Khmer Banh Xeo – Cambodian Savory Pancake
If you are looking for a reliable pork recipe, this Khmer Banh Xeo – Cambodian Savory Pancake is one to keep: 10 ingredients, 10 simple steps, ready in roughly under an hour. A hot pan and a little patience give you the kind of colour and texture that makes this dish. Below you will find the full ingredient list, the method, and a few tips we think make the difference.
- Level Hard
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice Flour
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- 1 ¼ cup Coconut Milk
- ¾ cup Water
- ½ tsp Ground Turmeric
- ½ lb Pork belly slices
- 1 cup Bean Sprouts
- ½ Chopped Onion
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- Splash Fish Sauce
Method
- Whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, coconut milk, water, and turmeric in a bowl until smooth, then let rest for 15 minutes—this hydrates the flour for better texture.
- Heat a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (375°F) and add 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Sauté pork belly slices for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned, then push to one side of the skillet.
- Add onion slices and cook for 1 minute until slightly softened.
- Stir the batter briefly and pour about 1/2 cup into the skillet, immediately swirling to coat the bottom thinly.
- Scatter bean sprouts over half of the pancake and cover the skillet with a lid for 2 minutes to steam the sprouts.
- Uncover and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the edges curl and turn golden brown and crispy.
- Fold the pancake in half over the bean sprouts using a spatula, then transfer to a plate.
- Repeat steps 2–8 with remaining batter and ingredients, adding oil as needed to prevent sticking.
- Serve immediately with fish sauce for dipping.
Tips for the best Khmer Banh Xeo – Cambodian Savory Pancake
- Read the whole method before you start and measure out the 10 ingredients first — it keeps the pace relaxed once the heat is on.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
- This is a 10-step recipe, so set up your workspace in the order the steps use it.
- Let the pork come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
Variations
- Swap the pork for chicken thigh or tempeh — keep the cooking time similar and check for doneness.
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving ideas
Finish with fresh herbs and serve family-style in the middle of the table.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for 2 days; reheat in a hot pan or oven rather than the microwave to bring the crispness back.
Frequently asked questions
What can I substitute for rice flour?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
Is this Khmer Banh Xeo – Cambodian Savory Pancake recipe hard to make?
It is rated hard: 10 ingredients and 10 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
Can I make Khmer Banh Xeo – Cambodian Savory Pancake ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then cook just before serving for the best texture.
Recipe data via TheMealDB — source
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