Vegetarian Bánh Đúc Steamed rice cake

Vegetarian Bánh Đúc is a rustic, comforting dish often found in the daily vegetarian menu. It’s light yet satisfying, with a rich mushroom filling that adds both flavor and nutrition. The ingredients are simple, easy to find, and the result is soft, fragrant, and delicious.

Ingredients

2 cups rice flour

4 cups water

3 cups mixed mushrooms (oyster mushrooms, king oyster mushrooms, chicken thigh mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms)

1 tsp salt

2 tbsp vegetarian seasoning powder

½ cup cooking oil

2 tbsp vegetarian fish sauce

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp water

1 tsp Korean chili powder (optional)

Chopped garlic and fresh chili (for dipping sauce)

Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the mushrooms

Soak all mushrooms in diluted salt water for 10 minutes.

Rinse well several times, drain, and pat dry.

Remove stems if needed, then finely chop the mushrooms into small pieces.

Step 2. Make the filling

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add the chopped mushrooms, stir-fry until fragrant.

Season with 2 tsp vegetarian seasoning powder and cook until the mushrooms are tender.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3. Cook the Bánh Đúc batter

In a pot, whisk rice flour with 6 cups of water until smooth.

Place the pot on the stove, stir continuously, and add ½ tsp seasoning powder.

When the mixture thickens, gradually add ½ cup oil. Keep stirring—even if it looks separated at first—until the batter becomes smooth, sticky, and translucent.

Turn off the heat but continue stirring for 2–3 more minutes to fully combine.

Step 4. Steam the cake

Prepare a steamer and bring water to a boil.

Pour the batter into a greased mold or tray.

Cover the steamer lid with a clean kitchen towel (to prevent water from dripping onto the cake).

Steam for 25–30 minutes until set.

Let cool slightly, then cut into serving pieces and top with the mushroom filling.

Step 5. Make the dipping sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:

2 tbsp vegetarian fish sauce

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp water

Chopped garlic and chili to taste

This creates a light, sweet–sour dipping sauce to serve with the cake.

✨ Serving suggestion: Enjoy your Vegetarian Bánh Đúc warm, topped with mushroom filling and served with the dipping sauce. Sprinkle a little Korean chili powder for extra heat if desired.