National Dish Vietnam: Banh Cong (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Banh Cong, the irresistibly crisp little fritters that crackle on street corners across southern Vietnam. Each golden cake hides a savoury filling of mung beans and sweet prawns, fried until the outside shatters and the inside stays tender. Light enough to nibble on the go yet substantial enough to share, they bring a wonderful change of pace from the usual Western snacks. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is wonderfully easy to follow at home.
About Banh Cong
Banh Cong is a unique and delicious Vietnamese fritter that is widely enjoyed across the country’s kitchens. These small, deep-fried cakes have a crunchy crust and a soft, satisfying centre. Thanks to their versatility, they pair beautifully with all manner of accompaniments and offer a delightful alternative to more familiar nibbles. The combination of rice flour, mung beans and prawns gives them their distinctive texture, while a steady frying temperature keeps them crisp. Best of all, the recipe is approachable enough for cooks of every level.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150g rice flour
- 50g mung beans
- 100g prawns
- 1 egg
- 200ml water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for deep-frying
Shopping for the ingredients
You will find most of what you need for banh cong at an Asian grocery or a well-stocked supermarket. When buying the prawns, look for ones that are fresh and of good quality, as they really make the dish. Rice flour and mung beans are staples of the Asian pantry and provide the cakes with their signature texture. For the best possible flavour, it is always worth reaching for high-quality produce wherever you can.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking the banh cong, the mung beans should be soaked in water for at least two hours. This softens their texture and makes them much easier to work with. The prawns need to be peeled and deveined, and you can remove the heads too if you prefer. Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and within easy reach before you begin, so the cooking goes smoothly from start to finish.
Step-by-step instructions
- Drain the mung beans and stir them together with the rice flour in about 200ml of water.
- Add the egg, mix well, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Stir the prepared prawns through the batter.
- Heat the oil in a deep pan until hot.
- Spoon a small amount of batter into a ladle, place a prawn on top, then gently slide it into the hot oil.
- Fry until the cakes are golden brown and crisp all over.
- Lift the finished banh cong onto kitchen paper to drain off any excess oil.
- Serve warm, garnished as you like with dipping sauce or crunchy vegetables.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Banh cong is easy to make gluten-free and lactose-free, as the main ingredient — rice flour — is naturally free from gluten. Just make sure your rice flour has not been cross-contaminated if you are following a strict gluten-free diet. Since the recipe uses no dairy at all, it is automatically lactose-free, making it an ideal choice for anyone with a lactose intolerance.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version, swap the prawns for sliced vegetables such as carrots, peppers or mushrooms. The egg can be replaced with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water, which acts as a binder in much the same way. Experiment with different vegetables to give your banh cong a personal twist — much like the plant-based filling that shines in Banh Bao Chay. This sustainable, wholesome variation is every bit as tasty while keeping things firmly plant-based.
More tips and tricks
To make sure your banh cong turn out crisp and golden, fry them at a medium-to-high temperature. A cooking thermometer can be a real help for keeping an eye on the heat of the oil. If you like, stir a little turmeric into the batter to give the cakes an appealing colour and an extra layer of flavour. After frying, let the cakes drain for the right amount of time to shed any excess oil and stay crunchy.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for banh cong is easy to adjust to suit different tastes and preferences. Try out different seasoning blends such as paprika or garlic powder to add another dimension of flavour. For those who like a bit of heat, a pinch of chilli powder or some chopped fresh chillies works a treat. You can also vary the amount of mung beans and prawns to shift the texture and balance of flavours to your liking.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot track down some of the ingredients, there are good alternatives on hand. Instead of mung beans, you could use green peas. If you are not keen on prawns or simply cannot find any, small pieces of tofu or chicken make a fine choice — the same kind of swap that works well in many a Vietnamese rice dish. Rice flour can be replaced with a mix of cornflour and tapioca flour if that is easier to come by. Experiment with different ingredients to create your own perfect banh cong.
Drink pairing ideas
A wide range of drinks pairs nicely with banh cong, each one complementing its savoury character. A light, fruity white wine or a crisp rosé makes an excellent partner. If you would rather skip the alcohol, herbal teas or a refreshing Vietnamese iced tea are wonderful alternatives. A simple ginger water or a fruity smoothie also harmonises beautifully with the rich flavours of the cakes.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present your banh cong with a bit of flair, arrange them on an attractive plate with a squeeze of lime juice and fresh herbs such as coriander or mint. A side salad of fresh vegetables and herbs, lightly dressed with a vinaigrette, adds a colourful finishing touch. Use small bowls for dips and sauces, and dress the table with Asian touches like chopsticks and bamboo mats. These little details turn the meal into a truly memorable occasion.
A bit of history
Banh cong has its roots in Vietnamese street food and is especially popular in the south of the country. It was originally created as a quick, affordable yet tasty dish for working people. Over time it found its way into more refined kitchens too, and it is now often served at festivals and special celebrations. The dish’s variety and adaptability have made it a much-loved classic of Vietnamese cuisine, enjoyed far beyond its humble beginnings.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Banh Cong
Banh cong is a versatile and delicious dish that is easy to put together at home. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy these traditional Vietnamese fritters whenever the craving strikes. Whether you make them gluten-free, vegan or simply tailored to your own preferences, banh cong offers plenty of room to play. Give this recipe a go and bring the flavours of Vietnamese cooking into your own kitchen.
