Growing up, Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) were a constant in my life. I can still vividly remember the way the sweet aroma would waft through our kitchen on Sunday mornings, drawing me into the living room where my grandma would be carefully piping the dough into hot oil. The sizzle and pop as the dough hit the pan was music to my ears, and I’d wait with bated breath for the first golden, crispy Bánh Tiêu to emerge, glistening with sugar.
Grandma would carefully transfer them to a plate, the steam rising in wispy tendrils, and I’d dive in, the warm, pillowy dough melting on my tongue. There was something so comforting and nostalgic about those perfect Bánh Tiêu – the subtly sweet flavor, the satisfying crunch, the way they’d melt away in your mouth. They were a taste of home, a connection to my Vietnamese heritage that I cherished.
Even now, as an adult, I still find myself craving those beloved Bánh Tiêu. That’s why I’m excited to share this foolproof recipe with you today. If you’ve never tried Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) before, prepare to have your world rocked. And if you’re a longtime fan like me, get ready to elevate your donut game to new heights.
Why This Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!)
What sets this Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) recipe apart is the attention to detail and the use of a few special techniques. From the precise flour-to-water ratio to the perfect frying temperature, every element has been carefully considered to ensure you end up with light, airy donuts that are crisp on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside.
The secret lies in letting the dough rest and develop gluten, which gives the Bánh Tiêu their signature chewy texture. And by using a combination of all-purpose and glutinous rice flour, you get that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality. Trust me, once you’ve tried these homemade Bánh Tiêu, you’ll never go back to the store-bought version.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour – The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chew.
- Glutinous rice flour – Contributes to the Bánh Tiêu’s soft, tender interior.
- Sugar – Adds a delicate sweetness that balances the dough.
- Yeast – Helps the dough rise and develop that signature airy texture.
- Warm water – Hydrates the dough and activates the yeast.
- Vegetable oil – For frying the Bánh Tiêu to golden perfection.
- Granulated sugar – For coating the freshly fried donuts.
Step-by-Step Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) Instructions
Preparing Your Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!)
Making Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) at home is easier than you might think! With just a few simple steps, you can have these delightful fried treats ready to enjoy. The entire process takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with most of that time dedicated to letting the dough rise. You’ll need a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven for frying, as well as a piping bag with a large star tip to shape the Bánh Tiêu.
1- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, glutinous rice flour, sugar, and yeast. Create a well in the center and pour in the warm water. Using a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
2- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3- After the dough has rested, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and let them rest for another 15 minutes.
4- Fill a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven with 2-3 inches of vegetable oil and heat to 350°F. Carefully pipe the dough into the hot oil, creating 2-3 inch rings.
5- Fry the Bánh Tiêu for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6- While the Bánh Tiêu are still warm, toss them in the granulated sugar to coat. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Be sure to let the dough rest properly – this helps develop the gluten for that perfect chewy texture.
- Use a combination of all-purpose and glutinous rice flours to achieve the ideal balance of structure and tenderness.
- Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F for best results. Adjust the heat as needed to keep it steady.
- Pipe the dough into the oil carefully to create uniform, ring-shaped Bánh Tiêu.
- Don’t be tempted to over-fry the donuts – you want them golden brown, not dark.
Serving and Storing Your Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!)
Perfect Pairings for Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!)
Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Serve them warm, straight from the fryer, and watch them disappear in no time. They make a wonderful accompaniment to a steaming cup of Vietnamese coffee or traditional jasmine tea.
For a more substantial meal, pair the Bánh Tiêu with savory dishes like Bún Chả (grilled pork and noodles) or Bánh Mì (Vietnamese-style sandwiches). The sweet, crispy donuts provide a delightful contrast to the bold, aromatic flavors of these Vietnamese classics.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily make them ahead of time. Once the donuts have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place the Bánh Tiêu in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re warm and crispy again. You can also freeze the Bánh Tiêu for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!)
Creative Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) Variations
While the classic Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) are a true delight, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Try adding a teaspoon of fragrant pandan extract to the dough for a lovely green hue and subtle floral notes. Or experiment with different coatings, like a dusting of cinnamon-sugar or a drizzle of condensed milk.
For a fun twist, you could even fill the Bánh Tiêu with sweetened mung bean paste or a dollop of your favorite fruit jam. The possibilities are endless!
Making Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these donuts a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, simply swap out the yeast for a plant-based alternative and use a neutral-flavored oil for frying.
No matter which dietary needs you’re accommodating, the key is to maintain the same ratios of the ingredients and follow the instructions closely. With a little creativity, you can enjoy the comforting taste of Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) while sticking to your dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of glutinous rice flour?
A: While you can use all-purpose flour in place of the glutinous rice flour, the texture of the Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) won’t be quite the same. The glutinous rice flour gives the donuts their signature soft and chewy interior. I highly recommend using the combination of all-purpose and glutinous rice flour for the best results.
Q: How long do I need to fry the Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!)?
A: The Bánh Tiêu should be fried for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent temperature of 350°F. You want the exterior to be crisp while the interior remains light and airy.
Q: Can I make the Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to fry the Bánh Tiêu. When you’re ready to cook, simply bring the dough to room temperature, divide it, and proceed with the recipe.
Q: How many Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!). The exact number may vary slightly depending on the size you pipe the dough. If you’d like to make a larger batch, simply double or triple the ingredients as needed.
Q: What should I do if my Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) come out too dense or oily?
A: If the Bánh Tiêu turn out too dense, it’s likely that the dough wasn’t kneaded enough or the yeast wasn’t properly activated. Make sure to knead the dough for the full 5 minutes and let it rise as directed. If they’re coming out too oily, double-check that your oil temperature is holding steady at 350°F. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the proper frying temperature.
Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!)
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12 donuts
Description
Discover the authentic, mouthwatering taste of Bánh Tiêu – beloved Vietnamese donuts with a crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior. These scrumptious treats are easy to make at home in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup white sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. – Add the warm milk, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
3. – Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
4. – Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
5. – Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350°F.
6. – Fry the dough balls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
7. – Drain the fried donuts on a paper towel-lined plate and dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm.
8. – Serve the Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) warm and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying. The donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Conclusion
There’s no denying the irresistible allure of Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!). Whether you have fond childhood memories of them or you’re trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. With their perfect balance of crisp, golden exteriors and light, pillowy insides, these donuts are simply irresistible.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to treat yourself to a taste of Vietnamese heaven. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your delicious Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts!) masterpieces!