Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits – Banh Tai Heo

Banh Tai Heo, colloquially known as Vietnamese pig’s ear biscuits, are a delightful delicacy that will surely pique your taste buds. These unique treats are named and shaped after a pig’s ears, possessing a distinct light and dark swirl pattern reminiscent of the animal’s ears. The biscuits are crunchy, slightly sweet, and have a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re starting your day or looking for a mid-afternoon snack, Banh Tai Heo offers a delectable experience that perfectly blends Vietnamese culinary artistry and flavor.
While the taste of the Banh Tai Heo might knock you out with its first bite, you’ll be more amazed at the simplicity of its ingredients and recipe. Let’s delve into how these taste sensations are created, and you might be surprised how simple it is to bring this Vietnamese delicacy into your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 300g all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 50g butter
• 75ml coconut cream or milk or water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 egg yolks
• 30g cocoa powder

Recipe Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, coconut cream (or milk or water), salt, lemon juice, and egg yolks (reserve the cacao powder for later use). Mix the ingredients together until they form a smooth and well-integrated dough.
• Divide the dough equally into two separate bowls. In one bowl, add the cacao powder. Mix it thoroughly until the cacao is well-incorporated and the dough takes on a chocolatey color.
• Roll out the plain dough into a thin sheet. Do the same with the chocolate dough separately. Place the rolled-out chocolate dough on top of the rolled-out plain dough. Roll the two doughs together into a log shape, ensuring the chocolate dough is on the inside.
• Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, allowing it to firm up. If you need to save time, you can place the dough in the freezer for approximately 1 hour instead.
• After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into thin pieces.
• Heat a pan of oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the slices of dough to the pan. Fry them until they’re evenly cooked and have achieved a golden color. Once done, place the biscuits on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Your Banh Tai Heo is ready to enjoy!

Tips

• When joining the two dough halves and rolling the dough, you might find the dough not sticking together. If this happens, lightly sprinkle some water on the surface of the dough. This will not only help maintain a tighter structure but also prevent the biscuits from falling apart when frying.
• Remember not to slice them too thinly as it might break the biscuits during frying. Also, cutting too thickly might affect the crispiness of the biscuits.
• When frying the biscuits, be sure to gently turn them with chopsticks or a spatula to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• You can enhance the aroma by adding some sesame seeds. If incorporating sesame seeds, sprinkle them evenly on the dough while rolling it out, this prevents the seeds from falling off during frying.
• When cutting the dough into slices, you should immediately deep-fry them. If you don’t, they may become soft and sticky.
• These biscuits might initially not color during the frying process; however, they could turn brown very quickly towards the end, so be cautious. Frequent flipping and close monitoring will help in avoiding over-browning or burning.

How to Store?

Banh Tai Heo can be stored in an airtight container and kept at room temperature, where they should last up to three days. If you want them to stay crunchy for longer, store the biscuits in a cool dry place or in the refrigerator. The biscuits should remain crunchy for up to one week when stored properly.

Is Pig’s Ear Biscuit Healthy?

While Banh Tai Heo, or Pig’s Ear Biscuits, are a delicious treat, they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They contain sugar and are deep-fried, both of which contribute to their caloric content. However, they don’t contain any artificial ingredients, and their primary ingredient, all-purpose flour, provides essential carbohydrates for energy. Coconut cream, another key ingredient, is a great source of healthy fats and nutrients. Furthermore, you can make them healthier by using alternative sweeteners or baking instead of frying. As with any food, moderation is key.

Conclusion

Savoring a Banh Tai Heo with a cup of tea or coffee can make you forget all your worries. Even as an ordinary snack, it can replace popcorn for your movie nights. The crisp texture and subtle sweetness of these Vietnamese pig’s ear biscuits transport you to a state of peaceful indulgence, making every bite a delightful escape from the humdrum of everyday life. Whilst it serves as a unique and satisfying treat on its own, pairing it with your favorite hot beverage enhances the overall culinary experience, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast.
With just a handful of ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can recreate this delicious snack in your own kitchen! Give it a try and you’ll soon be enjoying these delightful treats anytime you’d like.

Godfrey Jensen

I’m Godfrey Jensen, CEO and head chef at Lapps Meats. We’re a top-quality butcher with over 70 years of experience. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best, freshest products possible. We take our food seriously, and we love serving the community by providing them with quality meat products.