Bánh tôm

Crispy sweet potato matchsticks topped with a firm, whole shrimp. The batter is golden, light, and snaps cleanly with every bite.

• Prep time: 30 min
• Cook time: 20 min
• Difficulty: Medium
• Calories: 711
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fat: 41 g

Ingredients

• 400 g Sweet potato ( peeled and cut into fine julienne )
• 12 piece Shrimp ( whole, with tail )
• 150 g Rice flour
• 50 g Wheat flour
• 20 g Corn starch
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 200 ml Mineral water
• 750 ml Peanut oil ( for frying )
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp Lime juice
• 1 tbsp White sugar
• 1 piece Garlic ( finely minced )
• 1 piece Thai chili ( sliced )
• 1 piece Butterhead lettuce ( leaves separated )
• 10 g Mint ( fresh )

Instructions

1. Cutting the sweet potato

   Peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into very fine julienne, like regular matchsticks. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch and pat dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

2. Preparing the batter

   In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, wheat flour, cornstarch, and turmeric. Gradually pour in the mineral water while whisking. The batter should be smooth and coat the back of a spoon without being too thick.

3. Coating and assembly

   Dip the sweet potato julienne into the batter. On a small flat spatula, arrange a small mound of sweet potato and place a whole shrimp on top, pressing lightly so it sticks.

4. Frying

   Heat peanut oil to 170°C. Gently slide each fritter into the hot oil. Fry until the crust is rigid and golden. The shrimp should turn bright pink and the sweet potato must be crunchy.

5. Sauce and finishing

   Mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and chili. Drain the fritters on paper towels. Serve immediately with lettuce leaves and fresh herbs.

Chef's tips

• If the batter is too thin, it won't hold the sweet potato sticks together; add a pinch of rice flour.
• The oil temperature must remain constant: if it drops, the fritter absorbs the fat and loses its crunch.

Storage

Consume immediately after frying to maintain crunchiness. Does not store well.