Vietnamese Pizza

Hey, food lovers! Have you ever tried Vietnamese pizza, or bánh tráng nướng? It’s this crispy, savory treat that’s totally addictive. Picture this  a rice paper base, grilled until it’s crispy and golden, then topped with a bunch of yummy ingredients like egg, chili oil, spam, sriracha, and mayo. It’s like a pizza, but with a fun, crispy twist that’s totally unique to Vietnamese street food. After seeing it on TikTok, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and now I’m hooked. Let’s dive in!

Method

Heat the Pan 

Begin by heating your pan over low to medium heat. This is important because you want the rice paper to get crispy without burning. If the heat is too high, the rice paper might burn before it crisps up properly, so it’s crucial to keep the temperature just right. Make sure your pan is evenly heated before adding the rice paper.

Cook the Rice Paper 

Once the pan is hot, place the rice paper on it. Let it cook for about 30 seconds. As it heats up, the rice paper will begin to puff up slightly and turn a bit translucent. Keep an eye on it as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t burn but crisps up nicely. This is the base of your “pizza,” and it should be crispy enough to hold all your delicious toppings.

Add Oil and Toppings 

After the rice paper has started to crisp, spoon a small amount of chili oil or butter onto the rice paper. The chili oil will not only help the rice paper cook further but also give it that spicy, flavorful kick. Next, sprinkle some sliced spring onions on top, ensuring they’re evenly spread across the surface. Then, crack the egg directly onto the rice paper. Use a spoon to spread the egg around, ensuring it covers as much of the rice paper as possible. This helps the egg cook evenly while also infusing the base with its flavor.

Add Protein 

Now it’s time to add your choice of protein. You can toss in pan-fried spam chunks, or if you prefer, use other proteins like tuna, crab sticks, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Spread the protein across the rice paper so that every bite gets a little piece of something savory. If you’re using spam, make sure it’s cooked in advance and caramelized slightly to bring out its sweetness.

Crisp It Up 

Let the rice paper cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will allow the egg to set and the base to get nice and crispy. Be patient and don’t rush this step. You want that crispy crunch when you bite into it, which makes this dish so satisfying. The egg should cook through, but the key is to make sure the rice paper base gets golden and crispy without overcooking.

Final Touches 

Once everything is cooked, drizzle the Kewpie mayo over the top of your bánh tráng nướng, adding that creamy and slightly tangy flavor. Then, squeeze some sriracha for a spicy finish. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro or coriander over the top to add a burst of freshness and color. These final touches elevate the flavors and give the dish that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and herby.

Serve 

You can enjoy your bánh tráng nướng as is, with all its crispy, savory goodness, or you can fold it in half like a taco for an easy, handheld snack. Either way, you’re in for a delicious treat! Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite of your Vietnamese pizza!

Necessary Tools

• A pan (preferably non-stick)
• A spatula or spoon for spreading
• A small bowl to crack the egg
• A chopping board for slicing veggies and spam

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this with a cold iced tea or your favorite Vietnamese drink for the ultimate street-food experience.
• Serve with some fresh veggie sides or even a small salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
• If you want to make it more filling, add a side of noodles or steamed rice.

Fun Fact

Did you know that bánh tráng nướng is often called “Vietnamese pizza” because it’s served on a crispy rice paper base, just like how you’d serve toppings on pizza? It’s a totally different kind of pizza, but equally delicious!

Conclusion

Bánh tráng nướng is a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack or a quick meal, it’s a flavor-packed treat that you can customize however you like. Get creative with your toppings and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of this Vietnamese street food classic!