Name: Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Sesame Donuts) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 3/4 tsp instant yeast; 3/4 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 10 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (at room temperature or other plant-based milk); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup white sesame seeds; 1 and 1/2 cups oil (for frying)

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Introduction

Bánh Tiêu, also known as Vietnamese donuts, are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet fried treats coated with sesame seeds. These hollow, airy delights make a perfect snack or breakfast companion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bring a taste of Vietnam to your kitchen.

The image shows a white bowl filled with four golden brown flat round breads covered with white sesame seeds. One bread is broken in half and placed on top, revealing a soft and fluffy light beige inside. The breads have a slightly crisp looking surface with a sprinkled texture from the sesame seeds. Behind the bowl, there is a small white bowl with sesame seeds and a wooden spoon resting on top. The background is a smooth white marbled surface, with a beige cloth partially visible to the left and a white bowl of white flour barely visible in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 tsp instant yeast
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
10 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (at room temperature, or other plant-based milk)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup white sesame seeds
1 and 1/2 cups oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl and whisk until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients. Pour in the almond milk and vanilla extract, mixing with a spoon until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough. Using your hands, knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth, similar to pizza dough consistency. If it’s too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add a bit more almond milk.
Step 4: Proof the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until doubled in size.
Step 5: Divide and shape. Punch down the dough to release air and divide it into 6 equal balls.
Step 6: Roll in sesame seeds. Place the sesame seeds in a small bowl and roll each dough ball in them, pressing gently so the seeds stick.
Step 7: Flatten into discs. Use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a disc about 3-4 mm thick—thin enough to puff up but not too thin.
Step 8: Heat the oil. Heat around 2 cups of oil in a deep pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Test the oil by dipping a wooden chopstick; if bubbles form around it, it’s ready.
Step 9: Deep fry. Carefully add one disc to the hot oil. Flip every 5-7 seconds using wooden spatulas or chopsticks until golden brown and puffed like a balloon.
Step 10: Remove and drain. Use a slotted spoon to take out the donut and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining discs.
Step 11: Cool and serve. Let the donuts cool at least 5 minutes before enjoying. They are best eaten the same day.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature milk to help activate the yeast properly and get a better rise.
If you want a sweeter donut, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top after frying while still warm.
You can substitute almond milk with any plant-based or dairy milk to suit your preference.
Ensure the oil is not too hot; otherwise, the donuts might brown quickly outside but remain doughy inside.

Storage

Store Bánh Tiêu in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated in a low oven or toaster oven to restore some crispness. Avoid refrigeration as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a woman's hands gently holding a sesame-covered bread piece that is broken open to show its fluffy, light yellow inside with soft, stringy texture. The bread is oval-shaped with a golden brown crust dotted evenly with white sesame seeds. In the blurred background, there is a white plate holding additional pieces of the same bread and a small bowl containing some grains with a wooden spoon on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can substitute almond milk with regular dairy milk or other plant-based milks. Just make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing with the yeast.

Why do the donuts need to be thin but not too thin?

The thickness allows the donut to puff up inside and create the hollow, airy center that makes Bánh Tiêu unique. Too thin and they won’t puff properly; too thick and they might be dense.