How to Make Banh Hoi Chao Tom: Vietnamese Sugarcane Shrimp Skewers with Vermicelli

If you’re craving a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, banh hoi chao tom is a must-try. This Vietnamese classic combines delicate rice vermicelli bundles with flavorful grilled shrimp paste wrapped around sugarcane. It’s a dish that feels like a celebration, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

What makes banh hoi chao tom so special is its balance of textures and flavors. The soft, airy noodles soak up the savory dipping sauce, while the juicy shrimp paste offers a smoky, slightly sweet bite. Paired with fresh herbs and crisp lettuce, every bite is a vibrant mix of freshness and warmth.

What Is Banh Hoi Chao Tom?

Banh hoi chao tom is a traditional Vietnamese dish that combines delicate rice vermicelli bundles (banh hoi) with char-grilled shrimp paste (chao tom) wrapped around sugarcane. This dish is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and textures, often served with an array of fresh herbs, crisp lettuce, and a savory nuoc cham dipping sauce.

The rice vermicelli bundles are intricately woven into thin sheets, their soft and silky texture perfect for soaking up sauces. The shrimp paste, seasoned and molded onto pieces of sugarcane, is grilled until fragrant and golden, adding a smoky sweetness to each bite. The sugarcane itself doubles as a flavorful skewer, offering a refreshing burst of sweet juice when chewed. Together, these components create a harmonious dining experience that is as satisfying to eat as it is to prepare.

Ingredients

For The Banh Hoi (Fine Rice Vermicelli Sheets)

• 1 package of banh hoi noodles
• Ice water for chilling

For The Chao Tom (Grilled Shrimp Paste on Sugarcane)

• 1–2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 oz pork paste (Giò Sống) (optional, for enhanced flavor and texture)
• Fresh sugarcane sticks, cut into 3–4 inch sections

For The Garnishes And Dipping Sauce

• Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, Thai basil
• Crisp lettuce leaves
• Pickled carrots and daikon (optional, for added tanginess)
• Rice paper (optional, for wrapping)
• Nuoc cham dipping sauce for serving

Required Tools And Equipment

To prepare and cook banh hoi chao tom, using the right tools and equipment ensures a seamless process while enhancing the flavors and textures of this delightful dish. Below is a breakdown of everything we need.

Ingredients Preparation

1. Food Processor or Blender: These are essential for blending the shrimp paste into a smooth, cohesive mixture.
2. Cutting Board: Use this for chopping aromatics like garlic, shallots, and lemongrass to highlight the bold flavors in the chao tom.
3. Knife: A sharp knife makes mincing ingredients easier and more efficient.
4. Gloves (Optional): Gloves with a light coating of oil will help handle the sticky shrimp paste without hassle.

Cooking Tools

1. Steamer: Utilize a steamer with a tray lined with parchment paper or banana leaves to gently cook the shrimp paste for a tender texture.
2. Pot: A pot is needed to boil water for the steaming process.
3. Deep Frying Station or Pan: After steaming, we’ll need a deep frying pan to achieve that crispy golden exterior on the chao tom.
4. Slotted Spoon or Tongs: These are perfect for carefully flipping and removing the chao tom from the frying pan.

Serving Essentials

1. Cutting Board: A secondary cutting board is useful for assembling the banh hoi chao tom with all its accompaniments.
2. Plates or Serving Board: Arrange the grilled sugarcane shrimp, rice vermicelli bundles, fresh herbs, and lettuce on a serving plate or board for a visually stunning presentation.

Each tool and equipment piece plays a vital role in preparing and serving the banh hoi chao tom, ensuring a balanced mix of visual appeal, texture, and authentic flavors.

Directions

Let’s walk through the process of making banh hoi chao tom step by step to ensure everything is flavorful and beautifully prepared.

Prep The Ingredients

1. Clean the shrimp: Peel and devein 1 pound of fresh shrimp. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Prepare sugarcane sticks: Cut the sugarcane into 4-inch pieces and split them lengthwise into quarters.
3. Chop aromatics: Finely mince 2 cloves of garlic, 1 shallot, and 1 stalk of lemongrass.
4. Herb preparation: Wash and pat dry fresh herbs like cilantro, Vietnamese mint, and perilla leaves. Trim stems where necessary.
5. Prepare garnishes: Slice pickled carrots and daikon into thin strips and wash lettuce leaves.

