Bánh chưng is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is commonly eaten during the Lunar New Year. This dish is an essential part of the ancestral altar during the Tet holiday. Bánh chưng is made from sticky rice, pork belly, and wrapped in banana leaves. After being boiled, the bánh chưng becomes soft, fragrant, and delicious. With the preservation tips below, you can store bánh chưng for 1-2 weeks without any spoilage.
Preserving Bánh Chưng at room temperature
Before the invention of refrigerators, people used to rely on the weather to preserve bánh chưng for a longer period of time, ensuring that it could be enjoyed even after Tet. To do this, you just need to boil the bánh chưng thoroughly, let it drain completely, and then place it in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This way, the bánh chưng can be stored for 7-10 days without spoiling.
One thing to note when preserving bánh chưng this way is to avoid stacking them on top of each other. Instead, spread them evenly on the floor or hang them separately to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to mold.
Hanging Bánh Chưng in a cool place
If you want to preserve bánh chưng without a refrigerator, you can boil the bánh chưng and let it drain first. Then, hang the bánh chưng near a window or in a cool, well-ventilated area inside your house. This way, you will find that the bánh chưng does not spoil and can last for a long time.
Preserving Bánh Chưng in the refrigerator
In today’s technological age, almost every household owns a refrigerator to keep food fresh for a longer period of time. You can also use the refrigerator to preserve bánh chưng, allowing it to stay fresh for 15-30 days.
When bánh chưng is stored in the refrigerator, it may become slightly hard. However, there is no need to worry. When you want to eat it, simply steam it for 15-30 minutes or heat it in the microwave, and the bánh chưng will become soft, warm, and delicious again.
Alternatively, you can also fry the refrigerated bánh chưng and serve it with soy sauce for a tasty and popular option.
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