Hanoi Rice Cake Bites Recipe

Introduction to Hanoi Rice Cake Bites

Hanoi Rice Cake Bites, also known as "Bánh Khúc Hát," are a popular street food delicacy from the vibrant city of Hanoi, Vietnam. These delightful bites are known for their unique blend of sticky rice, mung beans, and savory pork filling, wrapped in aromatic leaves. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, offering a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam. Tracing back to ancient times, this recipe carries the essence of Hanoi's food culture, turning simple ingredients into a masterpiece.

Ingredients

• Glutinous Rice - 200g
• Cooked Mung Beans - 100g
• Pork - 150g, minced
• Shallots - 2, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fish Sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Banana Leaves - for wrapping
• Vegetable Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Water - for steaming

Preparation of Ingredients

1. Start by soaking the glutinous rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it becomes soft and ready for cooking.

2. In a medium bowl, mash the cooked mung beans until smooth. This will form an essential part of the filling.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

4. Add the pork to the skillet, season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until the pork is no longer pink.

Assembling the Hanoi Rice Cake Bites

1. Drain the soaked glutinous rice and mix it with a pinch of salt.

2. To form each rice cake, place a banana leaf on a clean surface. Add a small layer of glutinous rice, followed by a layer of cooked mung beans, and a spoonful of the savory pork filling.

3. Top with another layer of glutinous rice and wrap tightly with the banana leaf, forming a small square parcel.

Cooking Process

1. Prepare a steamer and fill with water. Line the steamer with some banana leaves to prevent sticking.

2. Place the wrapped rice cake bites into the steamer. Make sure they are not too tightly packed to allow the steam to circulate.

3. Steam the rice cake bites for about 30-40 minutes or until the glutinous rice is fully cooked and translucent. Refer to a cooking timer to ensure accurate timekeeping.

4. Once done, remove the rice cake bites from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

How to Enjoy Hanoi Rice Cake Bites

Hanoi Rice Cake Bites are best enjoyed warm, paired with a dipping sauce of your choice. Traditionally, a simple mix of fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste complements the delicate flavors of these bites. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or as part of a larger Vietnamese meal to savor the authentic taste of Hanoi.