As I took my first bite of a crunchy sesame Bánh Tiêu from a bustling Vietnamese street market, I felt like I had uncovered a hidden gem of culinary bliss. These delightful Vietnamese donuts are more than just a tasty treat; they’re a symbol of comfort, perfect for any home chef craving something fresh and exciting. Made vegan and surprisingly simple to prepare, this crispy version boasts a tender, airy interior wrapped in a fragrant sesame coat. Not only do they bring the nostalgic essence of street food right into your kitchen, but they also make for a crowd-pleasing snack that you can fill with whatever sweet or savory fillings your heart desires. Curious about how to recreate this street-side delight? Let’s dive into the recipe together!

Why are these donuts so special?

Crispy exterior: Each Bánh Tiêu emerges with a golden-brown shell that’s perfectly crunchy, creating a delightful contrast to its tender interior.

Vegan-friendly: Made without any animal products, these homemade Vietnamese donuts cater to plant-based diets, ensuring everyone can indulge.

Simple preparation: With straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can master this recipe, proving that delicious street food can be made at home!

Endless filling options: Get creative! These donuts can be enjoyed plain or filled with sweet treats like chocolate, or even savory flavors like peanut butter.

Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or weekday snacks, they are sure to impress family and friends with their unique taste and charm. Explore more about successful frying techniques in our guide to perfect frying tips.

Vietnamese Donuts Ingredients

For the Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used if needed.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances browning; consider brown sugar for extra depth of flavor.
Instant Yeast – Leavens the donuts for a light, airy texture; active dry yeast can substitute but requires proofing time.
Baking Powder – Ensures proper puffiness and leavening during frying.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Unsweetened Almond Milk – Hydrates the dough; any plant-based milk can be swapped in.
Vanilla Extract – Infuses additional flavor; adjust to taste or use almond extract for a twist.

For Coating

White Sesame Seeds – Provides crunch and nutty flavor; black sesame seeds offer a unique visual appeal as a substitute.

For Frying

Oil for Frying – Essential for that perfect crispy exterior; vegetable oil is the best choice for frying these Vietnamese donuts.

Feel inspired to create your own delicious Vietnamese Donuts that delight tastebuds and turn snack time into a tasty adventure!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Sesame Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts)

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until uniform. This mixture is the foundation for your Vietnamese donuts, providing structure and flavor.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Slowly add ¾ cup of unsweetened almond milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. This process helps hydrate the flour, setting the stage for dough development.

Step 3: Knead Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and slightly sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the Vietnamese donuts their delightful texture.

Step 4: Proof Dough
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This step is essential, as it allows the yeast to work, creating airy and fluffy Bánh Tiêu.

Step 5: Shape Donuts
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Roll each ball in a plate of white sesame seeds, then flatten them into discs about ½ inch thick. This gives the Vietnamese donuts their signature look and crunch.

Step 6: Heat Oil
In a deep, heavy-bottomed pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil’s readiness by inserting a chopstick; if bubbles form around it, the oil is hot enough for frying. This ensures your donuts will have that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 7: Deep Fry
Carefully place the sesame-seed-coated discs into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for about 3-5 minutes, flipping them every 5-7 seconds until they are golden brown and puffed. Keeping a close eye on them ensures they cook evenly and achieve a beautiful color.

Step 8: Drain and Cool
Once golden brown, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. At this stage, the Bánh Tiêu should have a crispy exterior and a soft, airy inside, ready for you to enjoy!

How to Store and Freeze Vietnamese Donuts

Room Temperature: Store leftover Vietnamese donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Refrigeration: If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate the donuts in an airtight container for up to 4 days, although they may lose some crispiness.

Freezing: To freeze, individually wrap each cooled donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy again.

Variations & Substitutions for Vietnamese Donuts

Feel free to get creative and personalize your Bánh Tiêu to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour for a suitable option that maintains the delicious crunch.
Sweetener Swap: Substitute sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar to create a unique sweetness that complements the sesame coating.
Nut Milk Variation: Switch unsweetened almond milk for coconut milk for a richer, tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the lightness of the donuts.
Flavor Infusion: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist that enhances the flavor profile wonderfully.
Savory Addition: Incorporate finely chopped green onions into the dough before frying for a savory kick that transforms your donuts into a delicious snack.
Different Seeds: Experiment with toppings by rolling in poppy seeds or flaxseeds instead of sesame for a unique visual appeal and flavor.
Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough to elevate the flavor profile and surprise your taste buds.
Filling Fun: Try filling the donuts with sweetened cream cheese or savory spiced potatoes for an exciting twist on the classic taste. Explore other ideas for fillings in our guide to exciting fillings.

What to Serve with Crispy Sesame Bánh Tiêu?

Bring your culinary experience to the next level with the perfect accompaniments that elevate these delightful Vietnamese donuts!

Sweet Coconut Sauce: Drizzle this creamy sauce over the donuts for a tropical twist that complements the sesame crunch beautifully.
Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate dip adds a decadent touch, harmonizing with the airy donut’s texture for a delightful treat.
Crisp Fresh Salad: A light cucumber and carrot salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of fried donuts, creating a balanced plate.
Savory Peanut Dipping Sauce: This nutty sauce brings a savory element to your Bánh Tiêu, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Spicy Sriracha Dip: For those who love a kick, combining mayonnaise with Sriracha offers a zesty contrast, enhancing the flavors of the crispy donuts.
Herbal Tea: Pairing these donuts with a soothing cup of jasmine or peppermint tea creates a calming and delightful snack experience.

Elevate your snacking moment with these harmonious pairings, making each bite of your Bánh Tiêu a culinary adventure!

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Vietnamese Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the first four steps and allow the dough to proof. Once it’s risen, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it, which helps maintain its wonderful texture. When you’re ready to indulge, shape the donuts and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before frying. This way, they remain just as delicious and fluffy, while saving you precious time during busy weeknights. Enjoy freshly fried Bánh Tiêu without the stress!

Expert Tips for Crispy Vietnamese Donuts

• Dough Resting: Let the shaped donuts rest for at least 10 minutes before frying. This allows them to puff up beautifully during cooking.

• Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the donuts may absorb excess oil, becoming greasy.

• Flipping Technique: Constantly flip the donuts in the oil every 5-7 seconds to promote even cooking and puffing. This ensures each crispy Vietnamese donut is perfectly browned all around.

• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry only a few donuts at a time to maintain oil temperature. Overcrowding can lead to soggy donuts instead of crispy delights.

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different fillings like creamy chocolate or savory peanut butter for a delightful twist on these classic Vietnamese donuts.

Crispy Sesame Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts) Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting ingredients, especially the yeast?
Absolutely! When choosing your yeast, look for fresh, active instant yeast. It should be finely granulated and not clumpy. For best results, check the expiration date on the package to ensure it’s still good. If you’re using active dry yeast instead, remember it requires proofing. Simply dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar, allowing it to foam before mixing it into your dry ingredients.

How should I store leftover Vietnamese donuts?
To keep your delicious Bánh Tiêu fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps preserve their crispy outer shell. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days, but keep in mind that they may lose some of their delightful crunch.

Can I freeze these donuts for later enjoyment?
Yes! To freeze your Bánh Tiêu, first allow them to cool completely. Then, individually wrap each donut in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that delightful crispiness.

What if my donuts don’t puff up while frying?
If your donuts don’t puff up as expected, it could be due to a few reasons. First, ensure your dough has risen properly before frying; it should double in size during proofing. Secondly, check the temperature of your oil; if it’s too cool, the donuts won’t puff up properly. Aim for around 350°F (175°C), and use a chopstick to test readiness—bubbles forming around it indicate the right temperature. Flip the donuts frequently to encourage even puffing.

Are there any dietary considerations for these donuts?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegan-friendly, so anyone with a plant-based diet can enjoy them. However, keep in mind that they do contain gluten due to the all-purpose flour. If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions further, feel free to use gluten-free all-purpose flour to suit gluten sensitivities. Always check your ingredients for potential allergens, especially if you’re serving guests!

How can I enhance the flavor of my sesame donuts?
Get creative! You can infuse your dough with additional flavors by using different extracts like almond or even a hint of coconut. You can also fill your donuts with sweet or savory fillings to elevate their taste. Consider options like chocolate spread, caramel sauce, or even savory fillings like cream cheese or peanut butter, which pair beautifully with the crispiness of the donut!