Craving a unique and flavorful salad that's both refreshing and surprisingly satisfying? Look no further than this Vietnamese-style Pork Ear Salad! This recipe transforms humble pork ears into a delightful culinary experience, showcasing the magic of simple ingredients elevated through masterful preparation. Forget everything you think you know about salads – this dish is a textural adventure, boasting a delightful crunch from the pork ears, a vibrant freshness from the herbs, and a zesty tang from the dressing. It's the perfect light meal, side dish, or appetizer to share with friends and family.
This recipe perfectly balances savory, sour, and slightly spicy notes, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. The preparation might seem a little involved at first glance, but we promise it's easier than you think! To discover the step-by-step process of making this incredible Vietnamese Pork Ear Salad, let's dive right into the recipe.
Tools Needed
- knife
- cutting board
- bowls
- pot
- frying pan
Ingredients
- Pork ear: 600g
- Onion: 200g
- Carrot: 250g
- White radish: 250g
- Cucumber: 300g
- Chili peppers: 30g + 4 (for boiling)
- Vietnamese coriander: 5g
- Herbs: 5g
- Fried onions: 30g
- Roasted peanuts: 30g
- Ginger: 30g
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Shallots: 2
- Lemons: 2
- Shrimp cakes
- Salt
- Lemon
- Clean wine
- Sugar
- Fish sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Chili sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Ear and Vegetables
- Ask the butcher to remove the hair. At home, add salt and lemon juice, massage, and wash thoroughly. Rinse and drain.
- Cut the onion, carrot, white radish, and cucumber into thin strips. Cut chili peppers in half, remove seeds, and slice thinly.
- In a pot, combine pork ear with thinly sliced ginger and shallots. Add salt and vinegar. Cover and boil over medium heat for 25 minutes (from when water boils).
- Separately, marinate the carrots and white radish with water and salt. Marinate the onions with ice water. Let each marinate for 15 minutes, mixing occasionally.
- After boiling, immediately transfer the pork ear to an ice bath to cool and make it crispier. Once cooled, cut into thin slices.
Step 2. Prepare the Sauces and Garnishes
- Chop Vietnamese coriander and herbs finely.
- Make two sauces: one for dipping and one for mixing. Each requires fish sauce, sugar, lemon juice, and chili sauce (adjust to your spice preference).
- Fry shrimp cakes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 3. Marinate and Combine Salad Ingredients
- After marinating, rinse the vegetables and drain. Mix the carrots and radish with sugar and rice vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Combine all prepared ingredients (pork ear, vegetables, chili, fried onions, peanuts) in a large bowl. Mix well with the mixing sauce and let it sit for 15 minutes for the flavors to blend.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with remaining fried onions and roasted peanuts. Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!
Read more: Vietnamese Banana Blossom Salad: A Refreshing Recipe
Tips
- Cut vegetables thinly for better absorption of flavors.
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preference.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying shrimp cakes to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1500-1800
- Fat: 80-100g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 80-100g
FAQs
1. Where can I buy pork ears?
Most Asian grocery stores carry pork ears, often in the fresh meat or frozen section. Some larger supermarkets with extensive meat selections may also stock them.
2. Can I use pre-cooked pork ears?
Yes, pre-cooked pork ears will significantly shorten the cooking time. Just ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and follow the recipe instructions for preparation and dressing.
3. What can I substitute if I don't have all the herbs listed?
Feel free to adapt! Substitute similar herbs based on your availability. For example, cilantro can replace some of the mint, and Thai basil can be used in place of Vietnamese basil.
This Vietnamese-style Pork Ear Salad is a testament to the deliciousness of simple ingredients and clever preparation. Its unique textures and vibrant flavors make it a memorable dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and refreshing taste of this surprisingly addictive salad!