Vietnamese Steamed Rice Sheets (Bánh Ướt)

What is Bánh Ướt?

Bánh ướt are soft, silky steamed rice sheets, a classic Vietnamese dish often eaten for breakfast or a light meal. The name literally means "wet cake," referring to the delicate, slippery texture of the rice sheets.

In this version, the rice sheets are layered with sliced chả lụa (Vietnamese pork roll), blanched bean sprouts, crisp cucumber, fresh Thai basil or mint, and fried shallots, then finished with a generous ladle of Nước Mắm Chấm. It comes together quickly, especially with store-bought fresh or dried rice sheets.

Bánh Ướt Ingredients

• Steamed rice sheets: fresh or dried both work. Heat according to the package instructions.
• Chả lụa: Vietnamese steamed pork roll, sliced thin.
• Fresh vegetables and herbs: bean sprouts, cucumber, and Thai basil or mint add crunch and freshness.
• Fried shallots: for a savory, crispy finish.
• Nước mắm chấm: the sweet, tangy fish sauce dressing that ties everything together.

Vietnamese Steamed Rice Sheets (Bánh Ướt)

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb steamed rice sheets fresh or dried, heated according to package instructions
• 1 lb steamed pork roll (chả lụa) sliced thinly
• 1 small bunch Thai basil or mint sliced thin, for garnish
• 8 oz bean sprouts cleaned and blanched
• 2 Persian cucumbers julienned
• ¼ cup fried shallots for garnish
• 1 cup Nước Mắm Chấm dressing see linked recipe

Instructions

• Cook the steamed rice sheets (or boil, if using dried) according to package instructions.
• Prep the toppings by thinly slicing the chả lụa and julienning the cucumber.
• Blanch the bean sprouts.
• Assemble each bowl by layering the steamed rice sheets, then the chả lụa, bean sprouts, cucumbers, Thai basil or mint, and fried shallots.
• Finally, ladle on the Nước Mắm Chấm dressing and enjoy.

Notes

For the dressing, use my Nước Mắm Chấm recipe.