Leftover Feast: Creative Ways to Handle Post-Holiday Food Excess

The Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions, and as a result, there tends to be an abundance of food. This makes food preservation even more challenging due to the large quantities of leftovers, which are prone to spoilage and wastage. Let’s explore some tips to help prolong the shelf life of your leftover festive treats!

1

Bánh Chưng (Sticky Rice Cake)

A traditional delicacy during the Lunar New Year, Bánh Chưng is also susceptible to spoilage, especially mold due to the warm and humid spring weather. If your cake develops mold while stored in the refrigerator, you can scrape off the affected area and consume the unaffected portion. However, if the cake has been left at room temperature and shows signs of mold or a sour smell, it is no longer safe for consumption.

Another issue with Bánh Chưng is undercooked rice (still hard or crunchy). To remedy this, simply re-boil the cake in water. For long-term storage, it is recommended to keep the cake in the refrigerator or freezer, and fry it after thawing.

Here are some tips for storing Bánh Chưng:

• For cakes still wrapped in banana leaves, store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight. They can be consumed within 7-10 days.
• For extended storage, place the cakes in the refrigerator at a temperature of 5-10°C or in the freezer for 10-20 days.
• If the leaves have been removed, store the cakes in the chiller compartment of your refrigerator at a temperature of 5-10°C.

When ready to eat, simply steam, boil, or fry the cake to restore its softness and aroma without compromising its flavor. Only cut and consume the portion you need, wrapping the remaining cake with food wrap before returning it to the refrigerator.

For more information: 

2Cured Meats

Cured Meats

Cured meats such as sausages, hams, and bacon are popular choices during the festive season due to their convenience and ease of use. If you have any leftovers or want to store them for later, place them in the freezer to maintain their quality over an extended period.

For more information: 

3

An exception to refrigerator storage, sausages are best kept in a well-ventilated area or hung in a basket with a small bowl of white wine in the center. The wine acts as a natural insect repellent, keeping the sausages dry and free from bacterial growth.

For more information: 

4Pork Roll and Patty

Pork Roll and Patty

Made primarily from pork, these delicacies are challenging to preserve for extended periods. If you have an abundance of leftovers, consider the following options:

• Store the patties in the chiller compartment, where they can maintain their quality for 4-6 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, which will extend their shelf life to around 10 days.
• When ready to eat, allow them to thaw naturally before cooking, such as grilling, steaming, or frying.
• Cut the patties into bite-sized pieces and combine them with vegetables to create a balanced meal. Portion them into family-sized servings and store them accordingly.

5Cooked Dishes

Cooked Dishes

For dishes like Chả Giò, spring rolls, or salads, it is best to divide them into smaller portions from the start. Consume one portion at a time to avoid affecting the rest, and you can enjoy them for a more extended period.

For more information: 

6Cookies, Cakes, and Candies

Cookies, Cakes, and Candies

For these treats, it is recommended to store them in airtight containers, preferably in tin cans or jars. If possible, use vacuum-sealed bags to maintain their freshness and crispness.

For wet jams, heat some sugar syrup and mix it with the jam, then dry the mixture before storing it. For dry jams, simply place them in clean, dry glass jars and cover with a layer of food wrap.

7Boiled Chicken

Boiled Chicken

Store leftover boiled chicken in the chiller compartment of your refrigerator, where it can be safely consumed within 2 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer, which will keep it fresh for up to 10 days. When ready to eat, thaw it naturally and use it in dishes like chicken salad, stew, or soup.

8Beef

Beef

Divide leftover beef into smaller portions and store them in containers or bags in the freezer. When needed, thaw a portion and use it for dishes like stir-fries, grills, stews, or soups.

9Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables like dưa món, pickled onions, and cabbage are essential components of the Lunar New Year feast. If you have any leftovers, store them in the chiller compartment of your refrigerator for gradual consumption.

For more information: 

These are . We hope you find them useful in prolonging the shelf life of your festive treats.