Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Bánh Tiêu – Vietnamese Hollow Donuts That Puff Up With Love

If you’ve ever strolled through the streets of Vietnam in the early morning or late afternoon, chances are you’ve caught a whiff of something warm and slightly sweet wafting from a roadside cart. That irresistible aroma likely came from Bánh Tiêu — golden, sesame-crusted hollow donuts puffed up in sizzling oil and filled with nothing but air and childhood memories.

These humble little donuts have Chinese roots, but over time they’ve become a cherished snack across Vietnam.  They’re crisp on the outside, airy on the inside, and just sweet enough to pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea.  From school kids to grandparents, everyone has a soft spot for Bánh Tiêu.

The best part?  You can easily make them in your own kitchen — no fancy tools or ingredients required. Just a little patience, a warm corner for the dough to rise, and a big smile when they puff up beautifully in the pan.  Why?  You’ll love this recipe because it Simple pantry ingredients – Nothing exotic here!

No eggs or dairy (except a touch of condensed milk) – Just enough for flavor. Puffy, golden, sesame-kissed goodness – That crackly crust is everything.  Perfect for sharing – Gather the family around with tea and stories.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups bread flour (Type 13 or high-protein flour works best)

1 tsp instant yeast

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp condensed milk (adds depth and richness without overpowering sweetness)

1 tbsp cooking oil (plus more for kneading and frying)

1/3 to 1/2 cup water (use a mix of hot and cold to reach warm temp)

2 tbsp white sesame seeds

Directions:

Step-by-Step: How to Make Bánh Tiêu at Home

Step 1: Wake up the yeast:

In a small bowl, combine warm water (a mix of boiling + cold), yeast, and sugar.  Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy, then stir in the condensed milk.

Step 2: Make the dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt.  Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Knead with oil:

After resting, add 1 tbsp oil and knead the dough for 1–2 minutes until smoother.  Grease the dough lightly, cover, and let it rise for another 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Pro tip: Don’t be scared of sticky dough!  That moisture is what gives the donuts their beautiful puff.  Rub a little oil or water on your hands before kneading to keep things neat.

Step 4: Shape the donuts:

Once risen, turn the dough onto a floured surface.  Divide into equal portions (about golf-ball size), roll each into a ball, and flatten gently.

Press both sides of each piece into sesame seeds, then use a rolling pin to roll them into thin, flat disks.

Step 5: Fry to perfection:

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-low heat. You want enough oil to come halfway up the donuts.  To check if it’s ready, dip a wooden chopstick or spoon in — if bubbles form around it, you’re good to go.

Fry one donut at a time.  It will sink, then float within a few seconds.  Keep turning it gently to ensure even browning and puffing.

When golden and beautifully hollow, remove and let drain on paper towels.

The Perfect Bánh Tiêu:

Once cool enough to handle, tear one open.  It should be crispy on the outside, airy on the inside, and infused with the gentle aroma of toasted sesame and condensed milk. Just the right amount of sweetness, just the right amount of joy.

Pair with tea, coffee, or even a glass of soy milk — and you’ve got yourself a truly heartwarming treat.

Tips for Success:

Oil temperature matters. Too cold?  The donuts won’t puff.  Too hot?  They’ll brown too fast and stay dense.

Fry one at a time.  This gives each donut the space and heat it needs to fully expand.

Don’t walk away.  These fry up quickly!  Stay by the stove and keep gently flipping.

A Taste of Home:

Whether you grew up with Bánh Tiêu or you’re discovering them for the first time, this recipe is all about warmth, comfort, and a bit of magic as those puffy golden rounds rise in hot oil.  Give them a try, and you might just find a new family favorite.


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