How to Make Vietnamese Pork Salad
Vietnamese Pork Salad, also known as "Gỏi Thịt Heo," is a refreshing and flavorful dish that beautifully combines various textures and tastes. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be tailored to your preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious salad.
Ingredients
To prepare Vietnamese Pork Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 200g pork tenderloin or pork belly
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pork
Start by boiling the pork in a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Cook the pork until it’s tender (approximately 15-20 minutes for pork tenderloin and 25-30 minutes for pork belly). Once cooked, remove the pork and let it cool. After cooling, slice it thinly.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pork is cooling, prepare your vegetables. Shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and slice the cucumber. Place all vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh mint and cilantro leaves to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, and chili (if using). Mix until the sugar is dissolved to create a flavorful dressing.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Once the pork has cooled down, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your Vietnamese Pork Salad to a serving platter. Top with chopped roasted peanuts for a nice crunch. Serve immediately, and enjoy this vibrant and healthy dish!
Tips for the Perfect Vietnamese Pork Salad
- For a little extra flavor, marinate the pork for 30 minutes in a mixture of fish sauce, minced garlic, and sugar before boiling.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or bean sprouts for added crunch.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the amount of red chili or add a dash of chili oil in the dressing.
This Vietnamese Pork Salad is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Enjoy it as a main dish or a side, and relish the fresh flavors of Vietnam in your kitchen!