Name: Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters (Bánh Tôm) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1/2 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on); 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and julienned); 1 cup rice flour; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1 cup cold sparkling water; Vegetable oil (for frying); Fresh lettuce, mint, cilantro, and Thai basil (for serving); 1/4 cup fish sauce; 1/4 cup lime juice; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 garlic clove (minced); 1 small red chili (sliced)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 58 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a dish that combines crispy, golden textures with vibrant, fresh flavors, then the Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters (Bánh Tôm) Recipe is your new go-to. This Vietnamese appetizer brings together sweet potato’s natural sweetness and tender shrimp, all wrapped in a light, crunchy batter that will have your taste buds dancing. With its blend of colorful ingredients and the zingy nước chấm dipping sauce, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with friends and savor again and again.

Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters (Bánh Tôm) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the first step to perfecting this simple yet extraordinary fritter. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the sweet potatoes’ vibrant color and subtle sweetness to the sparkling water’s secret contribution of extra crispiness in the batter.

Raw shrimp (1/2 pound): Peeled and deveined with tails on for that authentic look and taste.
Sweet potatoes (2 medium): Peeled and julienned to create delicate, crispy strands in each fritter.
Rice flour (1 cup): Essential for that light, crispy texture distinctive in Vietnamese fried treats.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Adds structure and balance to the batter.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the fritters puff up just enough for an airy bite.
Turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a warm, golden color and subtle earthiness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors to perfection.
Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
Cold sparkling water (1 cup): Keeps the batter light and crisps up beautifully when fried.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Needed to create that irresistible golden crust.
Fresh lettuce, mint, cilantro, and Thai basil: Bright, fresh herbs to serve alongside for a traditional Vietnamese touch.
Fish sauce (1/4 cup): The savory backbone of the dipping sauce.
Lime juice (1/4 cup): Adds a zesty kick to balance flavors.
Water (1/4 cup): Dilutes and balances the dipping sauce.
Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the sauce just right.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Imparts fragrant depth to the sauce.
Small red chili (sliced): For that signature spicy tang in the dipping sauce.

How to Make Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters (Bánh Tôm) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Sweet Potatoes

Start by combining your rice flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, turmeric, salt, and sugar in a bowl. This mix lays the foundation for a batter that’s flavorful and perfectly golden. Then, gradually whisk in your cold sparkling water until you achieve a thick yet smooth consistency. Let this batter rest for 10 minutes—that little pause makes a big difference in texture. Next, gently fold your julienned sweet potatoes into the batter, coating each strand thoroughly to ensure every bite has a balance of crispy sweetness.

Step 2: Fry the Fritters to Golden Perfection

Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to medium-high heat. This depth of oil means your fritters will cook evenly and develop that much-loved crunch. Using a 1/4 cup scoop for each fritter, carefully drop the coated sweet potato mixture into the hot oil. Immediately press one shrimp onto the top of each fritter, securing it as it fries. Cook each fritter for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn a glorious golden brown. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil. This step results in irresistibly crispy fritters with succulent shrimp on top.

Step 3: Mix Up the Classic Nước Chấm Dipping Sauce

The magic of Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters (Bánh Tôm) Recipe isn’t complete without dipping into a bowl of tangy, sweet, and spicy nước chấm. Whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, water, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced chili until the sugar dissolves completely. This lively sauce adds an exciting dimension and perfectly complements the fritters’ crispy, sweet, and savory notes.

How to Serve Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters (Bánh Tôm) Recipe

Garnishes

Freshness is key when serving these fritters. Arrange them on a platter alongside crisp lettuce leaves and an aromatic mix of mint, cilantro, and Thai basil. Wrapping the fritters in lettuce with generous amounts of herbs brightens the bite and brings a refreshing contrast to the warm, crunchy fritters. This balance is what gives the dish its iconic Vietnamese character.

Side Dishes

While these fritters are a star on their own, they shine even brighter when paired with simple sides. Consider a light cucumber salad with a splash of vinegar or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. A bowl of fragrant jasmine rice can also round out the meal, making it more substantial if you’re serving it as a main rather than an appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters (Bánh Tôm) Recipe as part of a Vietnamese-inspired platter. Include fresh spring rolls, crispy tofu bites, and bowls of dipping sauces to encourage a communal, shareable meal. Alternatively, stacking the fritters in a layered tower garnished with herbs and edible flowers can make for an eye-catching presentation perfect for entertaining friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store your fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping them crisp can be tricky, so avoid stacking them directly on top of one another to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but with a slight change in texture. Arrange cooled fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. To enjoy later, bake or air fry directly from frozen for best crispness.

Reheating

To reheat, avoid the microwave which can make them soggy. Instead, warm them in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy once again. This method brings back their original texture and flavor beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular water instead of sparkling water?

While regular water works, sparkling water is recommended because the carbonation helps create a lighter, crispier batter that makes all the difference in the fritters’ texture.

Is it necessary to keep the batter cold?

Yes, keeping the batter cold is key to achieving that signature crunch. A cold batter slows gluten development and keeps the fritters tender on the inside but crispy on the outside.

Can I substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?

You can try, but sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and color that regular potatoes won’t. For the authentic Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters (Bánh Tôm) Recipe experience, sweet potatoes are highly recommended.

How spicy is the dipping sauce?

The sauce has a pleasant spicy kick from the red chili, but you can adjust the heat by removing the seeds or using less chili based on your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not entirely, since it includes all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free version, you could experiment by using a gluten-free flour blend instead, but that might slightly alter the texture.

Final Thoughts

Sinking your teeth into these Shrimp and Sweet Potato Fritters (Bánh Tôm) Recipe is like taking a little culinary trip to Vietnam’s vibrant street food scene. The blend of textures, colors, and fresh flavors simply can’t be beat. Whether you make this for a casual get-together or a special occasion, it’s bound to impress and delight. So grab your ingredients and get frying—your new favorite appetizer awaits!