How to Make Crispy, Flavorful Vegan Banh Xeo at Home

Vegan banh xeo is a beloved dish in Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine, offering a light yet satisfying flavor profile. Its thin, crispy turmeric crepe paired with fresh vegetables creates a balanced, wholesome meal suitable for all ages. In this guide, Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant will show you how to make authentic, crispy vegan banh xeo at home. We’ll also answer a common question many readers ask: How many calories does vegan banh xeo contain, and does it affect your weight?

Why Vegan Banh Xeo Is So Popular

Vegan banh xeo has long been a staple in many plant-based households. The dish features a crispy shell with a light, fragrant vegetable filling—tasty yet not greasy like many other fried foods.
It is simple to prepare, requires accessible ingredients, and is suitable even for beginners learning to cook vegetarian dishes.

One of the reasons this dish remains a favorite is the fresh herb platter served alongside it. Lettuce, aromatic herbs, and mustard greens help balance the richness of the crepe while providing extra fiber and vitamins. This refreshing combination creates a harmonious and nutritious dining experience, making vegan banh xeo especially appealing to those who follow a healthy lifestyle.

How to Make Crispy Vegan Banh Xeo at Home

Banh xeo is a traditional Vietnamese dish known for its golden crispy crust, fragrant filling, and signature aroma. The vegan version preserves all its charm—light, flavorful, and satisfying.
To make delicious banh xeo, selecting and preparing the ingredients properly is the key first step.

Ingredients for Vegan Banh Xeo

To achieve a crispy texture and naturally rich flavor, prepare the following ingredients in the correct proportions:

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Banh Xeo

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Soak mung beans in warm water for about 30 minutes, then steam for 15 minutes until soft. Soak dried shiitake mushrooms for 15–20 minutes, rinse, drain, and slice thinly. Rinse the fried tofu quickly, pat dry, and cut into slices. Peel and shred the carrot.

Wash and chop scallions. Rinse bean sprouts thoroughly and soak in saltwater for 20 minutes. Wash and dry all fresh herbs and greens before serving.

Step 2: Mix the Banh Xeo Batter

The batter determines whether your vegan banh xeo turns out crispy.

In a large bowl:

• Add the banh xeo flour

• Pour in 150ml coconut milk for a creamy taste

• Add 850ml water to reach the ideal thin consistency

• Add turmeric powder, vegetarian seasoning, a bit of cooking oil, and chopped scallions

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes so the flour can fully hydrate—this creates the perfect crispy crust.

Note: Each flour brand has its own recommended liquid ratio. Always check the packaging for optimal results.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Filling

Heat oil in a pan and sauté scallions until fragrant. Add carrot, shiitake mushrooms, and tofu. Stir-fry until cooked. Season with vegetarian fish sauce and seasoning powder for a balanced, savory taste.

Step 4: Pan-Fry the Vegan Banh Xeo

Heat a non-stick pan and lightly coat it with oil. Ladle a thin layer of batter into the pan and swirl to spread evenly. Add mung beans, stir-fried filling, and bean sprouts on top.

Cover with a lid and cook for 2–3 minutes. Remove the lid, reduce heat to low, and continue cooking until the edges turn crispy. Fold the crepe in half and transfer to a plate.

Congratulations—you’ve made a perfectly crispy banh xeo!

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

A flavorful dipping sauce is essential for delicious banh xeo.

Combine:

• 4 tbsp vegetarian fish sauce

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp sugar

• Chili, plus a bit of lime juice for a balanced sweet-sour taste

Adjust ingredients depending on the saltiness of your vegan fish sauce.

Popular Vegan Banh Xeo Fillings

One of the most appealing aspects of banh xeo is the incredible variety of fillings you can choose from. Depending on your taste and preference, you can easily customize the dish to keep it exciting and flavorful every time you make it. Below are some of the most common filling options:

• Shiitake mushrooms, straw mushrooms, or enoki mushrooms

• Crispy fried tofu

• Mixed vegetables such as carrots, jicama, or taro

• Steamed mung beans

• Stir-fried assorted vegetables

This variety not only adds color and texture but also provides a balanced source of nutrients from vegetables, beans, and mushrooms. Thanks to its versatility, banh xeo maintains the essence of the traditional dish while still aligning with a wholesome, plant-based lifestyle.

Tips for Making Crispy and Flavorful Vegan Banh Xeo

To achieve perfectly crispy and delicious vegan banh xeo, mastering the recipe is important—but small techniques during cooking will elevate the dish even more. These expert tips are commonly used by vegetarian cooking enthusiasts to create banh xeo that is visually appealing and full of flavor:

• Make sure the pan is fully heated before pouring the batter to ensure an even, crispy crust.

• Use a small amount of oil, but spread it evenly across the pan to prevent sticking.

• Pre-cook the filling to avoid releasing excess moisture, which can soften the crepe.

• Serve with plenty of fresh herbs to balance the richness and enhance the refreshing aroma.

When you apply these simple tips, your banh xeo will not only taste amazing but also stay crispy for a longer time. This is the secret to enjoying restaurant-quality banh xeo right at home.

How Many Calories Are in Vegan Banh Xeo? Does It Cause Weight Gain?

The calorie content of banh xeo depends on the size of the crepe, the amount of oil used, and the type of vegetable fillings. On average, each vegan banh xeo contains 100–150 calories, which is lower than the traditional version with meat or seafood.

If you eat 2–3 vegan banh xeo with fresh herbs and dipping sauce, your total intake will be around 500–700 calories, similar to a complete main meal.

Does vegan banh xeo cause weight gain?

Since banh xeo is a fried dish, excessive oil can contribute to higher calorie intake. Eating it too often or using too much oil may lead to weight gain.
However, when prepared with minimal oil and plenty of fresh vegetables, vegan banh xeo becomes a balanced, lower-calorie option that you can enjoy without worrying about excess calories or feeling overly heavy.

Conclusion

Vegan banh xeo beautifully combines traditional Vietnamese flavors with the lightness of plant-based cuisine. Its crispy shell, fresh vegetable fillings, and low-calorie profile make it suitable for both vegetarians and anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet.
This weekend, try making vegan banh xeo at home to bring something new and refreshing to your family meal.

And if you prefer enjoying authentic Vietnamese vegetarian dishes without the cooking, Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant is always ready to welcome you with warm, flavorful, and nourishing plant-based meals.