Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Sesame-Fried Donuts) Recipe

Introduction

Bánh Tiêu is a light and fluffy Vietnamese hollow donut, coated with sesame seeds and fried to a golden crisp. This recipe offers a simple way to make these delightful treats at home, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 tsp instant yeast
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 10 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (room temperature) or other plant-based milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
• 1 1/2 cup oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the almond milk and vanilla extract, then mix with a spoon until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough by hand for 5-7 minutes until it feels soft, smooth, and slightly sticky like pizza dough. If too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add more almond milk.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough proof in a warm place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until it doubles in size.
5. Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal balls.
6. Step 6: Pour the sesame seeds into a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sesame seeds, pressing slightly so they adhere.
7. Step 7: Flatten each sesame-coated ball into a disc about 3-4 mm thick using a rolling pin.
8. Step 8: Heat about 2 cups of oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat for at least 5 minutes. Test the oil by dipping a wooden chopstick or spoon; if bubbles form around it, the oil is ready.
9. Step 9: Fry one dough disc at a time, flipping every 5-7 seconds with two wooden spatulas or chopsticks, until golden brown and puffed like a balloon.
10. Step 10: Remove the fried donut with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining discs.
11. Step 11: Allow the donuts to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them fresh for the best experience.

Tips & Variations

• Use a warm, draft-free area to proof the dough faster and more effectively.
• If you don’t have almond milk, any plant-based milk or regular milk works well.
• Rolling the dough discs slightly thinner will make the donuts puff more hollow inside.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of coconut milk instead of almond milk.

Storage

Store the Bánh Tiêu in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them briefly in a low oven or toaster oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, regular milk or any other plant-based milk can be substituted without affecting the texture significantly.

Why don’t my donuts puff up properly?

Make sure the dough is kneaded well and proofed until it doubles in size. Also, roll the discs thin enough and maintain the oil temperature around medium heat for the best puffing results.

Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Sesame-Fried Donuts) Recipe

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4.6 from 81 reviews

Bánh Tiêu is a Vietnamese hollow fried doughnut, crispy on the outside with a light, airy interior, coated with fragrant white sesame seeds. This simple, vegan-friendly treat is perfect for a sweet snack or breakfast, offering a delightful balance of texture and subtle sweetness, made with almond milk and fried to golden perfection.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 donuts 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Vietnamese
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 tsp instant yeast
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 10 tbsp unsweetened almond milk, room temperature (or other plant-based milk)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For Coating and Frying

• 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
• 1 1/2 cups oil, for deep frying

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the almond milk and vanilla extract and stir with a spoon until the mixture forms a dough.
3. Knead the Dough: Using your hands, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky, similar in consistency to pizza dough. Adjust by adding flour or almond milk as needed.
4. Proof the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place or an oven with the light on for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until doubled in size.
5. Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough to deflate it, then divide it into 6 equal balls.
6. Coat with Sesame Seeds: Roll each dough ball in the white sesame seeds, pressing gently to ensure the seeds stick well.
7. Flatten into Discs: Using a rolling pin, flatten each dough ball into a disc roughly 3-4 mm thick, ensuring not too thin to maintain the hollow texture.
8. Heat Oil: Heat approximately 2 cups of oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat for at least 5 minutes. Test the heat with a wooden chopstick; if bubbles appear around it, the oil is ready.
9. Deep Fry: Carefully place one flattened dough disc in the hot oil. Flip it every 5-7 seconds using two wooden spatulas or chopsticks. The dough will puff up into a hollow ball and turn golden brown.
10. Remove and Drain: Once golden brown, remove the donut using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat with remaining discs.
11. Cool and Serve: Let the donuts cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Notes

• Ensure dough is not too sticky or dry by adjusting flour or almond milk during kneading.
• Keep oil temperature steady; too hot will burn the donuts, too cool will make them greasy.
• Rolling thickness affects hollow texture; thinner discs puff better but avoid too thin to prevent tearing.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable or peanut oil.
• This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free using almond milk.

Keywords: Bánh Tiêu, Vietnamese donut, hollow donut, fried dough, sesame seeds, vegan donut, Vietnamese snack