Make The Banh Hoi

1. Steam the noodles: Place banh hoi rice vermicelli bundles onto a steamer lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Steam over medium heat for 5 minutes or until warmed.
2. Brush with scallion oil: In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add 2 finely chopped scallions and cook for 1 minute. Brush this mixture generously over the steamed banh hoi for a fragrant finish.

Prepare The Chao Tom

1. Blend the shrimp paste: In a food processor, add the prepared shrimp, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the chopped aromatics. Process until smooth and slightly sticky.
2. Form onto sugarcane: Take small handfuls of the shrimp paste and mold them around each sugarcane stick, forming a sausage shape that securely adheres to the skewer. Repeat for all sticks.
3. Steam the shrimp paste: Place the skewers in a steamer and cook for 8–10 minutes until firm and opaque.
4. Grill or pan-fry: Heat a grill pan or non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a thin layer of oil and grill each skewer for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and slightly charred.

Assemble The Banh Hoi Chao Tom

1. Plate the banh hoi: Lay the steamed banh hoi rice vermicelli bundles on a platter as the base.
2. Add the chao tom skewers: Place the grilled shrimp paste skewers on top of the banh hoi.
3. Garnish generously: Arrange the fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and lettuce around the platter for easy wrapping.
4. Serve with dipping sauce: Pair with nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) on the side for drizzling or dipping as desired.

Tips For Success

To ensure our banh hoi chao tom turns out beautifully, we’ve compiled some helpful tips for preparing both the rice noodles and sugarcane shrimp. These small details can make a noticeable difference in taste and presentation.

Perfecting the Banh Hoi Rice Noodles

1. Rehydrate Properly: Use the timing instructions on the package of dried bánh hỏi noodles. If the brand you’re using has unique directions, adjust accordingly to achieve a tender, yet firm texture.
2. Avoid Overcooking: When steaming or soaking the noodles, monitor closely to prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy.
3. Presentation Matters: Arrange the woven noodles neatly on the platter to highlight their delicate and intricate design. This adds a touch of elegance to your plate.

Crafting Flavorful Chao Tom

1. Shrimp Mixture Tips: Incorporating pork paste (giò sống) into the ground shrimp enhances both flavor and texture. Be sure to blend the mixture until it’s smooth and sticky for easy shaping.
2. Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the flavoring—add fish sauce, sugar, minced lemongrass, and pepper generously to achieve the savory-sweet profile.
3. Oiling Helps: Lightly oil your hands or gloves when wrapping the shrimp paste around the sugarcane. This prevents sticking and allows you to shape them evenly.

Grilling and Finishing Touches

1. Even Grilling: Rotate the skewers regularly on the grill or pan to achieve an even, golden char without burning.
2. Herbs and Garnishes: Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint elevate the dish. Add some crisp lettuce and pickled vegetables for balanced flavors and textures.
3. Pair with Nước Chấm: Serve with Vietnamese dipping sauce to bring everything together. The salty, sweet, and tangy notes complement both the noodles and shrimp.

Taking these tips into account ensures that your banh hoi chao tom will impress visually and delight in flavor.

Variations And Substitutions

When preparing banh hoi chao tom, we can explore creative variations and convenient substitutions to suit our preferences or dietary needs. These adjustments allow us to customize the dish while maintaining its signature deliciousness.

Protein Alternatives

If shrimp isn’t an option or we want to experiment, we can replace it with ground chicken, pork, or even fish paste. For a vegetarian-friendly version, firm tofu blended with mushrooms and seasonings can serve as a tasty and texturally satisfying alternative. We simply follow the same method of molding the mixture onto sugarcane sticks before cooking.

Sugarcane Substitutes

Fresh sugarcane can sometimes be challenging to source. In such cases, we can substitute with lemongrass stalks for a citrusy aroma or use bamboo skewers as an easy replacement. While bamboo skewers don’t infuse flavor like sugarcane, they maintain the structure of the skewers.

Noodle Alternatives

For a gluten-free twist, we can substitute the banh hoi noodles with alternative rice-based vermicelli. If banh hoi isn’t available, thin rice noodles like rice sticks or even shirataki noodles work well, especially when paired with the dipping sauce and fresh herbs.

Flavor Enhancements

If we enjoy bold flavors, adding minced garlic, lemongrass, or chili flakes to the shrimp paste can enhance the taste of the skewers. For a sweeter profile, incorporating honey or minced sweet onion into the shrimp mixture creates a delightful caramelization when grilled.

Garnish and Sauce Customization

To expand upon the traditional garnish, we can include sliced cucumbers, cilantro, or even roasted peanuts for added crunch. If we want a dipping sauce variation, switching nước chấm with peanut sauce or hoisin-based dips provides a fun twist to accompany banh hoi chao tom.

These substitutions and variations ensure we can adapt banh hoi chao tom to any occasion, adding versatility to this already stunning dish.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying banh hoi chao tom, presentation and accompaniments take the dining experience to the next level. We recommend serving this dish family-style, allowing everyone to assemble their own plates. Start by arranging the banh hoi noodles on a large platter, fanning the delicate bundles out to highlight their intricate texture. Place the grilled sugarcane shrimp skewers beside the noodles, their golden char offering a stunning contrast to the soft, white noodles.

Include a variety of fresh herbs, such as cilantro, Thai basil, and mint, on a separate plate alongside crisp lettuce leaves. These greens add a refreshing balance to the richness of the shrimp and noodles. Don’t forget to prepare a side of pickled vegetables—thinly sliced carrots and daikon radishes provide a tangy crunch that invigorates the palate.

Serve nuoc cham, the flavorful Vietnamese dipping sauce, in small individual bowls for each guest. Its balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors enhances every bite of banh hoi chao tom. Encourage guests to wrap the noodles and sugarcane shrimp in lettuce leaves, add herbs and pickled vegetables, and dip into the sauce for a burst of textures and tastes. Include a few lime wedges and chili slices on the side for those who enjoy extra zest or heat.

For a complete and authentic experience, pair banh hoi chao tom with a refreshing beverage like iced green tea or a light Vietnamese beer. This dish’s harmonious mix of flavors and interactive serving style makes it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy dinner at home.

Conclusion

Banh hoi chao tom is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together with its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation. Whether you’re recreating it for a special gathering or a cozy meal at home, it’s a true celebration of Vietnamese culinary artistry.

With its endless possibilities for customization and the joy of assembling it with loved ones, this dish is as fun to prepare as it is to eat. Let’s embrace the creativity and care that go into making banh hoi chao tom and share this delightful tradition with those we cherish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is banh hoi chao tom?

Banh hoi chao tom is a traditional Vietnamese dish that features delicate rice vermicelli bundles paired with char-grilled shrimp paste wrapped around sugarcane sticks. It’s known for its unique combination of textures and flavors, with fresh herbs, crisp lettuce, and a savory dipping sauce enhancing the dining experience.

What does the sugarcane in banh hoi chao tom do?

The sugarcane serves as both a skewer and a flavor enhancer. It adds a subtle sweetness to the shrimp paste and provides a refreshing burst of juice when chewed after grilling.

Can I substitute sugarcane in the recipe?

Yes, if fresh sugarcane is unavailable, you can use lemongrass stalks or bamboo skewers as substitutes. Just note that sugarcane adds a unique flavor and sweetness that these alternatives won’t replicate.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for banh hoi chao tom?

Absolutely! You can use firm tofu blended with mushrooms as a protein substitute. Mold the mixture onto skewers and follow similar preparation steps to create a delicious vegetarian option.

What are the key garnishes for banh hoi chao tom?

Essential garnishes include fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, crisp lettuce, and pickled vegetables. Nuoc cham, a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce, completes the dish.

Can I prepare banh hoi chao tom ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp paste and wrap it around the sugarcane in advance. Keep it refrigerated until ready to grill. The noodles and garnishes are best prepared fresh for optimal texture.

What makes banh hoi noodles unique?

Banh hoi noodles are ultra-thin rice vermicelli sheets, intricately woven to create a delicate texture. They are ideal for soaking up the flavors of the dipping sauce and complementing the grilled shrimp paste.

How do I serve banh hoi chao tom?

Serve it family-style by arranging the banh hoi noodles and grilled shrimp skewers on a large platter. Include lettuce, herbs, and pickled vegetables, and provide nuoc cham dipping sauce for added flavor.

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?

Yes, ground chicken, pork, or fish paste are excellent substitutes. You can season and mold these onto skewers, then grill them similar to the shrimp paste.

What dipping sauce pairs best with banh hoi chao tom?

Nuoc cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili, and garlic, is the perfect accompaniment. Its tangy and savory flavors balance the richness of the dish.

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