How to Preserve Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét for up to 10 Days
Bánh chưng and bánh tét are essential delicacies during the traditional Tet holiday. However, due to improper preservation methods, they often spoil within 2-3 days. In this article, we will guide you on how to preserve these cakes for up to 10 days without spoiling.
Watch the YouTube Clip
Before we proceed, watch this YouTube clip on how to preserve bánh chưng and bánh tét without them becoming moldy or mushy, and still remain delicious after Tet:
1. How Many Days Can Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét be Preserved?
To prevent bánh tét from spoiling within 2-3 days, it should be hung in a cool place. If you want to preserve it for a longer period, store it in the refrigerator and steam or fry it before eating to enhance its flavor. When stored in the refrigerator, the shelf life of the cakes can be extended to about 15 days.
2. How to Preserve Bánh Chưng
Preservation under Normal Conditions
- After cooking, rinse the bánh chưng with boiling water to remove any residue.
- Hang the cake in a cool place to dry completely.
- Wrap the cake tightly with paper and place a heavy object on top.
By following these steps, bánh chưng can be preserved for about 7 to 10 days, depending on the wrapping tightness and environmental conditions.
Refrigerator Preservation
To extend the preservation period, keep the bánh chưng wrapped in its original leaves in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Only cut the portion you want to eat and re-wrap the cake after cutting.
Preserving bánh chưng in the freezer compartment can be done for about 15 to 20 days.
Preservation with Vacuum Bags
By vacuum-sealing bánh chưng, it can be preserved for 5-10 days at room temperature. When stored in the freezer compartment, bánh chưng can be used for up to 15-20 days.
3. How to Preserve Bánh Tét
Bánh tét should be hung in a cool place while it is still hot until it cools down. Do not store the cake in the refrigerator or in a sealed bag, as it will become mushy and spoil quickly. Hanging bánh tét in a cool place can preserve it for 2-3 days. To preserve it longer, place the cake in the refrigerator and steam or fry it before eating.
Preservation with Vacuum Bags
Vacuum-sealed bánh tét can be preserved for about 1 week to 10 days. Thaw the cake at room temperature and cook it again before eating if preserved in the freezer compartment.
4. Notes on Preserving Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét
- Thoroughly wash, blanch, and drain the leaves of the cake to remove any residue.
- Use a clean knife to cut the cake to prevent contamination.
- If there is slight mold on the cake, heat it over a fire to remove the mold, re-wrap the cake, and continue to preserve it.
- If the cake becomes hard and dry, boil or steam it before eating.
With these tips, you can preserve bánh chưng and bánh tét for up to 10 days without spoiling. Enjoy them during Tet with pickled vegetables, meat dishes, or braised duck eggs. You can also fry the cakes to add variety to your Tet celebration.
