Buzz
When it comes to delectable treats in Hanoi, the iconic pillow cake is a must-try. Today, I'll guide you through creating these delightful Hanoi-style pillow cakes right in your own kitchen!
If you're a Hanoi local, you're probably familiar with the tempting displays of scrumptious pillow cakes at every corner. However, I won't just talk about the best pillow cake spots; instead, I'll share the recipe for making these delectable treats at home, perfectly capturing the essence of Hanoi.
Grab your pen and paper, jot down the recipe, and make these Hanoi-style pillow cakes for your family to savor whenever you have some free time!
Ingredients for making pillow cakes:
Filling:
- Pork belly: 200g
- Vermicelli: 50g
- Shiitake mushrooms: 30g
- Carrot: ½ piece
- Dried shallots: 3 bulbs
- Quail eggs: 15 eggs
- Fresh greens for accompaniment: lettuce, cilantro, purple perilla, basil, etc.
- Seasonings: cooking oil, pepper, salt
For the pastry:
- All-purpose flour: 300 grams
- Avocado: 110 grams
- Cold water: 60-90 ml
- Salt
Dipping sauce:
- Fish sauce
- Sugar
- Garlic: 1 small clove, finely chopped
- Red bird's eye chilies: 2, finely chopped
How to make pillow cakes:
For the filling:
- Soak vermicelli and shiitake mushrooms in warm water until they expand and become soft, then finely chop.
- Clean and finely chop the pork belly as well.
- Peel and finely chop the carrots.
- Select fresh greens, wash thoroughly, soak in saltwater, then drain.
- Boil quail eggs until cooked, peel, and cut each egg in half.
- Peel and clean the dried shallots, then finely chop.
- Place a pan on the stove, heat it with a tablespoon of cooking oil, and sauté the chopped shallots until fragrant.
- Next, add the finely chopped pork, stir-fry until cooked, and season with a pinch of spices to taste.
- Once the meat is cooked, turn off the heat and mix in the soaked vermicelli, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots. Sprinkle a bit of ground pepper for enhanced flavor.
For the pastry:
- Mix the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and a pinch of salt together. Then, add water and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Next, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- After 1 hour of resting, take out the dough, dust your hands and rolling pin with dry flour (this prevents sticking). Divide the dough into equal pieces and roll it into thin sheets, about 3-4mm thick.
- Using a round object, cut the dough into circles approximately the size of a rice bowl (this ensures even and beautiful pillow cakes when wrapping).
Wrapping and frying the pillow cakes:
- Place a piece of pastry on the cutting board and add 2 spoonfuls of filling, then place a quail egg on top of the filling.
- Fold the pastry in half to create a crescent shape, gently pinch the edges. The soft and elastic dough allows us to create a decorative edge for a more appealing look. (Repeat this process for all pastries until the dough and filling are used up).
- Once all the cakes are wrapped, heat a pan with oil until it bubbles (ensure the oil is sufficient to submerge the cakes). Then, carefully fry each pillow cake until golden brown.
- Once the cakes are evenly golden brown, use absorbent paper beneath the basket to drain excess oil and transfer the pillow cakes to a plate.
Preparing the dipping sauce for pillow cakes:
The dipping sauce is a crucial element to enhance the flavor of the pillow cakes.
In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of chicken stock, 1 tablespoon of sugar, minced garlic, and finely chopped chili. Mix well until the sugar and chicken stock dissolve completely. Squeeze in half a lime. Optionally, you can add some carrot slices or cucumber if you prefer!
So, we've successfully made these piping hot and delicious pillow cakes right in the comfort of our homes, ready to enjoy with our loved ones.
If you find the process a bit too intricate and happen to be in Hanoi, why not visit Buffet Viet - Tang Bat Ho for a taste of their exquisite pillow cakes in an elegant setting?
At Buffet Viet, diners can indulge in a selection of 120 carefully curated dishes, ranging from traditional Vietnamese cuisine to exquisite Italian, Korean, Japanese, and more.
Make your reservation through PasGo at Buffet Viet Tang Bat Ho today to enjoy surprising perks and secure the perfect dining spot!
>> Check out the latest deals at Buffet Viet Restaurant HERE!
Address: Buffet Viet Restaurant – 1A Tang Bat Ho, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Curated by Suong Mai
RELATED ARTICLES:
>> Reveal the secrets to crafting irresistibly delicious soy sauce-steamed chicken
>> Learn the art of creating banana blossom chicken salad
