Banh Bao Chi (Vietnamese Glutinous Cake)

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: regular milk

Almond milk is lower in calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

mung beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: split peas

Split peas are more affordable and provide similar texture.

glutinous rice flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

All-purpose flour is more accessible and cost-effective.

red bean paste

🥗Healthier: fruit puree

💰Cheaper: sweetened mashed beans

Mashed beans can be a budget-friendly alternative.

In a skillet, add 1/2 cup of water and set to low heat.

Add 3/4 cup of brown sugar cone and wait for it to melt.

Once the sugar has melted, add in 1/2 cup of white sugar.

Add 1 1/2 cup of coconut flakes and 1/2 cup of crushed roasted peanuts, mixing well.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla sugar or extract and a pinch of salt, then mix well again.

Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and mix thoroughly before removing from heat.

Let the mixture cool completely, then roll it into balls and place them on a plate.

In a bowl, add 1 cup of glutinous flour and 2 tablespoons of sugar.

Add 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch and 1 cup of water, mixing until combined.

Optionally, mix the water with food coloring to achieve a desired color.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Check the texture; it should be sticky when taken out of the microwave.

Sprinkle some glutinous flour on top and on your hands.

Take a piece of the dough, add in the fillings, and wrap it up into a ball.

Roll the ball into some chopped coconut flakes.

Repeat until all the dough and fillings are used.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens