As I bit into my first Bánh Tiêu on the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the crunch of sesame seeds enveloped my senses. These delightful Vietnamese donuts are not just a treat; they’re a nostalgic connection to a rich culinary culture. Soft and crispy, Bánh Tiêu stand out with their unique hollow center, awaiting your choice of scrumptious fillings. Whether you crave something sweet or savory, this recipe for Vietnamese Donuts can easily be made at home, offering a quick and satisfying solution for breakfast or snack time. Plus, they cater beautifully to vegan diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy a taste of this flavorful street food. Ready to roll up your sleeves and experience the magic of Bánh Tiêu? Let’s dive into the fun world of homemade delights!

Why are Vietnamese Donuts a must-try?

Irresistible Crunch: The unique coating of sesame seeds gives these donuts a delightful texture that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food.

Vegan-Friendly: Made with plant-based ingredients, everyone can enjoy these treats without compromise.

Customizable Fillings: Whether sweet or savory, the hollow center allows for endless creativity with fillings.

Quick and Easy: Making Bánh Tiêu at home is simple and requires minimal prep time, perfect for any skill level!

Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Serve them at gatherings, and watch them disappear—these donuts are a sure hit!

Embark on your culinary adventure and discover the joy of creating these delicious treats in your kitchen!

Vietnamese Donuts Ingredients

• For those craving homemade sweetness and a hint of nostalgia, here’s everything you need to create these delightful treats!

For the Dough

All-Purpose Flour – provides the structure; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed for a lighter texture.
Sugar – adds sweetness; try coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
Instant Yeast – helps the dough rise quickly; active dry yeast can be used but may require longer proofing time.
Baking Powder – adds extra leavening; ensures your donuts are light and fluffy.
Salt – enhances flavors; normal table salt or sea salt works perfectly.
Unsweetened Almond Milk – adds moisture and richness; feel free to use any other plant-based milk you prefer.
Vanilla Extract – gives a subtle aromatic touch; you can switch it up with almond extract for variety.

For the Coating

White Sesame Seeds – adds an irresistible crunch; try black sesame seeds for a visually striking option.
Oil for Frying – crucial for that perfect deep-fried finish; peanut oil or canola oil are great alternatives.

Get ready to indulge in the crispy and fluffy magic of these Vietnamese donuts—your taste buds will thank you!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft and Crispy Bánh Tiêu: Vietnamese Sesame Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to mix all the dry ingredients evenly. You want a light, fluffy blend that ensures your Vietnamese donuts will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined. Gradually pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. It’s important to keep mixing until there are no dry bits left, leading us step-by-step toward our delicious Bánh Tiêu.

Step 3: Knead the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, transfer the shaggy dough and begin kneading for about 5 to 7 minutes. Aim for a soft, slightly sticky texture that springs back when you poke it. This process builds the gluten, which is key to achieving that tender interior for your Vietnamese donuts.

Step 4: Proof the Dough
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1.5 hours. The dough should double in size, creating a soft, airy texture that will make the Bánh Tiêu fluffy and light—a perfect prelude to frying!

Step 5: Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to deflate and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into six equal portions, rolling each into a smooth ball. Roll each ball in white sesame seeds before flattening them into discs roughly 1/2 inch thick. This is where the delightful crunch comes into play for your Vietnamese donuts!

Step 6: Heat Oil
In a deep pan, heat about 2 inches of oil on medium heat. You’ll know it’s hot enough when small bubbles form around a wooden stick inserted into the oil, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Properly heated oil is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness on the outside of your Bánh Tiêu.

Step 7: Fry the Donuts
Carefully add one disc of dough at a time to the hot oil. Fry each donut for about 5-7 seconds before flipping it over with a slotted spoon. Keep an eye on them; they should puff up and become golden brown. This frying process is where the magic happens, giving your Vietnamese donuts that irresistible texture.

Step 8: Drain and Cool
Once the donuts are golden brown and puffed to perfection, carefully remove them from the oil using the slotted spoon. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow the Bánh Tiêu to cool for about 5 minutes before serving, ensuring the sesame crust remains delightful and crunchy.

Tips for the Best Vietnamese Donuts

Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is slightly sticky to help the sesame seeds adhere. A dry dough will prevent that delightful crunch.
Resting Time: Let the flattened dough rest for at least 10 minutes before frying; this step enhances puffiness and ensures a light texture in your Vietnamese donuts.
Proper Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature, aiming for 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, your donuts will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Regular Flipping: Flip the donuts every 5-7 seconds while frying to promote even cooking and ensure they puff beautifully.
Storage Care: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating, as that can affect their texture.

