Banh Lot Recipe: 10 Secrets for Making It Like a Pro

Banh Lot Recipe is one of those sweet Vietnamese snacks you start craving as soon as you take the first bite. Picture tiny chewy blobs made from rice flour smothered in creamy coconut milk and bright green pandan goodness. Its mix of texture and flavour makes it a fun treat, whether you have just heard about Vietnamese food or you’ve eaten pho every week. Besides tasting great, the dish carries decades of cooking tradition on its little pandan shoulders, so it shows off the Vietnam food story while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Trying to make Banh Lot at home is like inviting a slice of Vietnam right into your kitchen. At first, the steps read like a science experiment, but pretty quickly, they turn into a fun fifteen-minute craft. With every spoonful of gooey dough and every splash of warm coconut sauce, you feel that tiny street market buzz lifting off the plate. And because the list of ingredients is short, you can wow your friends and family with a dessert they’ve never seen without hunting down rare items.

This post will show you how to make Bnh Lot from start to finish with no fuss. Well, talk about hunting down the right ingredients, mixing the dough, and steaming it perfectly so nothing gets missed. Whether youre showing off the dish at a party or sneaking a batch just for you, Bnh Lot will quickly wiggle its way into your go-to dessert list. So grab your apron, and let’s bring this tasty Vietnamese treat into your kitchen!

What is Banh Lot?

Banh Lot is a classic Vietnamese sweet that is eye-catching, bright green and smells like fresh pandan. Served cold, it mixes little chewy bits made from rice flour, pandan juice, and rich sweet coconut milk. That creamy bowl is a go-to snack in Vietnam on steamy days because it cools you down fast. The vivid green comes straight from the leafy pandan leaves, which also give the dish its dreamy perfume.

Even though Banh Lot doesn’t pop up outside Vietnam as much as pho or banh mi, it means a lot back home. The soft, stretchy bite paired with smooth coconut milk wins over locals and curious travellers every time. Whether you are in a street stall or your kitchen, this recipe will show you why Banh Lot has its fans.

Ingredients You Need for a Delicious Banh Lot Recipe

To make the perfect Banh Lot recipe, you need a combination of the right ingredients that come together to create the dish’s unique texture and flavor. Below is a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need.

Key Ingredients

• Rice Flour: The primary base for Banh Lot, rice flour gives the dish its chewy and slightly sticky texture. It’s important to use a high-quality rice flour that is finely ground to get the best results.
• Pandan Leaves: Pandan is a tropical plant that imparts a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. It also gives Banh Lot its signature bright green color. If fresh pandan leaves are unavailable, you can use pandan extract as a substitute.
• Coconut Milk: Coconut milk forms the creamy base of the dessert and adds richness to balance out the sweetness of the dish. You can use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and consistency.
• Sugar: A sweetener is essential for this dish. Use regular sugar, or for a more authentic flavor, you can opt for palm sugar, which is often used in Southeast Asian desserts.

Optional Ingredients for Variation

• Ice: Adding ice to the Banh Lot helps to cool the dish down and enhance the refreshing aspect of the dessert, particularly if you serve it during the summer months.
• Sesame Seeds: These can be sprinkled on top of the Banh Lot for added texture and flavor. Sesame seeds offer a slight crunch, which contrasts nicely with the chewy rice flour pieces.
• Crushed Peanuts: Another optional topping that can add a delightful crunch to the dish. Crushed peanuts can be mixed into the dessert or sprinkled on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Banh Lot

Making Banh Lot may seem daunting, but with the right instructions, it becomes a straightforward process. Below, we’ll guide you through each step to ensure your Banh Lot turns out perfect every time.

Preparing the Pandan Extract

When the Banh Lot is steamed and cooked, it’s time to make the dish. A bowl is needed to mix Coconut milk, sugar and some salt. The sweetness can be adjusted according to your preference. Add Ice cubes to the bowl to cool your coconut milk mix.

Serve the Banh Lot pieces that have been steamed Banh Lot pieces in the bowl, then sprinkle the coconut milk mix over them. Sprinkle with your choice of toppings, like sesame seeds, crushed peanuts or coconut chips. Serve it immediately when it’s cool and refreshing.

