Dumplings & Apps

Banh It Vietnamese Dumplings

Name: Banh It Vietnamese Dumplings
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground pork; 1/2 lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup (115g) finely chopped carrots; 1/4 cup (55g) finely chopped scallions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon (15g) soy sauce; 1 tablespoon (15g) fish sauce; 1 tablespoon (15g) lime juice; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (115g) warm water; 1/4 teaspoon salt

By Dahlia Greenwood · June 19, 2026 · Dumplings & Apps

Prep30 min

Cook15 min

Total60 min

Serves20

I still remember the first time I had Banh It Vietnamese Dumplings at a family gathering. The combination of the soft, chewy wrapper and the flavorful filling was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to perfect the recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you today.

Banh It Dumplings are a classic Vietnamese dish that consists of a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables wrapped in a thin dough wrapper. The dumplings are then steamed to perfection, creating a delicious and healthy snack or meal.

What I love about this recipe is that it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The key to making great Banh It Dumplings is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, and to not overmix the filling. With a little practice, you'll be making delicious Banh It Dumplings like a pro!

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or party, as it makes a large batch of dumplings that can be steamed and served in no time. You can also customize the filling to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients, such as chopped scallions or grated carrots.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making Banh It Dumplings from scratch, including how to make the dough wrapper and the filling. I'll also provide you with tips and tricks for steaming the dumplings to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
Delicious and healthy snack or meal
Perfect for a family dinner or party
Can be customized to your liking with your favorite ingredients
Steaming process helps to retain moisture and cook the dumplings evenly
Balance of flavors provides a sweet, sour, and umami flavor profile
Authentic and delicious Vietnamese dish

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Banh It Dumplings is to use the right technique and ingredients. The dough wrapper should be thin and pliable, while the filling should be flavorful and moist. By using a combination of ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables, we can create a filling that is both delicious and healthy.

The steaming process is also crucial, as it helps to cook the dumplings evenly and retain their moisture. By using a steamer basket and a large pot of boiling water, we can create a steamy environment that cooks the dumplings to perfection.

Another important aspect of making Banh It Dumplings is the balance of flavors. The filling should be seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice, which provides a sweet, sour, and umami flavor profile. The dough wrapper should be lightly seasoned with salt and sugar, which helps to balance out the flavors of the filling.

Overall, the combination of the right technique, ingredients, and flavors is what makes Banh It Dumplings so delicious and addictive. With this recipe, you'll be able to make authentic and delicious Banh It Dumplings in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Banh It Dumplings, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables. You'll also need a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice to season the filling. For the dough wrapper, you'll need a mixture of flour, water, and salt.

When shopping for ingredients, make sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. For the ground pork, look for a lean cut with a good balance of fat and meat. For the shrimp, choose fresh and succulent ones with a good texture. For the vegetables, choose a variety of colorful and crunchy ones, such as carrots, cabbage, and scallions.

1 lb (450g) ground porkLook for a lean cut with a good balance of fat and meat. You can also use a combination of ground pork and ground chicken or beef if you prefer.
1/2 lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedChoose fresh and succulent ones with a good texture. You can also use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them first.
1/2 cup (115g) finely chopped carrotsChoose a variety of colorful and crunchy carrots. You can also use other vegetables, such as cabbage or scallions.
1/4 cup (55g) finely chopped scallionsChoose fresh and crunchy scallions. You can also use other herbs, such as cilantro or basil.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh and high-quality garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
1 tablespoon (15g) soy sauceChoose a high-quality soy sauce with a good balance of salty and umami flavors. You can also use other seasonings, such as fish sauce or oyster sauce.
1 tablespoon (15g) fish sauceChoose a high-quality fish sauce with a good balance of salty and umami flavors. You can also use other seasonings, such as soy sauce or oyster sauce.
1 tablespoon (15g) lime juiceChoose fresh and high-quality lime juice for the best flavor. You can also use other citrus juices, such as lemon or orange.
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flourChoose a high-quality all-purpose flour with a good balance of protein and starch. You can also use other types of flour, such as bread flour or cake flour.
1/2 cup (115g) warm waterUse warm water to help the dough come together. You can also use cold water, but it may take longer to knead the dough.
1/4 teaspoon saltUse a small amount of salt to season the dough. You can also use other seasonings, such as sugar or sesame oil.

