There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, crispy treat that transports you back to simpler times. As I stood in my kitchen experimenting with flavors, I discovered the magic of Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits, or Banh Tai Heo. With their inviting swirl patterns and light, crunchy texture, these biscuits are a delightful snack that beckons for an afternoon tea or coffee break. Inspired by a rich culinary history and created from simple ingredients, they are not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy them plain or mix in a hint of cocoa for a more decadent treat, they are sure to evoke nostalgic memories and become a favorite in your household. Ready to elevate your snack game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

Why are Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits irresistible?

Nostalgic Flavors: These biscuits take you back to childhood, blending sweet memories with savory delight.
Crispy Goodness: Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, perfect for pairing with your favorite drink.
Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pro chef—just simple ingredients and straightforward steps!
Versatile Options: Experiment with variations like adding cocoa or coconut sugar for unique flavors.
Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Ideal for entertaining or enjoying solo, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them!
Explore more delightful snack ideas in our snack collection that will keep your taste buds excited!

Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits Ingredients

• Get ready for a snack sensation!

For the Dough

Plain Flour – The foundation of these biscuits, providing the perfect structure for both the white and dark doughs.
Warm Water – Essential for hydrating the flour, ensuring your dough turns out just right.
Salt – Enhances all flavors wonderfully; just a pinch (1/8 tsp) is needed.
Brown Sugar – Adds delectable sweetness and moisture to the dark dough; white sugar works as a convenient substitute.

For Frying

Canola or Vegetable Oil – Vital for deep frying, creating that irresistible crispy exterior.

For Extra Flavor

Desiccated Coconut – Optional but highly recommended for added texture and delightful coconut flavor.
Sesame Seeds – Gives a nutty touch and visual appeal; feel free to skip if desired.
Vanilla Extract – A touch of warmth and richness; optional, but it enhances your biscuits’ aroma beautifully.

Now that you have all the Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits ingredients, you’re just a step away from creating a snack that will whisk you back to simpler times!

How to Make Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits

Prepare White Dough: In a bowl, combine plain flour, warm water, salt, and vegetable oil. Knead the mixture for about 3 minutes until smooth, then set it aside to rest.
Make Sugar Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave brown sugar and warm water together for 30 seconds. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and let it cool slightly.
Prepare Dark Dough: In another bowl, mix the remaining dark dough ingredients with the cooled sugar mixture. Knead this dough for 2 minutes until it’s elastic and smooth.
Roll Dough: Flatten each type of dough into rectangles approximately 10 x 25 cm. Ensure they’re even for consistent frying.
Layer Dough: Place the white dough on the bottom and lightly dab it with water to help adhere the dark dough on top. Repeat this process so the layers stick together.
Shape: Carefully roll the layered dough into a cylinder shape. Slice into pieces less than 0.5 cm thick, and gently flatten each slice using a rolling pin.
Fry: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the biscuit slices for about 3-4 minutes, turning them until they are golden brown and crispy, ensuring even cooking.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your biscuits with these delightful twists!

Coconut Sugar: Swap out brown sugar for coconut sugar to add a hint of caramel flavor, bringing a tropical vibe to every bite.
Chocolate Treat: Mix in dark chocolate chips into your dark dough for a lovely, sweet surprise that pairs perfectly with coffee.
Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, consider baking the biscuits at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes for a lighter crunch.
Cinnamon Spice: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a warming spice that enhances the sweet notes beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts like almonds or cashews into the dough for a satisfying crunchy texture throughout.
Savory Twist: Incorporate herbs such as chopped green onions or a pinch of garlic powder in the dough for an intriguing savory flavor.
Cocoa Infusion: Intensify the dark dough flavor by mixing in cocoa powder; a rich twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of chili powder for those who crave a bit of heat alongside the traditional sweetness.

With these variations, every batch of Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits can tell a new story!

How to Store and Freeze Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain crispness and flavor.

Fridge: If keeping longer, refrigerate in a sealed container, but note that this may soften the biscuits slightly.

Freezer: For extended storage, freeze biscuits in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Allow frozen biscuits to thaw before reheating in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5-7 minutes for optimal crunchiness.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits in advance is a game-changer for busy home cooks! You can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead; simply wrap both the white and dark dough separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate them to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can shape the biscuits and freeze them for up to 3 days. This way, when you’re ready to enjoy them, just fry the slices straight from the freezer for a quick and satisfying treat. For optimal crispiness, ensure the oil is adequately heated before frying. These make-ahead tips not only save you time but also guarantee that your biscuits will be just as delicious and crunchy!

What to Serve with Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits?

Enjoy these delightful treats with the ideal accompaniments for a complete snack experience.

Vietnamese Coffee: A strong, sweet brew that beautifully contrasts the biscuits’ sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
Green Tea: This light and refreshing beverage enhances the crispy texture of the biscuits, making each bite feel even more delightful.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Vibrant, juicy fruits provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites, adding a colorful and nutritious element to your snack tray.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Dip: A creamy and indulgent dip that adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness, perfect for an interactive snack experience.
Coconut Chutney: This unique pairing offers a nutty flavor that complements the coconut present in the biscuits, enhancing your culinary adventure.
Chocolate Ganache: For a decadent twist, serve with a rich chocolate ganache, turning your biscuits into an irresistible dessert sensation.
Almond Milk: Silky, nutty almond milk serves as a lighter alternative to traditional beverages, providing a delightful contrast to the crunchiness of the biscuits.

Expert Tips for Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits

Hot Oil Check: Always test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle immediately to avoid soggy biscuits.
Fry in Batches: Fry only a few biscuits at a time to maintain the oil temperature; overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
Dough Thickness: Keep the dough slices thinner than 0.5 cm to ensure they fry evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness in each Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuit.
Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a bit of cocoa powder to the dark dough for a richer flavor; it’s a delightful twist you won’t want to miss!
Cooling Method: Allow biscuits to cool on a wire rack post-frying; this helps maintain their crunch instead of trapping moisture on a plate.

Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right ingredients for Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits?
Absolutely! For the best texture and flavor, make sure to use fresh plain flour and recent batches of brown sugar. When choosing the coconut, go for finely shredded desiccated coconut, which adds a lovely bite and authentic taste. Always check for the oil’s freshness as well; it should not have any off-putting odor.

What is the best way to store homemade Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits?
To maintain their delightful crunch, store your biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. It’s best to keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, though this may cause them to lose some crispiness.

Can you freeze Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits? How?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, lay the cooled biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet, so they’re not touching, and freeze for about an hour. Once they are solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. This method prevents them from sticking together and allows for easy serving later. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them before reheating!

What are common troubleshooting tips if the dough doesn’t come out right?
If your dough feels too dry, try adding a teaspoon of warm water gradually until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. If it’s too wet, a little more flour can help achieve the desired texture. When frying, if the biscuits aren’t browning evenly, double-check that your oil is hot enough. A good test is to drop a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle immediately.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits?
Certainly! These biscuits are generally safe for most dietary needs, but make sure to check for allergies, especially to ingredients like sesame seeds or coconut, if added. If accommodating specific diets, consider swapping out brown sugar for coconut sugar. Additionally, always ensure your frying oil is gluten-free if you or someone you’re serving has gluten sensitivity.

How can I make variations of Vietnamese Pig’s Ear Biscuits?
The more the merrier! For a chocolate twist, simply incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into your dark dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips! Be mindful of how much you add to avoid altering the dough’s texture too dramatically.