Making the Banh Lot Dough

1. Mix the Rice Flour and Pandan Extract: In a large bowl, combine the rice flour with the pandan extract. Gradually add warm water until the dough begins to form. You want the dough to be firm yet pliable. The consistency should be similar to playdough.
2. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s smooth and well-mixed. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more rice flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
3. Shape the Dough: Take small pieces of dough and roll them into small cylinders or balls. Traditional Banh Lot is shaped into thin, cylindrical pieces, about the size of a small finger.

Shaping and Steaming the Banh Lot

1. Prepare a Steamer: Bring water to a boil in a steamer or large pot with a steaming rack.
2. Steam the Banh Lot: Place the shaped dough pieces on a steaming tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Steam the pieces for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become translucent and firm to the touch. You should be able to see through the dough slightly once it’s properly steamed.

Assembling the Dish

Once your Banh Lot is steamed and ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a bowl, combine coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste. Add ice cubes to the bowl to chill the coconut milk mixture.

Place the steamed Banh Lot pieces in the bowl, and drizzle the coconut milk mixture over them. Garnish with your choice of toppings, such as crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or coconut flakes. Serve immediately while it’s cold and refreshing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Banh Lot

While making Banh Lot is relatively easy, some common mistakes can prevent you from achieving the perfect dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Over-Steaming the Banh Lot: Steaming for too long can cause the Banh Lot to become tough and rubbery. Stick to the recommended steaming time, which is usually 15-20 minutes.
• Incorrect Dough Consistency: The dough should be firm but pliable. If it’s too sticky, you’ll have a hard time shaping it. If it’s too dry, it will crack when steamed. Always add water gradually until you reach the right consistency.
• Skipping the Pandan Extract: The pandan extract is essential for both the color and flavor of Banh Lot. If you don’t have access to pandan, you can use pandan paste or powder, but fresh pandan is always the best option.

Tips for Perfecting Your Banh Lot Recipe Every Time

Here are some expert tips to ensure you always get perfect Banh Lot:

• Use Fresh Pandan: If you can find fresh pandan leaves, it’s worth the effort. The fresh leaves give the dish a superior fragrance and vibrant color that can’t be replicated with extract.
• Balance the Sweetness: Don’t overdo it with sugar. The sweetness of the coconut milk should complement the chewy Banh Lot, not overpower it. Taste and adjust as you go.
• Add Crunchy Toppings: Peanuts, sesame seeds, or even toasted coconut can elevate the texture and flavor of the dish.

Nutritional Information for Banh Lot

While Banh Lot is a delicious treat, it’s important to be aware of its nutritional content. Here’s a breakdown of the typical ingredients used in Banh Lot:

This dessert is mostly carbohydrate-heavy due to the rice flour, but it also provides a moderate amount of fat from the coconut milk. For those looking for a healthier version, you can use reduced-fat coconut milk or substitute sugar with stevia.

Variations of Banh Lot You Should Try

There are many ways to customize your Banh Lot recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Banh Lot with Mango: Add slices of fresh mango for a tropical twist.
• Banh Lot with Jelly: Mix in some coconut jelly for extra texture.
• Savory Banh Lot: Try using savory fillings like herbs or shrimp for a unique take on this classic dessert.

Why You Should Try Making Banh Lot at Home

Making Banh Lot at home is not only a fun and rewarding experience, but it also allows you to customize the recipe to your liking. You’ll get to enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dessert that’s not only delicious but also refreshing on a hot day.

Where to Find the Best Ingredients for Your Banh Lot Recipe

Finding the right ingredients for Banh Lot is essential. Look for fresh pandan leaves at local Asian grocery stores, or order pandan extract online. Rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar are readily available at most supermarkets.

Banh Lot Recipe From DishBloom!

