Ant-Bite Rare Beef: A Unique Culinary Experience in Vĩnh Phúc
A unique dish, 'Ant-bite rare beef' or 'Bò Tái Kiêng Đốt', is gaining attention in Vĩnh Phúc Province. The Sán Dìu ethnic group in Tam Đảo prepares this specialty by letting ants bite the beef, infusing it with a distinctive flavour.
The process begins with the beef, cut into hand-sized pieces, being carefully placed on a tray. Live ants, typically fire ants, are then poured onto the beef. These ants bite the beef, making it softer and imparting a unique flavour from their formic acid venom.
After the ant-biting process, the beef is mixed with a blend of fresh herbs, chilli, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, and lime or kumquat juice. It's then topped with roasted peanuts and slightly grilled over charcoal. The dish is served raw, with the ant bites creating a tender texture.
In the past, beef was hung under ant nests until covered with ants and turned light pink. Today, experienced ant hunters are hired to collect fire ants for home preparation and the dish is served in restaurants and hotels.
The origin of 'Ant-bite rare beef' is attributed to the Sán Dìu ethnic group in Tam Đảo, Vĩnh Phúc Province. Despite its complex preparation process, it's now enjoyed beyond daily meals, offering a unique culinary experience.
