Crispy Banh Xeo Recipe (Keto) 🦐

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Craving the vibrant tastes of Vietnam on a keto diet? You're in luck! We've made a low-carb version of the popular Banh Xeo Recipe. You'll get all the great tastes like shrimp, pork, sprouts, and a spicy dip. Instead of carb-loaded rice crepes, we use coconut flour for a healthier meal. Ready to try? Let's make the best banh xeo recipe!

A plate of banh xeo with pork and shrimp, served alongside a bowl of dipping sauce.

Jump to:

Preparation and cooking overview

First, make a zesty dipping sauce by mixing fish sauce, erythritol, and some aromatic ingredients. Next, cook the pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts in a pan. After that, mix up the coconut crepe batter and fry the crepes. To finish, fill the crepes and savor them with the spicy sauce.

Chef's note

Don't hesitate to put your own spin on this banh xeo recipe! Try adding unique spices to the sauce or replacing the pork with chicken or another lean meat for a different taste. This Vietnamese dish has plenty of room for experimentation, so enjoy creating your unique version!

Looking for more Asian-inspired flavors? Explore our collection of Asian recipes and discover new favorites.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🦐 Ingredients for this banh xeo recipe

Here's a list of the ingredients you'll need to prepare this low-carb banh xeo at home:

For the banh xeo filling

1 tablespoon avocado oil
9 ounces ground pork
9 ounces shrimp, peeled
½ teaspoon red chili flakes
¼ cup chopped spring onions (white part)
11 ounces bean sprouts
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon erythritol

All the ingredients required to make banh xeo filling gathered and arranged on the table.

For the crepe batter

3 large eggs
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup coconut flour
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
Avocado oil for cooking

Ingredients required to make crepe batter including large eggs, heavy cream, coconut flour, and turmeric measured and gathered on the table.

For the dipping sauce

6 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon erythritol
1 teaspoon minced garlic clove
1 Thai chili, minced
¼ cup chopped cilantro

All the ingredients required to make the dipping sauce measured and gathered on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

Looking to change up the ingredients? No worries; here's a list of keto-friendly substitutions:

Heavy cream: If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Avocado oil: Swap avocado oil with an equal amount of olive oil.
Erythritol: Substitute erythritol with other keto-friendly sweeteners such as monk fruit or stevia.
Red chili flakes: Instead of red chili flakes, use a dash of cayenne pepper.

Additional ingredients

Elevate the flavor of your Vietnamese banh xeo with these optional ingredients:

Chopped basil: For an aromatic touch, add some chopped basil leaves to the banh xeo dipping sauce.
Crumbled feta cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top of the filling for a salty kick.
Sliced almonds: Add some sliced almonds to the banh xeo filling.
Sesame seeds: For an extra nutty crunch, incorporate some toasted sesame seeds in the dipping sauce.
Ground ginger: Include some freshly grated ginger in the crepe batter for an extra zing.

Cooking tools required

To make this Vietnamese banh xeo, you'll need the following tools:

Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Wok
Nonstick skillet
Ladle

Tools substitute options

Wok: If you don't have a wok, use a cast-iron or regular skillet to cook the fillings.
Whisk: Use a fork instead of a whisk to mix the crepe batter.

A plate of homemade banh xeo featuring pork and shrimp is served, along with a bowl of dipping sauce.

How to make Banh Xeo: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

Sautéing
Pan-frying

Preparation steps

Gather and measure all the ingredients.
Make sure the shrimps are cleaned and deveined.
Wash the bean sprouts and set aside.
Mince a teaspoon of garlic and one Thai chili.
Wash the cilantro leaves and chop them.

Cooking instructions

Prepare the filling

Heat avocado oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
Add the ground pork and cook until slightly browned.
Then, toss in the shrimp and stir for another minute.
Finally, add the chili flakes and spring onions to the wok and sauté until aromatic.
Next, stir in the bean sprouts and cook for about a minute.
Finally, season with fish sauce and erythritol and remove it from heat.

Cooking minced pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts for the filling in a pan.

Prepare the crepes

Lightly beat the eggs in a bowl.
Add in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
Whisk in the coconut flour and turmeric powder until a smooth batter is achieved. This may take a few minutes.
Lightly brush a nonstick pan with avocado oil.
Ladle in about a quarter cup of the batter and swirl around to coat the pan evenly.
Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until the top is bubbly.
Flip and cook for another 30 seconds.

Whisking turmeric and coconut flour into the crepe batter.

