Pomelo Salad

Pomelo Salad Recipe from Cambodia with Pork and Coconut Milk

Region / culture: Cambodia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pomelo Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweet and tangy taste of pomelo fruit with savory shredded chicken, coconut milk, and a variety of spices and herbs. This Thai-inspired salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish to complement a main course.

History

Pomelo Salad, also known as Yum Som-O in Thai cuisine, has been a popular dish in Thailand for centuries. The combination of pomelo fruit with savory ingredients like chicken, coconut milk, and spices creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 cups of peeled pomelo segments
1 cup of cooked and shredded pork or chicken
3 tbsp of coconut milk
2 tbsp of nam prik pao*
2 tbsp of lime juice
1.5 tbsp of sugar
1-2 tbsp of sauce
2 tbsp of ground roasted peanuts
1 tbsp of chopped fresh chillies
2 tbsp of crisp fried shallots
1 tbsp of crisp fried garlic

How to prepare

Remove the membrane that encloses the segments of fruit, discard the seeds, and break the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
Cut the chicken or pork into fine shreds.
Heat the coconut milk in a wok and add the nam prik pao, stirring until it thickens. Stir in the shredded pork or chicken.
Add lime juice, sugar, and sauce, using 1 or 2 tbsp depending on the saltiness of the particular brand of sauce.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly, then toss everything together in a bowl and serve.

Variations

Add shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Use different herbs and spices, such as lemongrass or Thai basil, to change up the flavor profile.
Add diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the membrane and seeds from the pomelo segments before adding them to the salad.

- Adjust the amount of sauce and spices according to your personal taste preferences.

- For a vegetarian version of this salad, you can omit the chicken and add tofu or tempeh instead.

- Garnish the salad with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Pomelo Salad can be served as a light and refreshing meal on its own, or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with jasmine rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this Pomelo Salad include segmenting the pomelo fruit, shredding the chicken, and mixing the ingredients together in a wok. Be sure to adjust the heat and cooking time as needed to ensure that the flavors are well-balanced.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pomelo fruit, you can substitute grapefruit or orange segments. You can also use different proteins, such as pork or tofu, in place of the chicken. Adjust the seasonings and spices accordingly.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pomelo segments and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad. The dressing can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Pomelo Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of ground roasted peanuts. You can also add a wedge of lime or lemon for an extra pop of citrus flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This Pomelo Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It also goes well with jasmine rice, noodles, or a side of steamed vegetables. For drinks, try serving it with a cold Thai iced tea or a refreshing coconut water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pomelo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a wok or skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Pomelo Salad contains approximately 250 calories. This light and refreshing dish is a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without consuming too many calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this Pomelo Salad come primarily from the pomelo fruit, sugar, and sauce. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an essential part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The fats in this salad come from the coconut milk, ground roasted peanuts, and fried shallots and garlic. While fats are high in calories, they are also important for nutrient absorption and overall health.

Proteins

The protein in this Pomelo Salad comes from the shredded chicken. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

Pomelo fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients are important for overall health and can help boost the immune system and support digestion.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts, which are a common allergen. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Overall, this Pomelo Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish to complement a main course.

Summary

Pomelo Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of pomelo fruit with savory shredded chicken, coconut milk, and a variety of spices and herbs. This Thai-inspired salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish to complement a main course. Enjoy this refreshing dish with friends and family for a taste of Thailand in your own home.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Pomelo Salad. It was a warm summer day, just like any other day in the bustling streets of Bangkok. I was walking through the local market, surrounded by the vibrant colors and exotic scents of fresh fruits and vegetables. As I passed by a stall, a friendly old lady caught my eye and beckoned me over with a warm smile.

"Come, come! Try some of my special Pomelo Salad," she said, waving a large, yellow citrus fruit in front of me. Intrigued, I approached her stall and watched as she expertly peeled and segmented the pomelo, mixing it with fresh herbs, peanuts, and a tangy dressing made from fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.

As she handed me a generous portion of the salad in a banana leaf bowl, I took my first bite and was instantly hooked. The burst of sweet and sour flavors, combined with the crunchy texture of the peanuts and the fragrant aroma of the herbs, was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this delicious Pomelo Salad for myself. The old lady saw the gleam in my eye and offered to teach me her secret recipe. She explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

Over the next few weeks, I spent countless hours in the old lady's humble kitchen, watching and learning as she prepared the Pomelo Salad with precision and care. She taught me the importance of using only the freshest ingredients and how to balance the flavors of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in perfect harmony.

As I practiced making the salad again and again, I began to add my own twist to the recipe, incorporating new herbs and spices that I had discovered in my culinary adventures. Each time I made the Pomelo Salad, it brought back memories of that hot summer day in Bangkok and the kind old lady who had shared her recipe with me.

Years passed, and I continued to perfect my version of the Pomelo Salad, sharing it with friends and family who marveled at its unique and exotic flavors. It became a staple at our family gatherings and a dish that everyone looked forward to tasting.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of my childhood, I can't help but smile as I prepare the Pomelo Salad once again. The memories of that fateful day in Bangkok and the old lady who taught me the recipe flood back to me, filling me with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment.

As I take my first bite of the Pomelo Salad, the burst of flavors on my tongue transports me back to the bustling streets of Bangkok, where my love affair with this dish began. And as I savor each mouthful, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past, to bring us together in the present, and to create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

I am grateful for the old lady who shared her recipe with me, for the lessons she taught me about the art of cooking, and for the joy that the Pomelo Salad continues to bring to me and my loved ones. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of where I come from and the culinary heritage that has shaped me into the cook that I am today. And for that, I will always be thankful.