How to Make Vietnamese Fish and Shrimp Salad with Lime and Herbs
Vietnamese Fish and Shrimp Salad is a refreshing dish that combines rich flavors and textures, making it a perfect light meal or side dish. The zesty lime juice, fragrant herbs, and succulent seafood create a delicious combination that is both healthy and satisfying. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare this Vietnamese classic.
Ingredients:
- 200g fish fillet (white fish such as tilapia or cod)
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- Peanuts, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Start by cooking the fish and shrimp. For the fish, you can steam or poach it in hot water for about 5-7 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Ensure that it flakes easily with a fork. For shrimp, boil them in salted water for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow to cool before cutting the fish into bite-sized pieces and chopping the shrimp if desired.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Whisk them together until the sugar dissolves fully. You can adjust the flavors by adding more lime juice for acidity or more fish sauce for saltiness, according to your preference.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, carrots, cucumber, mint leaves, cilantro, and green onions. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Next, gently add the cooked fish and shrimp to the vegetable mixture, being careful not to break the seafood apart too much. Then, pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the Vietnamese fish and shrimp salad to a serving platter. If desired, top it with sliced chili for an extra kick and sprinkle chopped peanuts for added crunch. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Tips for a Perfect Salad:
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to customize the salad with other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the seafood with tofu or other plant-based proteins.
Enjoy your delicious Vietnamese Fish and Shrimp Salad with Lime and Herbs as a light meal or a colorful side at your next gathering!