Gỏi Tai Heo, or Crispy Pig Ear Salad, is a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese dish that's surprisingly easy to make. This refreshing salad offers a delightful contrast of textures – the satisfying crunch of the pig ears paired with the coolness of fresh herbs and the tang of the dressing. It's a perfect appetizer or light meal, showcasing the unique culinary artistry of Vietnamese cuisine. The combination of savory, sour, and slightly spicy elements creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your palate and leave you wanting more. Beyond its deliciousness, Gỏi Tai Heo is also remarkably versatile, allowing for adjustments to spice levels and ingredient preferences to suit individual tastes.
This irresistible salad is more accessible than you might think. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy preparation times; this recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. To discover the simple steps involved in creating this delicious Vietnamese treat, let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Stove
- Knife
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Pig ears: 2
- Onion: 200g
- Carrot: null
- Papaya: null
- Cucumber: 400g
- Shallots: null
- Salt: null
- Vinegar: null
- MSG: null
- Sugar: 125g
- Fish sauce: null
- Seasoning powder: null
- Lemon juice: null
- Vietnamese Coriander: null
- Peanuts: null
- Fried onions: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pig Ears and Vegetables
- Boil the pig ears with shallots, salt, vinegar, and MSG for 25 minutes.
- Cut the cucumber into thin strands.
- thinly slice onions, carrots and papaya.
- Wash the vegetables thoroughly and marinate with sugar, vinegar, and salt.
- Cool the boiled pig ears in ice water to make them crispy.
- Drain the marinated vegetables.
- Slice the cooled pig ears thinly.
Step 2. Combine and Season the Salad
- Mix all the vegetables and pig ears.
- Add sugar, fish sauce, seasoning powder (or salt and MSG), and lemon juice to the salad.
Step 3. Garnish and Serve
- Add Vietnamese coriander (or other herbs) for fragrance.
- Garnish with peanuts and fried onions.
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Vietnamese Banana Blossom Salad: A Refreshing Recipe
Tips
- Use slightly larger cucumbers for a better crunch.
- Whiten the vegetable fibers for a nicer presentation.
- Adding ice to the marinated vegetables helps keep them crispy and fresh.
- Adjust the amount of fish sauce according to its saltiness.
- Serve with shrimp crackers and sweet and sour fish sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Where can I buy pig ears?
Most Asian grocery stores carry pig ears, often in the fresh meat or butcher section. Some larger supermarkets may also stock them.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the pig ears and the freshness of the herbs.
3. What can I substitute if I don't have all the herbs listed?
Feel free to substitute with similar herbs you have on hand. Cilantro, mint, and basil are easily interchangeable, and the overall flavor will still be delicious.
So there you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful Crispy Pig Ear Salad that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a testament to the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing bold flavors and textures with minimal effort. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and refreshing taste of your homemade Gỏi Tai Heo!