Storage Tips for Vietnamese Donuts

Room Temperature: Store leftover Bánh Tiêu in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crispiness.

Fridge: While not recommended, if you must refrigerate, place the donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Expect some loss of texture, but they will still be tasty!

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Bánh Tiêu in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month.

Reheating: To regain some crispiness, reheat frozen donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy these delicious Vietnamese donuts fresh for the best experience!

Vietnamese Donuts Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will elevate your Bánh Tiêu experience and tickle your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously inclusive treat. The texture might be slightly different, but still oh-so-satisfying!
Sweetener Swap: Use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a richer caramel flavor that complements the nuttiness of sesame.
Dairy-Free: Swap unsweetened almond milk with oat or soy milk for a creamier consistency, perfect for that soft and fluffy dough.
Unique Flavors: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract to introduce a sweet, nutty aroma that pairs wonderfully with your donuts.
Savory Surprise: Add finely chopped herbs like cilantro or green onions to the dough for a savory twist—perfect for a brunch or a more adventurous snack!
Spicy Heat: Mix in chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dough for a tantalizing kick that balances beautifully with the sweetness.
Filling Adventures: Try filling with sweet red bean paste for an authentic Vietnamese touch, or opt for a rich chocolate ganache for a decadent dessert experience.
Fun Toppings: After frying, dust your Bánh Tiêu with cinnamon sugar for a delightful extra layer of flavor, transforming these into even more irresistible treats!

Now that you’re inspired, why not gather your loved ones and create a feast of flavors with these adaptations? Don’t forget to check out my guide on vegan dessert options for more sweet ideas! Happy cooking!

What to Serve with Soft and Crispy Bánh Tiêu: Vietnamese Sesame Donuts

Get ready to create a delightful meal that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food, with flavors and textures that harmonize beautifully.

Sweetened Condensed Coconut Cream: Drizzling this rich and creamy topping over your donuts adds a tropical sweetness that perfectly balances the sesame crunch.
Fresh Mango Slices: Juicy and fragrant mangoes provide a bright contrast. Their soft texture complements the crispy donuts while adding a refreshing note.
Spicy Chili Sauce: For the adventurous, a small dish of chili sauce introduces a zingy heat, enhancing the flavor profile of the sweet Bánh Tiêu in each bite.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Pair your donuts with this rich beverage for a cozy treat. The coffee’s bold flavor brings out the donut’s sweetness, creating a delightful experience.
Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of pineapple, papaya, and kiwi adds a vibrant freshness. It lightens the meal and adds an artistic touch to your serving platter.
Chocolate Sauce: Whether you’re dipping or drizzling, a warm chocolate sauce can take your Bánh Tiêu from simple to indulgent, perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth.

These pairings offer a balance of sweetness, heat, and richness, creating a delightful culinary adventure with your Bánh Tiêu!

Make Ahead Options

These delicious Vietnamese donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough for your Bánh Tiêu up to 24 hours ahead. After kneading, simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then shape, coat with sesame seeds, and fry as directed. To maintain quality, ensure you keep your dough airtight to prevent it from drying out. For optimal freshness, make the donuts and serve them the same day, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days if necessary. Enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!

Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts) Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing your ingredients, ensure your almond milk is fresh and not expired for the best flavor. For the flour, select all-purpose flour for optimal structure—if you’re looking for gluten-free options, try using certified gluten-free flour blends.

What is the best way to store leftover Bánh Tiêu?
To keep your Bánh Tiêu fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their delightful crispiness. If you happen to have any left after that, they can be refrigerated, but texture may suffer a bit.

Can I freeze Vietnamese donuts, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Bánh Tiêu! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up!

What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, check the freshness of the yeast. It should be active and bubbly when mixed with warm liquid. If not, use new yeast for better results. Also, make sure you’re letting the dough rise in a warm environment, ideally around 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). If your room is chilly, consider turning on your oven to warm it slightly before placing the dough inside to proof.

Are Bánh Tiêu safe for people with allergies?
Great question! This recipe is vegan, but make sure to double-check your individual ingredients for potential allergens. If anyone has a sesame allergy, these donuts may not be a safe option due to the sesame seeds used for coating. Always communicate with your guests to ensure everyone’s dietary needs are considered!

What if my Bánh Tiêu don’t puff up while frying?
If your donuts aren’t puffing, don’t worry! It could be due to a few factors. Ensure your oil is hot enough—aim for around 350°F (175°C). Also, make sure to flip your donuts regularly while frying to allow even cooking and puffiness. If they still don’t puff, letting them rest before frying can also help improve their texture.