We’ve always been drawn to the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, and Banh Gia Lon stands out as a hearty steamed dumpling that’s both comforting and irresistible. Hailing from Vietnam’s bustling streets this savory treat features a rice flour wrapper stuffed with seasoned meats and herbs making it a perfect blend of textures and tastes.
Originating as a staple in Vietnamese households we love how it brings authentic street food vibes right to your table. Whether you’re a fan of bold spices or new to Asian cooking our simple recipe promises an easy adventure that captures the essence of this cultural favorite.
Ingredients
To bring our authentic Banh Gia Lon—the hearty Vietnamese steamed dumpling with its rice flour wrapper and flavorful filling—to life, we start by gathering these essential ingredients. We’ve organized them by component for clarity, ensuring you have everything ready as we prepare the wrapper and filling.
For the Wrapper
- 2 cups rice flour: The base for our light, translucent wrapper—sift it for smoothness.
- 1 cup tapioca starch: Adds the perfect chewy texture; mix it with the rice flour.
- 1 ½ cups water: Use lukewarm water to achieve the right dough consistency.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle gloss.
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground pork: Freshly ground for juiciness; season it as the first step in mixing.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base; chop it just before using.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses bold flavor; add it early to release its essence.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Such as shiitake for an earthy depth; sauté them lightly if prepping ahead.
- ½ cup fresh herbs: Like cilantro and green onions, chopped; these add the vibrant, fresh notes typical of Vietnamese street food.
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce: A key umami enhancer—use a high-quality brand for authenticity.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Balances saltiness; incorporate it with the fish sauce.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly ground for a spicy kick.
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cabbage: For added crunch; prepare it right before mixing into the filling.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients for Banh Gia Lon, let’s guide you through the straightforward steps to create these flavorful steamed dumplings. We promise this process will bring authentic Vietnamese street food right to your kitchen with ease and delicious results.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, we’ll prepare the wrapper dough and the filling to ensure everything comes together smoothly. Start by making the wrapper dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup rice flour and 1/2 cup tapioca starch. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water while stirring with a whisk until the mixture forms a smooth, lump-free batter—aim for a consistency similar to pancake batter. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes to achieve the perfect pliability.
Next, prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, mix 1 pound ground pork, 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup fresh herbs (such as cilantro and green onions, finely chopped), 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. For added crunch, incorporate 1 cup shredded cabbage if desired. Use your hands or a spoon to blend the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the flavors meld evenly—this step is key to the dumpling’s vibrant taste.
Cook
Once prepped, it’s time to cook the components for our Banh Gia Lon. First, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Cook the filling mixture in the skillet for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the pork is browned and fully cooked through—internal temperature should reach 160°F for safety. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
For the wrappers, bring a steamer pot to a boil with water. While the water heats, pour the rested dough batter into a greased, shallow pan or mold, spreading it evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness. Steam the dough for 10-12 minutes until it becomes translucent and firm. If you’re making multiple batches, repeat this process—this ensures the wrappers hold up well during assembly.
Assemble
With the prep and cooking complete, let’s assemble our Banh Gia Lon for the final steam. Lay out a steamed wrapper on a clean surface and place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling in the center. Fold the wrapper over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pinching the edges firmly to seal—use a bit of water on your fingers if needed for a tight closure.
Arrange the assembled dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch to prevent sticking. Steam them for an additional 10-15 minutes until the wrappers are tender and the flavors fully infuse. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste, capturing the comforting essence of this Vietnamese staple.
Required Tools
To bring our Banh Gia Lon to life with ease and precision, we need a selection of essential kitchen tools that streamline the preparation, cooking, and assembly process. These items ensure authentic results while minimizing effort.
Basic Preparation Tools
- Mixing bowl: A large, sturdy bowl for combining rice flour, tapioca starch, and water to create the smooth wrapper batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate sets for precisely measuring ingredients like lukewarm water and vegetable oil to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- Cutting board and knife: A clean board paired with a sharp knife for finely chopping onions, mincing garlic, and slicing mushrooms for the flavorful filling.
Cooking and Steaming Equipment
- Skillet or frying pan: A non-stick pan for browning the ground pork filling mixture, ensuring it develops rich flavors before steaming.
