How to Make Vietnamese Seafood Salad
Vietnamese seafood salad, or “Gỏi Hải Sản,” is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the rich flavors of the sea with fresh vegetables and zesty dressing. Perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer, this salad is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Follow these steps to create your own delicious Vietnamese seafood salad.
Ingredients
To make a traditional Vietnamese seafood salad, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g squid, cleaned and sliced
- 100g rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and basil)
- 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Sliced chili (optional for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Start by boiling a pot of water. Add the shrimp and squid, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes or until fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the water and immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their texture and freshness.
Step 2: Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles
In a separate bowl, soak the rice vermicelli noodles in hot water for about 5-7 minutes or until soft. Drain and rinse under cold water. This prevents the noodles from clumping together.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, add the julienned cucumber, carrot, and sliced red bell pepper. Toss them together to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked shrimp and squid to the bowl with the vegetables. Next, add the softened vermicelli noodles. Gently toss together to mix the seafood with the vegetables.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and ground black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors according to your personal preference. If you like it tangier, add more lime juice; if you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together. Ensure that all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Step 7: Add Fresh Herbs
Finally, add a handful of fresh herbs, including mint, cilantro, and basil, to the salad. Gently toss once more to mix the herbs into the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Vietnamese seafood salad chilled, garnished with additional fresh herbs and slices of chili if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of lime wedges and can be enjoyed as part of a larger Vietnamese meal or on its own as a light and healthy option.
Conclusion
Making Vietnamese seafood salad is a delightful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of the sea combined with vibrant vegetables and zesty dressing. With its combination of textures and tastes, it’s sure to be a hit whether you're hosting a dinner or preparing a quick meal for yourself.