How to Make Vietnamese Seafood and Pineapple Salad
Vietnamese seafood and pineapple salad, known as "Gỏi hải sản dứa," is a refreshing dish that perfectly combines the flavors of succulent seafood and sweet, tangy pineapple. This salad is not only easy to make, but it's also a crowd-pleaser, making it a great addition to any meal or gathering. Follow this simple recipe to create an exquisite Vietnamese seafood and pineapple salad.
Ingredients
To prepare this vibrant salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 200g of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g of squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
- 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into thin slices
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and Thai basil)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar (to taste)
- Chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Begin by boiling water in a pot. Once boiling, add the shrimp and squid, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and place in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, remove from the ice water and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust based on your preference; add more sugar if you like it sweeter or more lime juice for extra tang.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled seafood, pineapple slices, julienned cucumber, and carrot. Add the sliced red onion and fresh herbs to the mix. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the salad to a beautiful serving platter or individual bowls. For an extra touch, garnish with additional herbs or sprinkle with chili flakes if you like a hint of heat. Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Salad
- For added crunch, consider including toasted peanuts or cashews as a topping.
- Feel free to experiment with other seafood like crab or octopus for variety.
- If you enjoy a bit of sweetness, you can add thinly sliced bell peppers for extra flavor.
This Vietnamese seafood and pineapple salad is not only nutritious but also bursts with flavor, making it a delightful option for lunch or dinner. Enjoy this refreshing dish as part of a larger Vietnamese feast or as a standalone meal any day of the week!