Vietnamese salads, with their vibrant mix of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and succulent proteins, are a culinary delight. But what truly elevates these dishes from good to unforgettable is the dressing – a complex and subtly nuanced sauce that balances sweet, salty, sour, and spicy notes in perfect harmony. This isn't your average vinaigrette; it's a flavorful journey, a testament to Vietnamese culinary artistry, built on a foundation of fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. The seemingly simple ingredients combine to create a depth of flavour that's both refreshing and addictive.
This article will guide you through the process of crafting this essential element of Vietnamese cuisine: a truly authentic and delicious salad dressing. From understanding the balance of flavors to mastering the techniques, you'll soon be creating a dressing that rivals the best Vietnamese restaurants. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and transform your salads!
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- Lemon: 1
- Chili Peppers: 5
- Garlic: 12 cloves
- Sugar: 7 spoons
- Vinegar or Lemon Juice: 5 spoons
- Water: 5 spoons
- Fish Sauce: 5 spoons
- Sugar (for dipping sauce): 2 spoons
- Water (for dipping sauce): 2 spoons
- Fish Sauce (for dipping sauce): 2 spoons
- Salad Ingredients (Chicken, Pork, Shrimp, Vegetables)
- Peanuts
- Fried Onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Dressings
- Cut and squeeze the juice from one lemon. Chop 5 chili peppers and 12 cloves of garlic.
- In a bowl, combine 7 spoons of sugar, 5 spoons of vinegar (or lemon juice), 5 spoons of water, and 5 spoons of fish sauce. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 spoons of sugar, 2 spoons of water, 2 spoons of fish sauce, 1 spoon of lemon juice, and 1 spoon of water. Stir until dissolved.
Step 2. Marinate the Salad
- Add a few spoons of the salad dressing to your main salad ingredients (chicken, pork, or shrimp). Mix well and marinate for 5-10 minutes.
- Let the salad marinate for about 50 minutes.
Step 3. Assemble the Salad
- Add the remaining salad ingredients and mix well.
- Add the vegetables and half of the peanuts and fried onions. Mix well.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the salad on a plate, sprinkling the remaining fried onions and peanuts on top.
Read more: Vietnamese Banana Blossom Salad: A Refreshing Recipe
Tips
- If you don't like spicy food, use horn chilies instead of regular chilies.
- You can replace vinegar with lemon juice or water in the salad dressing.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-600
- Fat: 20-35g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 25-40g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute fish sauce with something else?
While nothing perfectly replicates fish sauce's umami, soy sauce can be used as a partial substitute, but the flavor will be quite different. Experiment with a small amount.
2. How long can I store leftover fish sauce dressing?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors might mellow slightly over time.
3. What if my fish sauce is too salty?
Add a touch more lime juice or sugar to balance the saltiness. Taste as you go to achieve your preferred balance.
With this simple recipe, you can now elevate your Vietnamese salads to new heights of flavor. Mastering this fish sauce dressing unlocks a world of culinary possibilities, adding a vibrant and authentic touch to your dishes. Enjoy the delicious results!