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Preserving Traditional Vietnamese Sticky Rice Cakes: Avoid the Fridge, Try This Instead

16 January, 2025

Banh chung is a traditional Vietnamese dish, essential to the celebration of Tet, the Lunar New Year. Proper storage of banh chung is crucial to preserving its delicious flavor and preventing spoilage, yet many are unsure of the best practices. A common mistake is storing the cakes in the refrigerator, which not only dries them out but also affects their texture, making them tough and prone to mold. The following guide outlines the correct way to store banh chung, ensuring they remain fresh and tasty throughout the festive season.

Why You Shouldn’t Store Banh Chung in the Fridge

The cool temperature of the fridge accelerates drying, causing the sticky rice to harden and lose its natural chewiness. Additionally, the cakes can absorb odors from other foods, altering their distinctive flavor. If not properly wrapped or prepared before refrigeration, the dong leaves wrapping the cakes can also quickly develop mold.

Banh Chung – A Vietnamese Traditional Food

The Right Way to Store Banh Chung

Room Temperature Storage

In cool weather (below 25°C), banh chung can be stored at room temperature for 3-5 days. To do this successfully:

Use a dry cloth to wipe down the cakes, removing any moisture from the leaves after boiling.

Hang the cakes in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and high humidity.

Inspect the cakes daily, and if any signs of mold appear, immediately wash and re-boil them.

Re-boiling Banh Chung

If your cakes are starting to harden or show signs of spoilage, you can extend their lifespan by re-boiling them. Here’s how:

Clean the outer leaves to remove any dirt or mold.

Place the cakes in a pot, cover them with water, and boil for about an hour. After boiling, hang the cakes in a ventilated area to air dry.

Freezer Storage

For long-term storage (1-2 months), tightly wrap the cakes in plastic wrap or a ziplock bag and place them in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw and steam the cakes to restore their softness.

Steam Instead of Frying

When cakes have hardened due to prolonged storage, avoid frying them, as this can alter their flavor and make them greasy. Steaming is a better option to restore their taste and texture.

Notes

Choose clean dong leaves and wrap the cakes tightly to prevent water absorption, which can cause spoilage.

Keep the cakes away from raw foods to avoid bacterial contamination and odor absorption.

Regularly inspect the cakes, and address any mold issues promptly to prevent further growth.

Proper storage of banh chung not only preserves the traditional flavor but also ensures a safe and enjoyable dining experience throughout the Tet holiday. By following these tips, you can keep your banh chung fresh and delicious!