parchment paper to cool. Repeat this process until all batter is used.
5. Cut the bánh hỏi: Once cooled, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the noodle sheets into thin strips about 1/4 inch wide, creating the signature fine vermicelli bundles.
6. Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, minced garlic, and chili slices. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste, then set aside.
7. Assemble the bánh hỏi platter: Arrange the noodle bundles on a serving plate alongside shredded lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber slices, and fresh herbs. Garnish with chopped peanuts or fried shallots if desired.
8. Serve and enjoy: To eat, take a small bundle of bánh hỏi, add some vegetables and herbs, then dip into the sauce for a burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

“Perfecting the thinness of the noodle sheets is key to authentic bánh hỏi. If your batter is too thick, add a splash more water.

Also, steaming each sheet just until translucent ensures delicate texture.”

• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free using rice and tapioca starch.
• Add tofu or mushrooms: For extra protein, lightly pan-fry tofu cubes or sauté shiitake mushrooms seasoned with soy sauce to serve alongside.
• Herb substitutions: If you can’t find Thai basil, substitute with sweet basil or additional mint.
• Dipping sauce options: Try adding a splash of vegetarian hoisin sauce for a sweeter twist.
• Batch preparation: The noodle sheets can be steamed and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Re-steam or microwave briefly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition varies depending on toppings and amount of sauce used.

Serving Suggestions

Bánh hỏi is traditionally served as a main dish or appetizer and pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp side dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Serve with a platter of grilled or sautéed vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Add a side of Vietnamese-style pickled carrots and daikon for tang and crunch.
• Include fresh spring rolls or summer rolls stuffed with tofu and herbs for a complementary dish.
• For a more substantial meal, serve bánh hỏi alongside Half Runner Beans Recipe or Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet finish.
• Don’t forget a refreshing drink like the Green Goodness Juice Recipe to complement the fresh herbs and light noodles.

Conclusion

Making vegetarian bánh hỏi at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors and textures of Vietnamese cuisine right to your table. With its delicate rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and savory dipping sauce, this dish is both light and satisfying—ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based meal.

The step-by-step process outlined here simplifies the traditional preparation, making it accessible even for beginners. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to customize toppings and sauces to your liking.

Whether you’re preparing bánh hỏi for a casual lunch or a special dinner, it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its unique presentation and delicious taste. Don’t hesitate to explore more recipes on our site, like the nostalgic Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the irresistible Glazed Twist Donut Recipe, to keep your kitchen creative and inspired.

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