Vietnamese Shrimp Salad

Introduction

History

Vietnamese Shrimp Salad is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. The dish is often enjoyed as a light and refreshing meal during the hot summer months, as it is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the shrimp and asparagus just until they are cooked through, as overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.

- Make sure to let the salad mixture cool before combining it with the dressing, as this will help the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite fruits and vegetables, such as mango, avocado, or bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

This Vietnamese Shrimp Salad can be served as a light and refreshing main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the shrimp and asparagus until just cooked through.

- Prepare the dressing by combining coconut milk, fish sauce, lemon juice, cilantro, basil, red pepper, garlic powder, crushed garlic, and sugar.

- Combine the shrimp, asparagus, dressing, lettuce, peaches, pineapple, and cucumber in a large bowl.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of seafood, such as scallops or crab, in place of shrimp.

- Substitute the coconut milk with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

- Use any combination of fruits and vegetables that you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

This Vietnamese Shrimp Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately, then combine them just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Vietnamese Shrimp Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as white wine, beer, or iced tea. For a complete meal, serve the salad with grilled meats or seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Vietnamese Shrimp Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad until warmed through, or enjoy it cold as a refreshing leftover meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Vietnamese Shrimp Salad contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this Vietnamese Shrimp Salad come primarily from the fruits and vegetables used in the dish, such as peaches, pineapple, and cucumbers. These carbohydrates provide a good source of energy and essential nutrients for the body.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the coconut milk used in the dressing. Coconut milk is rich in healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides, which can provide a source of sustained energy for the body.

Proteins

The protein in this Vietnamese Shrimp Salad comes from the shrimp, which is a lean source of protein that is low in fat and calories. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of fruits and vegetables used. Peaches provide vitamin C and A, pineapples offer vitamin C and manganese, and cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K and potassium.

Alergens

This dish contains shrimp and fish sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing or consuming this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Vietnamese Shrimp Salad is a nutritious and well-balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Vietnamese Shrimp Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines succulent shrimp with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. With its tangy coconut milk dressing and vibrant flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Vietnamese Shrimp Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through a local farmer's market, looking for fresh ingredients to inspire my next culinary creation. As I wandered through the stalls, the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of the various fruits and vegetables drew me in like a magnet.

I came across a stall run by a kind Vietnamese woman who had a wide array of exotic herbs and spices that I had never seen before. Intrigued by the unfamiliar ingredients, I struck up a conversation with her and she shared with me the recipe for her family's traditional Vietnamese Shrimp Salad.

She explained that the key to the dish was the balance of flavors and textures - the crisp freshness of the vegetables, the succulent sweetness of the shrimp, the tangy kick of the dressing, and the crunch of the peanuts. I was captivated by her passion for her culture's cuisine and eager to recreate the dish in my own kitchen.

Armed with a bag full of fresh ingredients and a newfound sense of adventure, I set to work on mastering the recipe. I carefully peeled and deveined the shrimp, marinated them in a fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, and then quickly grilled them to perfection.

Next, I sliced up a colorful assortment of vegetables - crunchy bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant herbs like cilantro and mint. I tossed them all together in a zesty dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

Finally, I sprinkled a generous handful of roasted peanuts over the top for a satisfying crunch and garnished the dish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro. The finished dish was a work of art, a vibrant rainbow of colors and textures that promised to delight the senses.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends, eager to see their reactions to this exotic and flavorful dish. As they took their first bite, their eyes lit up with delight and their taste buds danced with pleasure.

From that day on, Vietnamese Shrimp Salad became a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that never failed to impress and delight. I shared the recipe with anyone who would listen, passing on the knowledge and love for this exotic and delicious dish to all who were willing to try.

Over the years, I have continued to tweak and refine the recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there while staying true to the traditional flavors that first captivated me. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day at the farmer's market, chatting with the kind Vietnamese woman who first shared this culinary treasure with me.

And as I sit down to enjoy a plate of Vietnamese Shrimp Salad with my loved ones, I am filled with gratitude for the joy and connection that food has brought into my life. It is a reminder that no matter where we come from or what language we speak, we can always find common ground around the dinner table, sharing in the simple pleasure of a delicious meal made with love.

Categories

| Asparagus Recipes | Coconut Milk Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Lettuce Recipes | Peach Recipes | Pineapple Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes | Shrimp Recipes | Vietnamese Recipes | Vietnamese Salads |

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