As someone who has traveled to Vietnam, I can attest to the popularity and deliciousness of Banh Trang Tron. This traditional street food snack is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and can be found in many parts of the country. I remember trying Banh Trang Tron for the first time and being impressed by the unique combination of flavors and textures.
The chewy rice paper, savory meat or seafood, and fresh vegetables and herbs all come together to create a delicious and satisfying snack. Banh Trang Tron is not only a tasty treat, but also an important part of Vietnamese street food culture, and I highly recommend trying it if you have the chance to visit Vietnam.
What is banh trang tron?
Banh Trang Tron is one of the popular Vietnamese snacks that incorporates a variety of ingredients. A hint of tanginess comes from the addition of mangoes, which contribute a refreshing and slightly sour taste. The roasted peanuts provide a delightful nuttiness, adding a crunchy element to the overall texture. Dried shrimp and dried beef lend a crispy and savory element to the dish, bringing forth a subtle umami flavor. The ingredients are cut into small pieces and mixed together in an inox bowl with scallion oil.
Street vendors commonly sell it throughout Vietnam, and it is a popular snack among locals and tourists. Banh Trang Mix is not only a delicious dish but also has cultural significance in Vietnam. It is served at fairs, schools, and on any street.
Banh trang tron recipe
Vietnamese rice paper salad recipe requires cutting all ingredients into small pieces before mixing them together.
Cooking note
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Course: Snack/ Appetizer
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients of banh trang tron
- 1 pack of dried rice paper (round, white)
- 1 green mango
- 10 quail eggs
- 3 fresh tamarinds
- 5g shredded dried pork floss
- 40g shredded dried beef
- 100g spring onions and purple onions (chopped)
- 50g Vietnamese coriander (chopped)
- 50g peeled peanuts (roasted)
- Sate sauce
- Shrimp salt
How to make banh trang tron?
Step 1: Cut the rice paper into rectangular pieces of bite-sized dimensions. Avoid cutting them too small to prevent them from becoming too moist or crumbly when mixed.
Step 2: Peel and julienne the green mango, set aside.
Step 3: Peel and thinly slice the purple onion. Heat a pan with a little cooking oil, then sauté the onion until fragrant. When the onion turns a golden-orange color, turn off the heat and add a tablespoon of sate sauce. Mix well and let it cool.
Step 4: Heat the oil in a pan, then turn off the heat and pour the hot oil over the pre-cut scallion in a small bowl. This method helps retain the vibrant green color of the scallion. Allow the mixture to cool.
Step 5: Boil the quail eggs until cooked, then peel the shells.
Step 6: In a large deep bowl, combine the rice paper, green mango, scallion oil, shrimp salt flakes, most of the peanuts (approximately 3/4), Vietnamese coriander, and the cooled purple onion mixture. Put on disposable gloves and mix all the ingredients thoroughly 3-4 times.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture onto a serving plate and top with shredded pork floss, dried beef, remaining peanuts, and quail eggs. Serve and enjoy!
Some common mistakes to avoid when making banh trang tron
While making Vietnamese rice paper salad is relatively simple, there are some common mistakes that people make that can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Banh Trang Tron:
- Using rice paper that is too thick – This can make the dish chewy and difficult to eat.
- Cutting the rice paper into pieces that are too large – It’s important to cut the rice paper into small, bite-sized pieces so that it’s easy to mix and eat.
- Overcooking or undercooking meat or seafood – This can affect the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Using too much or too little sauce – The sauce should be added in moderation to avoid making the dish too dry or too wet.
- Adding too much or too little spice – The spices should be added in moderation to avoid overpowering or underwhelming the other flavors.
- Not mixing the ingredients well enough – It’s important to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure that each bite has a balanced flavor.
- Using vegetables or toppings that don’t complement the other ingredients – It’s important to choose toppings and vegetables that work well with the other flavors in the dish.
Tips for serving banh trang tron
- Rice paper salad is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To prevent the rice paper from getting too soggy, add the sauce and rice paper just before serving.
- You can also serve Bánh Tráng Trộn with a side of Vietnamese shrimp chips or crackers for added texture and flavor.
