Lets Try Bánh Tét - Vietnamese Rice Cake

glutinous rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: regular rice

Brown rice adds fiber and nutrients.

pork

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken

Tofu provides a plant-based option.

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Almond milk is lower in calories.

mung beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: split peas

Lentils are a good source of protein.

Soak glutinous rice in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Drain the rice and steam it for about 30 minutes until translucent.

Cook mung beans until soft, then mash and season with salt and pepper.

Prepare pork by marinating with soy sauce, garlic, and shallots for 30 minutes.

Lay out banana leaves and layer with glutinous rice, followed by a layer of mung beans and marinated pork.

Top with another layer of mung beans and cover with more glutinous rice.

Wrap tightly in banana leaves and tie with kitchen twine.

Boil the wrapped cakes in a large pot of water for at least 6 hours, ensuring they are fully cooked.

Remove from pot and let cool for a few hours before slicing.

Serve at room temperature or reheat before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary