Pan-Frying Banh Chung with Filtered Water
This oil-free method of frying Banh Chung (a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cake) is gaining popularity among women on social media platforms. It helps reduce the greasiness and richness of the dish while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite fried Banh Chung. All you need is one Banh Chung, a cup of filtered water, and a non-stick pan.
Step 1: Cut the Cake
You can use a knife or the string used to tie the cake to cut it before frying. If using a knife, wrap it in plastic cling film to prevent sticking and to keep the cake from crumbling.
Step 2: Mash the Cake
Place the pan on the stove, pour in the filtered water, and bring it to a boil. Add the sliced Banh Chung, making sure the water level is just enough to cover the cake. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes until the cake is soft. Then, mash the pieces of Banh Chung and spread them into a thin layer in the pan.
Delicious Fried Banh Chung
Step 3: Fry the Cake
Continue cooking until the water has completely evaporated and the cake forms a solid, sticky mass. Then, flip it over and fry the other side until both sides are golden brown.
During the frying process, maintain a moderate heat level to avoid burning the cake. The most important thing is to ensure that the entire cake is in maximum contact with the pan and receives sufficient heat.
Finally, transfer the fried cake to a plate and use scissors to cut it into bite-sized pieces. The resulting Banh Chung will have a crispy exterior and a soft, sticky interior, retaining its distinctive flavor.
Frying Banh Chung with an Air Fryer
First, cut the Banh Chung into slices of your desired thickness. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for 5 minutes before adding the cake. This step ensures even heat distribution, resulting in a beautifully golden and crispy cake.
Frying Banh Chung without Oil
Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and place the sliced Banh Chung inside. If you don’t have foil or paper, you can use the Dong leaves (the leaves used to wrap the cake) as a liner.
For an air fryer that doesn’t require flipping, set the temperature to 190°C (374°F) and the timer to 15 minutes. If your air fryer requires flipping, set the temperature to 180°C (356°F) and fry for 10 minutes. Then, check if the top is golden, and if so, flip it over and fry for another 10 minutes at the same temperature. The temperature and timing may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.
If you prefer your Banh Chung to be a bit richer, you can brush the slices with a little oil before air frying. This will also make the cake crispier.
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