Table about nutrient facts of banh trang tron
Here is a table showing the nutrients facts of rice paper salad:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 175 |
| Fat | 3g |
| Protein | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 36% DV |
| Vitamin C | 14% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 7% DV |
Banh Trang Tron is a relatively low-calorie snack, but it is a snack that should be limited because it is high in protein. Eating too much will cause heat in the body and many symptoms will happen to your body, such as acne, and sore throat. So eat as little as possible.
Regional variations of banh trang tron
Banh Trang Tron has regional variations throughout Vietnam, with each region having its own unique style and flavor. Here are some examples of regional variations of Banh Trang Tron:
- Saigon-style Banh Trang Tron – This style of Banh Trang Tron is characterized by its spicy and tangy flavors. It typically includes shredded green mango, roasted peanuts, and a spicy fish sauce dressing.
- Hanoi-style Banh Trang Tron – This style of Banh Trang Tron is milder in flavor compared to Saigon-style. It often includes green papaya, herbs, and a sweet and sour dressing made from vinegar and sugar.
- Central-style Banh Trang Tron – This style of Banh Trang Tron is known for its unique combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. It usually includes a variety of seafood such as squid, shrimp, and crab, along with banana flowers, peanuts, and a sweet and sour dressing made from tamarind and sugar.
Each regional style of Banh Trang Tron has its own unique blend of ingredients and flavors, giving it a distinct taste that represents the local cuisine and culture.
Substitute ingredients to make banh trang tron
If you don’t have access to some of the traditional ingredients for Banh Trang Tron or if you have dietary restrictions, here are some substitute ingredients you can use:
- Meat and Seafood – For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can use tofu, tempeh, seitan, or roasted chickpeas as a protein substitute.
- Vegetables – You can use any combination of vegetables that you have on hand or that you prefer. Some good options include shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, chopped lettuce, and bean sprouts.
- Spices and Sauces – You can use any type of sauce or seasoning that you like. Some good options include hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, and peanut sauce.
- Optional Toppings – You can use any type of toppings that you like or that you have on hand. Some good options include roasted peanuts, fried shallots, chopped herbs (such as mint, cilantro, or basil), and sesame seeds.
Remember that these substitute ingredients may change the flavor and texture of the dish, but they can still be delicious and satisfying in their own right.
What to serve with banh trang tron?
Banh Trang Tron is a delicious and satisfying snack on its own, but there are some other items you can serve with it to enhance the flavor and texture. Here are some popular options:
- Shrimp Chips (Bánh Phồng Tôm) – These crispy and light chips are a perfect pairing with Banh Trang Tron. You can also use them to scoop up the Banh Trang Tron mixture.
- Beef Jerky (Khô Bò) – Adding some thinly sliced beef jerky to the bang trang tron kho bo mixture can give it a savory and chewy texture.
- Grilled Pork Skewers (Nem Nướng) – If you’re looking for a heartier option, you can serve Banh Trang Tron with grilled pork skewers. The sweet and smoky flavors of the pork complement the spicy and tangy flavors of the Banh Trang Tron.
- Sate Sauce (Sốt Sa Tế) – For a spicy twist, you can add sate sauce to Banh Trang Tron. The nutty and spicy flavors of the sauce go well with the rice paper and vegetables, and this is banh trang tron sate.
What is the famous-mixed rice paper salad in Vietnam?
One of the most famous mixed rice paper salads in Vietnam is Banh Trang Tron, which is a popular street food snack. It typically includes rice paper cut into small pieces, meat or seafood, vegetables, herbs, and a variety of sauces and spices.
If you’re wondering where to buy Banh Trang Tron, the answer is that you can find it all over Vietnam, especially in street food markets and stalls. Here are some popular places where you can find Banh Trang Tron:
- Diva Cat Thy – This is a famous food stall in Ho Chi Minh City that specializes in Banh Trang Tron. They have a variety of different toppings and sauces to choose from, and their Banh Trang Tron Diva Cat Thy is considered to be one of the best in the city.
- Ben Thanh Market – This is a large market in Ho Chi Minh City that is known for its street food stalls. You can find many different types of Vietnamese food here, including Banh Trang Tron.
