Banh Bot Loc Recipe – Vietnamese Shrimp & Pork Dumplings

Banh Bot Loc Recipe is one of Vietnam’s most beloved traditional snacks a translucent dumpling filled with savory shrimp and pork, wrapped in chewy tapioca skin. It’s slightly sticky, delightfully chewy, and bursting with umami flavor in every bite. These dumplings are typically steamed in banana leaves or boiled and served with fish sauce dipping.

The best part? You don’t need any complicated tools or ingredients to make these. Just a little patience and love, and you’ll end up with a dish that brings Vietnam right to your kitchen. Let’s make these adorable and tasty dumplings together!

History of Banh Bot Loc Recipe

Banh Bot Loc originated from Central Vietnam, specifically the Hue region, which is known for its elegant and royal-style cuisine. Historically, this dish was created during the time of Vietnamese emperors when chefs crafted delicate, bite-sized dishes to please the royal family.

Made with tapioca starch and filled with shrimp and pork, these dumplings became a favorite for their chewy texture and bold, savory flavor. Over time, Banh Bot Loc spread across Vietnam and became a common street food snack  loved for its unique look and satisfying taste. Today, it’s enjoyed both as a homemade comfort food and a restaurant specialty.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly chewy texture with juicy shrimp and pork filling
• Naturally gluten-free (made from tapioca starch)
• A fun and satisfying hands-on cooking experience
• Great for impressing guests or enjoying as a cozy homemade treat

 Equipment Needed for Banh Bot Loc Recipe

• Knife: To cut the shrimp, pork, garlic, and other ingredients.
• Small Cutting Board: For chopping garlic, chilies, and herbs.
• Non-stick Frying Pan: Used for cooking the shrimp and pork filling.
• Mixing Bowls (2 or 3): One for making the dough, one for holding the filling, and one for the dipping sauce
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For mixing the hot water into the tapioca flour to make the dough.
• Plastic Gloves (optional): Helpful when shaping the dough so it doesn’t stick to your hands.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the ingredients accurately (like flour, water, fish sauce, etc.)
• Large Pot or Deep Pan: Used for boiling the dumplings until they’re cooked and clear.
• Steamer Basket (optional): If you want to steam the dumplings in banana leaves instead of boiling them
• Fork and Flat Spoon: To dip and move the dumplings without breaking them.
• Greased Tray or Parchment Paper Sheet: To place the finished dumplings so they don’t stick.
• Cooling Rack (optional): For letting the cooked dumplings cool down without getting soggy.

Ingredients for Banh Bot Loc

 For the Filling:

• 200g small shrimp (peeled, deveined keep tails for look, optional)
• 150g pork belly or ground pork
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• Pinch of black pepper
• Cooking oil (for sautéing)

 For the Dough:

• 2 cups tapioca starch
• 1 cup boiling hot water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

 For Serving:

• Fried shallots (optional, but highly recommended)
• Nuoc Cham dipping sauce (Vietnamese fish sauce with lime, garlic, and chili)

 How to Cook Banh Bot Loc Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling: In a pan, heat a bit of oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden. Toss in pork and cook until it begins to brown. Add shrimp, fish sauce, sugar, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp is pink and pork is fully cooked. Set aside and let it cool.

Step 2: Make the Dough: Place the tapioca starch in a mixing bowl with salt. Gradually add boiling water (not just warm boiling) while stirring constantly with a spoon or chopsticks. When it’s cool enough to touch, knead it until smooth and stretchy. It should be soft but not sticky.

Pro Tip: If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of hot water. Too wet? Sprinkle some extra starch.

Step 3: Shape the Dumplings: Grease your hands lightly with oil. Pinch a small piece of dough (golf ball size), flatten it into a small circle. Place a bit of the pork and shrimp filling in the center. Fold it over into a half-moon shape and press edges to seal. Repeat for all.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings: You can either:

• Boil them: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Drop in dumplings in batches and cook for 6–8 minutes until they float and turn translucent.
• Steam them: Wrap dumplings in banana leaves and steam for 15–20 minutes.

Once done, brush them lightly with oil and top with fried shallots.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham): Mix together:

• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 chopped red chili (optional)

Adjust to your taste. This sauce brings everything together!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Agar chahen to neeche uska ek basic example bhi de sakta hoon (estimated values):

• Calories: 180–220 kcal
• Protein: 5–6g
• Fat: 6–8g
• Carbohydrates: 28–30g
• Fiber: 1–2g
• Sugar: 3–4g
• Sodium: 350–400mg

 FAQs

Q1 What does Banh Bot Loc mean?

A It literally means “clear flour cake” referring to the tapioca skin that turns translucent when cooked.

Q2 Can I make it vegetarian?

A Yes! Just swap the filling with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or mung beans with seasoning.

Q3 What if I don’t have banana leaves?

A No worries! You can boil the dumplings directly in water or steam them on parchment paper.

Q4 Can I freeze Banh Bot Loc for later?

A Yes, freeze them uncooked and boil directly when needed.

Q5 Why is my dough too sticky or too dry?

A Adjust with more starch if sticky, or hot water if dry.

Conclusion

Banh Bot Loc Recipe is a beautiful reflection of Vietnamese tradition chewy on the outside, savory and juicy on the inside. The way the translucent dumpling wraps around flavorful shrimp and pork makes every bite satisfying. It’s a dish that’s full of character, made with love and patience, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.

What I love most is how simple ingredients like tapioca starch and fresh fillings can turn into something so comforting and special. Whether you boil them or steam them in banana leaves, Banh Bot Loc offers a homemade joy that never disappoints. Once you try it, it might just become one of your favorite kitchen traditions too.