- Steamer basket or pot: Essential for steaming the dumplings to perfection, allowing the rice flour wrapper to become tender and translucent while locking in the filling’s aromas.
- Spatula: A heat-resistant spatula for stirring and flipping the filling in the skillet, preventing sticking and promoting even cooking.
Assembly and Serving Tools
- Rolling pin: Useful for rolling out the wrapper dough evenly, though we can also use our hands for a more rustic approach.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: For safely handling steamed dumplings during assembly and transfer, ensuring they maintain their shape.
With these tools in hand, we’re fully equipped to execute the steps for our Banh Gia Lon recipe seamlessly.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Banh Gia Lon recipe even more convenient for busy days, we recommend preparing components in advance without compromising on flavor or texture. This approach allows us to streamline the assembly and cooking process while preserving the dish’s authentic Vietnamese essence.
Preparing the Filling Ahead
We can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance for optimal freshness. Start by mixing the ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, fresh herbs, fish sauce, soy sauce, and ground black pepper in a bowl as outlined in our earlier steps. Once blended, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately. This method ensures the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the savory profile of our Banh Gia Lon.
Preparing the Wrapper Dough Ahead
The wrapper dough, made from rice flour and tapioca starch mixed with lukewarm water, can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead. After forming the smooth batter, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a damp cloth to prevent drying. Store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to regain its pliability before shaping.
Assembling Dumplings in Advance
For maximum efficiency, we suggest assembling the dumplings ahead of time. Fill and seal the wrappers with the prepared filling, then arrange them on a parchment-lined tray. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours or freeze for up to 1 month. Freezing tip: Place the dumplings in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid sticking.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of our Banh Gia Lon. Here’s a quick overview of recommended times and methods:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filling | Airtight container in refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Keep chilled to prevent bacterial growth. |
| Wrapper Dough | Covered in refrigerator | Up to 2 hours | Do not freeze, as it may crack. |
| Assembled Dumplings | Tray in refrigerator or freezer bag in freezer | Up to 4 hours (fridge) or 1 month (freezer) | Thaw frozen dumplings in the fridge overnight before steaming. |
When reheating, steam the dumplings for 5-7 minutes if refrigerated or 10-12 minutes if frozen, until heated through and the wrapper turns translucent. This ensures our Banh Gia Lon remains “irresistibly comforting” and ready to enjoy with minimal effort.
Conclusion
We’ve explored how Banh Gia Lon brings Vietnamese warmth to your kitchen. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a gateway to authentic flavors that connect us to new traditions.
Trying it yourself adds a personal touch so let’s get cooking and savor those vibrant tastes together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Banh Gia Lon?
Banh Gia Lon is a traditional Vietnamese steamed dumpling that’s hearty and flavorful. It features a rice flour wrapper stuffed with seasoned meats, herbs, and veggies, offering a comforting taste of authentic street food. This staple in Vietnamese households is easy to make and perfect for anyone exploring Asian cuisine.
What ingredients are needed for Banh Gia Lon?
For the wrapper, you’ll need rice flour, tapioca starch, lukewarm water, and vegetable oil. The filling includes ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, fresh herbs, fish sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and optional shredded cabbage. These simple ingredients create vibrant, authentic flavors with minimal effort.
How do you make Banh Gia Lon?
Start by mixing rice flour and tapioca starch with water to form a smooth batter for the wrapper. Prepare the filling by blending ground pork, herbs, and seasonings, then brown it in a skillet. Assemble by placing filling in the wrapper, seal, and steam until firm. The process is straightforward and yields delicious results in under an hour.
What tools are required to make Banh Gia Lon?
You’ll need a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board with a knife, a non-stick skillet for browning the filling, a steamer basket or pot, and tongs or a slotted spoon. These basic kitchen tools ensure easy preparation and cooking of this Vietnamese favorite.
Can I prepare Banh Gia Lon in advance?
Yes, make the filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. The wrapper dough can be prepared 2 hours in advance and stored covered in the fridge. Assemble dumplings ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 hours or freeze for up to 1 month, making it convenient for busy schedules.
How should I store and reheat Banh Gia Lon?
Store assembled dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 hours or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, steam refrigerated ones for a few minutes or thaw and steam frozen ones until heated through. This keeps the texture fresh and flavors intact for the best experience.