- Hanoi Old Quarter – This area of Hanoi is known for its street food stalls and markets. You can find a variety of different Vietnamese dishes here, including Banh Trang Tron.
- Danang Night Market – This is a popular night market in Danang that features many different street food stalls. You can find a variety of Vietnamese dishes here, including Banh Trang Tron.
FAQs
Is banh trang tron gluten-free?
Yes, rice paper salad is generally considered to be gluten-free, as it is made primarily from rice paper, which is typically made from rice flour and water.
What is the texture of banh trang tron?
The texture of Banh Trang Tron is a unique combination of chewy and crispy. The rice paper pieces are chewy, while the other ingredients such as the meat, seafood, and vegetables provide a crispy texture.
The dish also typically includes toppings such as roasted peanuts or fried shallots, which add a crunchy texture to the mix. Overall, Banh Trang Tron has a satisfying and unique texture that is part of its appeal.
What is the price of banh trang tron in Vietnam?
The price of Bánh Tráng Trộn in Vietnam can vary depending on the location and the vendor. Generally, it is a very affordable snack, and prices can range from about 10,000 VND (less than 50 cents USD) to 30,000 VND (about $1.30 USD) per serving.
What are some common misconceptions about banh trang tron?
There are some common misconceptions about Banh Trang Tron, including:
- It is only eaten by the poor or working-class – While Banh Trang Tron is a popular street food snack, it is enjoyed by people from all walks of life in Vietnam.
- It is difficult to make at home – Banh Trang Tron is actually a very simple dish to make at home, and it can be customized to individual tastes.
- It is only found in Vietnam – While Banh Trang Tron is a traditional Vietnamese dish, it can be found in other countries where Vietnamese cuisine is popular.
How does the flavor of banh trang tron vary by region?
The flavor of Banh Trang Tron can vary by region in Vietnam due to the availability of local ingredients and the influence of regional cooking styles. For example, in southern Vietnam, Banh Trang Tron often includes more spicy and sour flavors, while in northern Vietnam, it tends to be sweeter and milder in flavor.
The toppings and sauces used can also vary by region, with some regions using more herbs and others using more roasted peanuts or other toppings.
Can banh trang tron be found in Vietnamese restaurants outside of Vietnam?
Yes, Banh Trang Tron can often be found in Vietnamese restaurants outside of Vietnam, especially in areas with a significant Vietnamese population. However, the dish may have some variations or adaptations to suit local tastes and ingredients.
Is banh trang tron suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Banh Trang Tron may be unsuitable for people with certain dietary restrictions, depending on the recipe and the individual’s restrictions. For example, Banh Trang Tron typically includes meat or seafood, so it may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans who do not consume these products.
Additionally, some sauces and toppings used in Banh Trang Tron may contain ingredients that people with certain dietary restrictions need to avoid, such as peanuts, soy sauce, or gluten.
However, Banh Trang Tron can be modified to meet certain dietary restrictions. For example, tofu or tempeh can be used as a protein substitute for meat or seafood, and gluten-free rice paper can be used to make the dish gluten-free.
It’s important to check the ingredients and cooking methods with the vendor or cook to ensure that the dish meets your dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
In light of these facts, Banh Trang Tron is a popular and delicious street food snack in Vietnam that has gained popularity in other parts of the world. This dish is made from simple ingredients like rice paper, meat, seafood, vegetables, and spices, which are mixed together in a unique and satisfying combination.
Banh Trang Tron is not only a delicious snack but also has cultural significance in Vietnam, where street food culture is an important part of daily life.
While Banh Trang Tron may have some regional variations and misconceptions, it is a versatile and adaptable dish that can be customized to individual tastes and dietary restrictions. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack on the go or as a shared dish at a social event, Banh Trang Tron is a flavorful and satisfying option that is sure to delight the taste buds.
More snacks in Vietnam you can try at home
- Vietnamese Egg Rolls Authentic Recipe (Cha Gio)
- Banh Beo (Savory Steamed Rice Cakes)
- Banh Bot Loc Tran (Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings)
- Banh Uot Recipe (Vietnamese Rice Rolls)
- Banh Duc Nong (Vietnamese Hot Rice Cake with Toppings)