Should I cut bánh chưng using a string or a knife to prevent it from crumbling?

The method of cutting bánh chưng using lạt or a knife has sparked heated debates on social media.

By
Administrator
-
0
127

The process of cutting banh chung evenly and without breaking it may seem simple, but it requires some small tricks. When Tet comes, banh chung is an indispensable dish in the meals of the Vietnamese people.

Banh chung is wrapped on the outside with natural dong leaves and inside is a combination of glutinous rice, green beans, onions, pork… All are traditional ingredients of the culinary culture of the nation.

Banh chung is not only a part of the Tet meal but also a symbol of gratitude to nature, bringing a bumper harvest and a warm life to people.

In addition, banh chung is also a symbol of filial piety of descendants towards their parents. Therefore, the custom of using banh chung as a gift for parents was born from here.

However, choosing how to cut banh chung with a lát (a thin bamboo string) or a knife to achieve the most beautiful effect is not something that everyone knows. Let’s find out two basic methods of cutting banh chung.

Cutting banh chung with a lát

Cutting banh chung with a lát is a traditional method where you just need to use a plate to hold the cake. First, gently open the leaves and untie the lát string, then place it on the surface of the cake.

You will place two lát strings perpendicular to each other to divide the cake into 4 evenly sized squares. Next, place 2 diagonal strings connecting the 4 corners of the cake to create 8 pieces of banh chung.

Remember the order of placing the strings, place the first string will be pulled up first.

Next, turn the cake over (the side with the lát string is on top) onto a plate and remove the remaining leaves.

Then, use the two ends of the lát to pull towards the center of the cake to cut it into pieces.

If you pull the strings in the correct order, cutting the cake will be easier. After cutting the cake, gently pull the lát out sideways instead of lifting it directly to avoid breaking the meat inside.

Cutting banh chung with a knife

Cutting banh chung with a knife is a method preferred by many young people because it is quick and easy to evenly divide the cake.

However, because banh chung is sticky, if you cut it directly with a knife, it will make the task of washing the knife later become complicated. To solve this problem, you can use food wrapping film to wrap 2-3 layers around the knife blade.

At the same time, you should use large and long knives to make cutting easier. For small, short, or blunt knives, cutting will be more difficult and may damage the cake.

Remove the leaves from the cake and place it on a flat surface. Use the knife to cut the cake into 8 pieces. Then, invert the cake onto a plate and remove the remaining leaves. Finally, remove the food wrapping film from the knife and you’re done.

Especially, if the banh chung is stored in the refrigerator and has hardened, cutting with a knife will be easier because the sticky rice will harden and not stick like before. After cutting, you can place the banh chung in a frying pan to heat it up.

Depending on your abilities and personal preferences, you can choose the cutting method that you feel is most suitable.

You may also like

“Utilizing this New Method Allows Dien Pomelo Leaves to Remain Fresh for Up To Three Months Despite Hot or Humid Conditions”

A knob on the stem of a fruit may be the key to keeping it fresh for up to two or three months. This is because the added layer of protection on the surface of the fruit can slow the entry of bacteria, limiting the chances of the fruit becoming rotten or sour.

The Origin and Meaning of Lunar New Year: Exploring the Celebration

The vibrant and joyous celebration of Lunar New Year is a festival steeped in tradition and held dearly by the Vietnamese people. This article will explain to you the rich history and symbolism behind this important event – Tet!

8 Traditional Games to Bring Family Fun to Tet Holiday at Home

As the Lunar New Year approaches, many families are preparing to celebrate with festive traditions and activities. To honor this time-honored event, let’s take a look at 8 fun traditional games that can be easily enjoyed at home with friends and family.

Getting Pickled Onions Just Right: Avoiding Mushy, Sticky, or Frothy Salting Results

For a perfect pickled onion, it is essential to create a delicate balance of sour, sweet, and salty flavors, while also providing a crunchy texture. The pickling liquid should also be free of any foam or film.

Using These Tips to Easily Cut Bánh Chưng Without Messy Hands and Keep the Delicious Look

This handy trick can be applied to both square cakes and sticky rice cakes, making it a convenient solution!

Frequently asked questions

Using a knife is the best way to cut Banh Chung neatly and prevent it from crumbling. While some people suggest using a string to cut the cake, this method can be messy and may not create a clean slice. A sharp knife, preferably heated, will give you a precise cut and keep the cake from falling apart.

There are a few reasons why your Banh Chung might crumble. First, if the cake is not cooked properly, it can become dry and crumbly. Second, if you don’t let the cake rest and cool down enough before cutting, it will fall apart. Finally, using the wrong cutting tool, such as a string, can also cause crumbling.

To prevent your Banh Chung from drying out, make sure you cook it thoroughly but not too long, as overcooking can dry out the cake. Also, wrap the cake tightly in banana leaves or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Store it in a cool, dry place, and it should stay fresh and moist for several days.

The best way to cut Banh Chung is to use a sharp knife, preferably heated. Heat the knife by running it under hot water or dipping it in boiling water. This will help the knife glide through the cake smoothly and create a clean cut. Cut the cake into desired portions, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

While it is possible to use a string to cut Banh Chung, it is not the recommended method. Using a string can be tricky and may not give you a neat cut. It can also be messy, as the string might get stuck in the cake or cause it to crumble. If you don’t have a knife, consider using a sharp, thin piece of metal or a heated butter knife instead.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR