The Binh Dinh bloating fern-shaped cake looks and tastes delicious - Photo: Viet An |
The flour is stirred well and then poured into five-centimeter-diameter earthenware cups. When the cake is poured into the cups, it is necessary to create a small dent so the cake looks attractive and tastes delicious.
Cups can be arranged in 2-3 rows in the steamer, with space between them so that while steaming, the hot steam can spread evenly for the cakes to cook steadily. The lid is closed for some 10 minutes until the dough turns milky white, signaling the cake is ready to be served.
The Binh Dinh bloating fern-shaped cake’s filling is what gives it its unique flavor. It is a combination of ground shrimp and minced green beans. Small pieces of deep-fried bread are also thrown in.
Fish sauce is an indispensable ingredient in the bloating fern-shaped cake. It is mixed with garlic, sugar and chillis. The fish sauce is diluted so that diners can pour it directly into cups, eat it with the cake or sip it.