How to make crispy and chewy Bình Định pancakes with shrimp and squid at home

How to make Bình Định pancake with shrimp and squid

• 1

  Mix the batter

  Prepare a bowl for 400g of rice flour, 300ml of beer, 350ml of filtered water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then stir until the mixture is well combined, and let the batter rest for 30 – 60 minutes.

  Tip:

  • Depending on your preference, you can skip the beer and replace it with filtered water; however, mixing the batter with beer will make the pancake crust crispier and tastier.
  • If the batter mixture is too thick, you can add a little more filtered water.

  

  

  

  
• 2

  Preparation of shrimp and squid

  Wash the shrimp thoroughly, use a small knife or scissors to insert into the back of the shrimp, then make a longitudinal cut along the back and peel off the shell, simultaneously removing the shrimp’s intestines from the back.

  For the squid, use your hands to separate the head from the body. Squeeze out the beak in the middle of the squid head and remove the ink sac, then pull out the backbone from the body, rinse it well, and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

  Quick way to remove shrimp intestines

  • First, turn the shrimp upside down, gently bend the head upwards while squeezing lightly to push the dirty part of the shrimp out. Then hold that dirty part to pull the intestines out.
  • Another method is to flip the shrimp over, then peel both sides of the shrimp head and hold tightly at the junction between the body and head, gently pulling it out, and the shrimp intestines will come out with it.

  How to prepare squid to reduce fishy smell

  • Method 1: Just blanch the squid in boiling tea water for 5 – 7 minutes and the fishy smell will disappear immediately.
  • Method 2: Another simple method is to marinate the squid with sesame oil or a little rice wine, which not only reduces the fishy smell but also enhances the flavor of the dish.

  See details: Effective methods to eliminate squid odor

  

  

  

  
• 3

  Prepare the remaining ingredients

  Cut off the tops of the chives, chop them into pieces, and soak them with bean sprouts in diluted salt water for 5 – 7 minutes, then remove and let drain.

  Remove the tops of the green mustard, chop it, and wash it thoroughly with water. Meanwhile, peel the onion and cut it into rings.

  

  
• 4

  Pour the pancake

  Place a pan on the stove, add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil, and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, use a ladle to evenly spread the batter, then add the prepared ingredients including squid, shrimp, bean sprouts, chives, and onion, and cover with a lid for 4 – 5 minutes until everything is cooked and the pancake skin is crispy, then serve on a plate.

  Continue pouring pancakes like this until all the batter and filling are used up.

  Tip: To make the pancake skin crispier, do not use too much batter, as it can make the pancake chewy and thick.

  

  

  

  
• 5

  Make the dipping sauce

  Take a bowl, add 4 tablespoons of sugar and 6 tablespoons of warm water, and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

  Then add 5 tablespoons of fish sauce, continue stirring evenly, and season to taste. Finally, add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced chili to complete the sauce.

  

  

  

  
• 6

  Final Product

  This Bình Định pancake has awakened all of your senses, hasn’t it? From the aroma to the flavor, it will make everyone want to compete for it.

  At first glance, the attractive pancake has a very distinctive white color, with a crispy crust and fresh shrimp and squid creating an unforgettable taste. Oh, and don’t forget the mung bean sprouts, chives, and mustard greens that reduce the greasy feel, making it more enjoyable to eat.

  With such an appealing Bình Định pancake, you should enjoy it while it’s still hot, dipping it in a bowl of sweet and sour fish sauce to fully savor the dish!