Banh Beo is a traditional Vietnamese dish consisting of small, round steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp, finely chopped scallions, and crispy fried shallots. These delicate cakes are typically served with a savory dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili.

The history of Banh Beo dates back to ancient times in Vietnam, where rice cakes were a staple food due to the abundance of rice in the region. Over the years, Banh Beo evolved into a popular snack or appetizer enjoyed across Vietnam, known for its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients and its cultural significance in Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients:

- Rice flour

- Tapioca starch

- Water

- Dried shrimp

- Scallions

- Fried shallots

- Fish sauce

- Sugar

- Lime juice

- Garlic

- Red chili (optional)

- Oil for frying

Method of Preparation:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca starch, and water to make a smooth batter.

2. Grease small bowls or molds and pour a thin layer of batter into each.

3. Steam the rice cakes until cooked through and set aside to cool.

4. Meanwhile, soak dried shrimp in warm water to soften, then chop finely.

5. Prepare the savory sauce by mixing fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped red chili (optional).

6. Once the rice cakes are cooled, top them with chopped dried shrimp, scallions, and fried shallots.

7. Serve the Banh Beo with the savory dipping sauce on the side.

This recipe provides clear instructions and uses easily accessible ingredients for a delicious Banh Beo dish.

Nutrition Value:

1. Rice Flour:

  - Calories: 364 kcal per cup

  - Carbohydrates: 80.1g

  - Protein: 6.6g

  - Fat: 0.6g

  - Sodium: 4mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Good source of carbohydrates for energy, some protein, and low in fat.

2. Tapioca Starch:

  - Calories: 544 kcal per cup

  - Carbohydrates: 135g

  - Protein: 0.3g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and iron.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Gluten-free alternative for thickening and binding, high in carbohydrates for energy.

3. Water:

  - No calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, sodium, or cholesterol.

  - Essential for hydration and cooking.

4. Dried Shrimp:

  - Calories: 231 kcal per cup

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 48g

  - Fat: 3g

  - Sodium: 2332mg

  - Cholesterol: 1066mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine.

  - Nutritional Benefit: High-quality protein, good source of selenium for thyroid health.

5. Scallions:

  - Calories: 32 kcal per cup

  - Carbohydrates: 7.3g

  - Protein: 2.5g

  - Fat: 0.4g

  - Sodium: 16mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: High in vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants, vitamins, and adds flavor without adding many calories.

6. Fried Shallots:

  - Calories: 427 kcal per cup

  - Carbohydrates: 103g

  - Protein: 9g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Sodium: 8mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds crunch and flavor, but high in carbohydrates and calories due to frying.

7. Fish Sauce:

  - Calories: 22 kcal per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0.6g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1392mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains some calcium and phosphorus.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds umami flavor, but high in sodium, use sparingly.

8. Sugar:

  - Calories: 773 kcal per cup

  - Carbohydrates: 200g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness but should be consumed in moderation due to high sugar content.

9. Lime Juice:

  - Calories: 8 kcal per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: 2.6g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: High in vitamin C.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds acidity and vitamin C without adding many calories.

10. Garlic:

  - Calories: 4 kcal per clove

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides flavor and some vitamins, low in calories.

11. Red Chili (optional):

  - Calories: 18 kcal per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0.2g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: High in vitamin C and capsaicin.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds spice and heat, may aid metabolism due to capsaicin.

12. Oil for Frying:

  - Calories: 1927 kcal per cup (varies based on type of oil)

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 218g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Varies based on type of oil, can provide vitamin E.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds texture and flavor but high in calories and fats, choose healthier oils in moderation.