Gỏi khổ qua, or Vietnamese bitter melon salad, is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances bitterness with sweet, sour, and savory notes. This beloved Vietnamese salad offers a delightful contrast of textures – the crisp bitterness of the bitter melon against the crunch of peanuts and the softness of herbs. It's a surprisingly addictive dish, far from the bitterness one might expect, thanks to the masterful balance of flavors in the dressing and the addition of complementary ingredients. Beyond its delicious taste, Gỏi khổ qua is also incredibly healthy, boasting a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants from the bitter melon itself.
This surprisingly simple yet flavorful salad is surprisingly easy to make, requiring readily available ingredients. Ready to experience the delightful taste of Gỏi khổ qua for yourself? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and create this refreshing Vietnamese delicacy together.
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Bitter Melon
- Garlic: some, sliced
- Red Chili: chopped
- White Vinegar: 1/2 cup
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Fish Sauce: 1/4 cup
- Lime Juice: 1/2
- White Onion: sliced, iced cold
- Boiled Shrimp
- Boiled Pork: sliced
- Carrots: sliced (pickled carrots recommended)
- Ground Black Pepper: a bit
- Pork Floss (optional)
- Fried Shallots or Toasted Peanuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Bitter Melon and Dressing
- Rinse the bitter melon. The deeper the green color of the water, the more bitter the melon. Rinse twice if it’s not very bitter; more rinsing reduces bitterness but also washes away beneficial properties.
- combine sliced garlic, chopped red chili, white vinegar, water, sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Mix until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2. Prepare the Remaining Ingredients
- slice iced cold white onion, boiled shrimp, and boiled pork. Slice carrots for color (pickled carrots are recommended).
Step 3. Combine and Dress the Salad
- Combine the bitter melon, onion, shrimp, pork, and carrots in a bowl.
- Add the vinaigrette dressing to coat the ingredients.
- Add a bit of ground black pepper and toss evenly.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Serve on a plate, topping with pork floss and fried shallots or toasted peanuts (optional).
Read more: Vietnamese Banana Blossom Salad: A Refreshing Recipe
Tips
- Some bitter melons are more bitter than others. The color of the rinsing water can be an indicator of bitterness.
- Adjust the amount of rinsing to control the bitterness level, balancing taste preference with health benefits.
Nutrition
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbs: 40-50g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of melon?
While bitter melon is key to the dish's unique flavor, you can experiment. However, the taste will be significantly altered. Other melons won't provide the same bitterness and nutritional benefits.
2. How can I reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon?
Soaking the sliced melon in salted water for 15-20 minutes helps draw out some of the bitterness. The recipe's flavorful dressing also significantly counteracts the bitterness.
3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients (excluding the dressing) a few hours in advance and store them separately. Combine everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy this vibrant and healthy Vietnamese Bitter Melon Salad as a refreshing side dish or a light meal. Its unique blend of flavors and textures is sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients and experience the delightful taste of Gỏi khổ qua today!