Prepare the dipping sauce

Combine water, fish sauce, lime juice, erythritol, minced chili, and chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl.
Give it a good stir and set aside.

A bowl of dipping sauce with fish sauce and chopped cilantro

Put together

Fill half the hot crepes with the cooked pork and shrimp mixture. Then, fold the empty half over the filling to create the signature shape.
Serve with dipping sauce on the side, and enjoy!

Low-caarb banh xeo with pork and shrimp on a plate, accompanied by a bowl of dipping sauce.

Chef's pro tip

Be sure to follow the specified flour and ingredient ratios for the crepe batter. If your batter is too thick or doesn't spread easily in the pan, add a tablespoon of water to achieve the right consistency.

What to serve with banh xeo?

Looking for the perfect side dish for your low-carb banh xeo? Here are some delicious suggestions:

Greek Salad: The crisp and refreshing veggies in a Greek salad balance out the rich, savory flavors of the crepes.
Cauliflower Rice: Elevate your banh xeo experience with a side of light and fluffy cauliflower rice. Its subtle taste enhances the bold flavors of the crepe and its filling.
Parmesan Cheese Crisps: Add a crunchy twist to your meal with Parmesan crisps. If you're in the mood for an alternative, consider our savory Halloumi Fries.
Crack Slaw: This salad, bursting with the aromas of garlic, ginger, and a mix of seasonings, is a perfect companion for your banh xeo.
Roasted Eggplant: Complement your dish with the rich and creamy textures of roasted eggplant, delicately flavored with olive oil and aromatic herbs.

How to make it healthier

Lean proteins: Opt for leaner cuts of pork or consider using chicken or turkey as alternatives.
Reduce saturated fats: Instead of heavy cream in the batter, use almond milk or another unsweetened plant-based milk.
Increase vegetables: Boost the vegetable content in the filling. Add colorful bell peppers, thinly sliced zucchini, or shredded kale for added vitamins and minerals.
Low-sodium options: Opt for a low-sodium version of fish sauce or dilute it with water and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Homemade banh xeo with pork and shrimp on a plate, accompanied by a bowl of dipping sauce.

Time-saving tips

Opt for a store-bought keto-friendly dipping sauce to cut down on preparation.
Blend the crepe batter using an immersion blender.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Banh xeo batter: Prepare the crepe batter beforehand. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before you cook the crepes.
Dipping sauce: Make the dipping sauce hours or a day ahead. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

Refrigerator: Store the crepes and filling separately in airtight containers. They'll last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Reheating Best Practices

Microwave: Place the crepes and filling in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 1-2 minutes at 70% power.
Stovetop: Place a nonstick pan over medium heat. For the crepes, heat each side for about 1-2 minutes. For the filling, reheat for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warm.

Banh xeo with pork and shrimp, plated and accompanied by a bowl of dipping sauce.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Our keto Banh Xeo Recipe is a delightful treat, especially for those on a low-carb journey. Imagine a dish bursting with the flavors of succulent shrimp, savory pork, and crisp bean sprouts. It's versatile enough to be a highlight of your weeknight dinner or the star of a weekend brunch. And when you serve this to friends and family? Trust us, they'll be lining up for seconds.

We think you'll love this recipe. It's not just about eating—it's about enjoying the fun of cooking. So, grab your wok, and let's make something delicious!

Interested in more Asian-inspired flavors? Check out some of our top picks:

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can eat banh xeo on a keto diet, but with a few tweaks. Traditional banh xeo uses rice flour, which is high in carbs. For a keto-friendly version, replace rice flour with coconut or almond flour.

For a crispy banh xeo recipe, use a thin batter. Heat a skillet, add oil, pour batter, and cook without stirring. This gives it a golden crunch.

Traditional banh xeo, made with white rice flour, is naturally gluten-free. Our recipe uses coconut flour, and it's also gluten-free.

Traditional banh xeo that's made with rice flour has around 40g net carbs. Our keto version uses keto-friendly ingredients and has around 6-8g of net carbs per serving.

📖 Recipe

Banh xeo with pork and shrimp is served on a plate with a bowl of dipping sauce.

Banh Xeo Recipe

Savor the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with our keto-friendly Banh Xeo, featuring shrimp, pork, and a spicy dipping sauce, all wrapped in coconut flour crepes for a low-carb delight.

No ratings yet

Print Rate Pin Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: vietnamese

Keyword: asian, crepes

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Calories: 413kcal