
Transform Your Leftover Banh Chung: A Crispy, Non-Greasy Treat
1. Why Do Fried Banh Chung Often Turn Greasy?
Frying Banh Chung, a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cake, can result in an oily and unappetizing dish. This is often due to:
- Insufficiently hot oil when placing the cake in the pan.
- Excessive oil quantity or unsuitable oil type.
- Failure to prepare the cake’s surface to reduce stickiness before frying.
By implementing a few simple tricks during the frying process, you can enjoy a crispy Banh Chung without the grease.
2. The Secret Ingredient for Frying Banh Chung
The key to enhancing the flavor and texture of fried Banh Chung lies in adding a pinch of salt and a touch of lemon juice or rice vinegar. Here’s a detailed guide:
Ingredients:
- Banh Chung (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- A pinch of salt (approximately ½ teaspoon)
- 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice or rice vinegar
- Cooking oil (preferably a low-saturated variety such as soybean or rapeseed oil)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Banh Chung:
- Unwrap the Banh Chung from its leaves and cut into manageable pieces (avoid thin slices to prevent breakage).
- Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture from the surface of the cake, ensuring a crispier texture when fried.
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Prepare the Frying Pan:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Just as the oil starts to shimmer, add a pinch of salt. This helps reduce oil splatter and contributes to a crispier cake.
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Prepare the Lemon Juice or Rice Vinegar:
- Before placing the cake in the pan, lightly coat each piece with a thin layer of lemon juice or rice vinegar.
- The acidic coating not only helps neutralize the oil but also imparts a beautiful golden crispness to the cake.
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Fry the Banh Chung:
- Place the cakes in the pan and fry evenly on both sides over medium heat until the crust turns golden brown.
- There’s no need to drown the cakes in oil; just ensure there’s enough to submerge about 1/3 of the cake’s surface.

Transform Your Leftover Banh Chung: A Crispy, Non-Greasy Treat
3. Tips for Preventing Oil Absorption
- Use a non-stick pan to reduce the amount of oil needed and prevent sticking.
- Fry over medium heat; high heat can lead to burning before the cake crisps up, while low heat results in oil absorption.
- Drain excess oil by placing the fried cakes on paper towels or absorbent cloth after frying.
4. Enjoy Your Delicious Creation
This frying method yields Banh Chung with a crispy exterior and a soft, sticky rice interior. The subtle hint of lemon or vinegar also helps cut through the grease, making it a delightful treat that your family will love during the festive season.
Try out this unique twist on frying Banh Chung with salt and lemon juice or rice vinegar, and indulge in a traditional delicacy like never before!