Rice paper, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, is an incredibly versatile and creative ingredient. Despite its simplicity, rice paper can be transformed into countless delicious dishes that captivate the hearts of many. From the famous fresh spring rolls to more innovative creations such as rice cakes, dumplings, and beyond, rice paper always knows how to satisfy any palate.
This seemingly humble ingredient has also found its way into creating a unique version of the classic French croissant, resulting in a crispy and airy treat—a surprising innovation. The trend of making “bánh sừng bò,” or croissant, with rice paper has taken the global culinary world by storm, with home cooks and professional chefs alike intrigued by this unexpected fusion.
The world is going crazy for this new trend of making croissants with Vietnamese rice paper.
The croissant, with its roots in Austria and fame in France, has become a global culinary icon. However, a new version of this beloved pastry emerged in early August, captivating food enthusiasts worldwide: the Vietnamese rice paper croissant. This innovative idea was sparked by Tuệ Nguyễn, an American-Vietnamese chef and content creator, and it quickly spread like wildfire across social media platforms.
Tuệ Nguyễn, an American-Vietnamese chef and content creator, is the mastermind behind this unique rice paper croissant.
Naturally, the key ingredient for this unique croissant is Vietnamese rice paper. Any type of rice paper can be used, such as the ones for spring rolls or fresh spring rolls, but a slightly thicker variety tends to yield a crispier and tastier result.
Any type of rice paper can be used to make these croissants. (Source: TikTok)
Additional ingredients include butter, sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon powder, baking powder, and vanilla, which are mixed together to form a homogeneous mixture. The rice paper is then dipped into this mixture, cut into three slightly diagonal parts, and rolled into the distinctive croissant shape. Finally, the pastries are baked for around 30 minutes, resulting in a treat that resembles a croissant in shape but boasts a unique rice paper flavor.
The preparation and shaping process for these rice paper croissants is quite simple.
This innovative approach to using rice paper not only surprises people but also offers a new perspective on incorporating traditional ingredients into modern cuisine. The rice paper croissant has a crispy exterior and a soft interior, with a mochi-like texture and a flavor profile that rivals that of traditional croissants.
The rice paper croissant can be filled with a variety of delicious fillings. (Credit: @sy.flavor, @frosted.fantasties)
With its simple ingredients and relatively straightforward preparation method, the rice paper croissant has become a viral sensation among food enthusiasts. People are amazed and delighted to discover that their favorite snack can be made with such a familiar ingredient. This unique fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine has earned global acclaim, showcasing the versatility and appeal of Vietnamese rice paper in a whole new light.
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