Banh Lot Recipe – A Traditional Vietnamese Sweet Dessert

Banh Lot is a delicious Vietnamese dessert made from chewy rice flour dough flavored with pandan and topped with creamy coconut milk. Known for its beautiful green color, smooth texture, and aromatic flavors, this dish is a favorite among those who love Southeast Asian sweets. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or as an everyday treat, this recipe will guide you through every step of creating an authentic Banh Lot that’s sure to impress.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Vietnamese

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl for dough preparation
• Steaming pot or bamboo steamer (to steam the dough)
• Sieve or cheesecloth (for extracting pandan flavor)
• Small saucepan (for making coconut milk topping)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for mixing the dough)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Cutting board and knife (for chopping pandan leaves)
• Fine mesh strainer (for straining the pandan extract)

Ingredients

  

• For the Dough:
• 2 cups of glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup of warm water adjust as needed
• 2-3 tablespoons of pandan extract or pandan paste
• A pinch of salt optional, for balance
• For the Coconut Milk Sauce:
• 1 cup of coconut milk full-fat for a creamy texture
• 3 tablespoons of sugar adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract optional, for added flavor
• For Garnish:
• Shredded coconut flakes optional, for extra texture

Instructions

 

• Prepare Pandan Extract: Blend chopped pandan leaves with warm water, then strain to get the juice.
• Make Dough: Mix glutinous rice flour, salt, pandan extract, and warm water to form a dough. Let it rest.
• Shape Dough: Roll dough into small cylinders.
• Steam: Steam dough pieces for 15-20 minutes until firm and translucent.
• Make Coconut Sauce: Heat coconut milk and sugar until sugar dissolves.
• Assemble: Place steamed dough on a plate, drizzle with coconut sauce, and top with shredded coconut.
  

Notes

Pandan Extract: Use pandan paste or extract if fresh leaves aren’t available.

Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives the creamiest texture.

Sweetness: Adjust sugar in the coconut milk sauce to your taste.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving Variations: Top with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra flavor.

Keyword Banh Lot Recipe, pandan, coconut milk, rice flour dessert, Vietnamese dessert

Conclusion

In the end, the process of making Banh Lot is more than cooking a dessert. It’s about taking on an element of Vietnamese culture and bringing the traditional dessert to life. The combination of the chewy Rice flour, aromatic pandan and creamy coconut milk makes a delicious combination of flavours and textures that will delight your senses. If you’re a professional chef or are just beginning to learn cooking, this recipe will provide an easy yet satisfying experience to discover new culinary possibilities.

By following the step-by-step instructions provided, you will now have the necessary tools to make a truly genuine Banh Lot right at home. The ingredients might be easy, but the flavour is simply amazing. Make sure to play around with the toppings and share the dessert with your friends and family members for a more memorable experience. Once you’ve got this dish down, It’s bound to become an item you return to time and time.

What do you have to be to be waiting to do? Get your ingredients ready, adhere to your Banh Lot recipe, and savour the chewy, sweet and creamy delights of this wonderful Vietnamese dessert. It’s not just the delicious dessert but also the development of a greater appreciation of the many traditional Vietnamese cuisines that make the Banh Lot unique. Enjoy!

FAQs:

Frequently Asked Questions about Banh Lot Recipe

Share Your Twist!

While Banh Lot is already delicious as it is, there’s always room to make it your own! Here are a few fun ways to put your unique spin on this traditional Vietnamese dessert:

• Add Fruit: Try topping your Banh Lot with fresh fruit like mango, jackfruit, or lychee for a burst of tropical flavor.
• Flavor the Coconut Sauce: Add a touch of vanilla, pandan extract, or even a bit of caramelized sugar to your coconut milk sauce for a new depth of flavor.
• Mix in Nuts: For some crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or even coconut flakes on top.
• Change the Color: You can experiment with adding different natural food colorings to the dough for a colorful twist, using ingredients like butterfly pea flower or beet juice.
• Sweeten the Dough: Want extra sweetness? Add a little sugar to the dough itself for a more indulgent treat.

We’d love to hear about your variations! Share your creative twists on Banh Lot in the comments below, and feel free to tag us on social media with your versions. Let’s make this delightful dessert even more fun together!

References :

8 Delicious Banh Mi-Inspired Recipes

Blueberry Lemon Mascarpone Cake Recipe

Optavia Lean And Green Recipe