Ingredients for Banh It Vietnamese Dumplings

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaSteamer basketLarge pot with a lidInstant-read thermometerSharp knife or cutting board

How to Make Banh It Vietnamese Dumplings

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, shrimp, chopped carrots, chopped scallions, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
2
Knead the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the mixture.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, warm water, and salt. Mix well until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4
Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a small egg. You should end up with around 20-25 balls of dough.
5
Roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle, about 1/16 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to roll out the dough.
6
Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
7
Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling. You should end up with around 20-25 dumplings.
8
Place the dumplings in a steamer basket, leaving some space between each dumpling to allow for even cooking.
9
Steam the dumplings over boiling water for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
10
Remove the dumplings from the steamer and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce. You can also serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
11
To make the dipping sauce, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice in a small bowl. Mix well and serve with the dumplings.
12
You can also add other ingredients to the dipping sauce, such as chopped scallions, grated ginger, or minced garlic. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the filling or the dough, as this can make the dumplings tough and dense.
Use a steamer basket to cook the dumplings, as this helps to retain moisture and cook the dumplings evenly.
Don't overcrowd the steamer basket, as this can cause the dumplings to stick together.
Serve the dumplings hot with a dipping sauce, as this helps to bring out the flavors and textures of the dish.
Experiment with different fillings and seasonings to find your favorite flavor combination.
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the dumplings, as this helps to ensure that they are cooked through and safe to eat.
Don't overcook the dumplings, as this can make them dry and tough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the filling or the dough, which can make the dumplings tough and dense.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Overcrowding the steamer basket, which can cause the dumplings to stick together.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the dumplings, which can lead to undercooked or overcooked dumplings.
Not serving the dumplings hot with a dipping sauce, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not experimenting with different fillings and seasonings, which can limit the flavor possibilities of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Using different types of protein, such as chicken or beef, instead of pork and shrimp.
Adding other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped scallions or grated carrots.
Using different types of flour, such as bread flour or cake flour, instead of all-purpose flour.
Adding other seasonings to the filling, such as soy sauce or oyster sauce.
Using different types of dipping sauce, such as a sweet chili sauce or a spicy peanut sauce.
Serving the dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad, instead of serving them alone.
Using a different cooking method, such as pan-frying or deep-frying, instead of steaming.

What to Serve With Banh It Vietnamese Dumplings

Banh It Dumplings are best served hot with a dipping sauce. You can also serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad. Some popular dipping sauces include a sweet chili sauce, a spicy peanut sauce, or a simple soy sauce and lime juice mixture.

Some other ideas for serving Banh It Dumplings include serving them as an appetizer or snack, or adding them to a noodle or rice bowl. You can also use them as a topping for a salad or a soup.

Serve with a side of steamed vegetablesAdd to a noodle or rice bowlUse as a topping for a salad or a soupServe as an appetizer or snackAdd to a stir-fry or a skillet dishServe with a dipping sauce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the sheet in the freezer. Once the dumplings are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

To reheat frozen dumplings, simply steam them over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 F. You can also reheat them in the microwave by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 20-30 seconds, or until they are cooked through.

It's also important to note that Banh It Dumplings are best consumed fresh, as they can become dry and tough if they are stored for too long. If you plan to store them for an extended period of time, it's best to freeze them as soon as possible after making them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store Banh It Dumplings?

Banh It Dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store them in the refrigerator, place them in a single layer on a plate or tray and cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the sheet in the freezer. Once the dumplings are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

How do I reheat frozen Banh It Dumplings?

Can I use different types of protein in the filling?

Yes, you can use different types of protein in the filling, such as chicken or beef, instead of pork and shrimp. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped scallions or grated carrots. Just make sure to adjust the amount of filling accordingly and not to overfill the dumplings.

Can I use different types of flour to make the dough?

Yes, you can use different types of flour to make the dough, such as bread flour or cake flour, instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure to adjust the amount of water accordingly and not to overmix the dough.

How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together?

To prevent the dumplings from sticking together, make sure to leave some space between each dumpling when steaming them. You can also dust the dumplings with a small amount of cornstarch or flour before steaming them.

Can I serve Banh It Dumplings as a main dish?

Yes, you can serve Banh It Dumplings as a main dish, especially if you add other ingredients to the filling or serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.

How do I make a dipping sauce for Banh It Dumplings?

To make a dipping sauce for Banh It Dumplings, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice in a small bowl. Mix well and serve with the dumplings. You can also add other ingredients to the dipping sauce, such as chopped scallions or grated ginger.

The Full Recipe

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