Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters (Bánh Tôm) is a popular Vietnamese street food, especially in Hanoi. It consists of shrimp and thinly sliced sweet potatoes that are battered and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The fritters are traditionally served with fresh lettuce and nước chấm, a tangy fish sauce dipping sauce. The combination of crispy exterior and juicy shrimp is irresistible!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 12 large shrimp

• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon

• 1/2 tbsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp white pepper

For the Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup rice flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 egg

• 1/2 tbsp chicken bouillon

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1/2 tsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 12 oz water or beer

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and julienned into matchsticks)

For Frying

• Oil for frying

For Accompaniments

• Lettuce

• Nước chấm (Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce)

Directions

1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes:
   Peel and julienne the sweet potatoes into thin matchsticks. Rinse them with cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry.

2. Prep the Shrimp:
   Devein and clean the shrimp, cutting off the head and legs. In a bowl, mix shrimp with chicken bouillon, salt, and white pepper. Let it marinate while preparing the batter.

3. Make the Batter:
   In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder, chicken bouillon, turmeric powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Crack an egg into the bowl and whisk in the water (or beer) to make a smooth batter. Stir in the sweet potato matchsticks until evenly coated.

4. Fry the Fritters:
   Heat oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F). Test by dropping in a little batter—if it sizzles, the oil is ready. Scoop a portion of the sweet potato batter mixture into a spoon, place a shrimp on top, and add a little more batter on top of the shrimp. Gently lower the fritter into the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel.

5. Serve:
   Serve the crispy Bánh Tôm with fresh lettuce and a side of nước chấm. To eat, wrap the fritter in lettuce, dip in the sauce, and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 220

• Protein: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fat: 8g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 650mg

The Perfect Combination: Shrimp and Sweet Potatoes

The key ingredients that make Bánh Tôm so special are the shrimp and sweet potatoes. The shrimp is seasoned with a mix of chicken bouillon, garlic powder, salt, and white pepper, allowing the natural flavors of the shrimp to shine while infusing them with a savory depth. The sweet potatoes are julienned into thin matchsticks, which become delightfully crispy when fried, offering a contrast to the tender, juicy shrimp. These two ingredients work together to create a flavor profile that is both savory and slightly sweet.

The Importance of the Batter: Crisp and Light

The batter is another crucial element in creating the perfect Bánh Tôm. It is a combination of all-purpose flour, rice flour, and baking powder, with added seasonings like turmeric powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. The turmeric gives the batter a golden color and a subtle earthy flavor, while the rice flour ensures a light, crisp texture that’s essential for making the fritters perfectly crunchy on the outside. The egg and water or beer create a smooth batter that coats the sweet potatoes and shrimp evenly, allowing for a consistent and crispy fry.

Marinating the Shrimp: Flavorful and Tender

To enhance the flavor of the shrimp, they are marinated with a mixture of chicken bouillon, salt, and white pepper. Marinating the shrimp for even a short period allows the seasoning to soak in, adding depth to the shrimp’s natural sweetness. This step is essential for infusing the shrimp with flavor before they’re fried and combined with the sweet potatoes. The marinade also helps to tenderize the shrimp, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Frying the Fritters: Achieving the Perfect Crunch

The next step is frying, which gives the Bánh Tôm its signature crispy texture. The oil needs to be heated to 350°F (175°C), which is the ideal temperature for frying these fritters. The batter should sizzle immediately when it hits the oil, indicating that the temperature is right for a crisp exterior without overcooking the shrimp or sweet potatoes.

The fritters are assembled by spooning the sweet potato-batter mixture into the oil, then placing a marinated shrimp on top and adding a little more batter over the shrimp to secure it in place. Each fritter should be fried for about 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides. Frying the fritters in batches ensures they cook evenly and have enough space in the pan to form that beautiful crispy crust.

Serving the Bánh Tôm: Fresh and Flavorful

Once fried, the Bánh Tôm fritters are removed from the oil and drained on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to remove any excess oil. This ensures that the fritters stay crispy and don’t become soggy. Bánh Tôm is traditionally served with fresh lettuce, which provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, savory fritters. The fritters are also paired with nước chấm, a fish sauce-based dipping sauce that adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to balance the richness of the fried food. To eat, take a fritter, wrap it in a lettuce leaf, dip it into the nước chấm, and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy, juicy, and tangy flavors.

Conclusion: A Delightful Vietnamese Street Food

Bánh Tôm is a perfect example of how Vietnamese street food combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors to create a dish that is both satisfying and unforgettable. The crispy exterior, tender shrimp, and sweet potatoes make every bite an exciting combination of textures and tastes. When wrapped in fresh lettuce and dipped in nước chấm, this dish offers a balance of richness, freshness, and tanginess that makes it impossible to resist. Whether you’re enjoying it on your own or sharing with friends and family, Bánh Tôm is a delightful dish that brings the authentic flavors of Hanoi to your table. It’s crispy, savory, and perfectly complemented by the refreshing lettuce and tangy dipping sauce – a true Vietnamese classic!