Fresh and Tangy Vietnamese Shrimp Salad Recipe
Hey there foodies! If you’re looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish to brighten up your day, then you’ve landed on the right page! As a chef who specializes in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Vietnamese Shrimp Salad.
This light yet filling salad is bursting with flavors from zesty lime juice, savory fish sauce, and fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. The succulent shrimp adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy dressing. The crisp iceberg lettuce and crunchy veggies provide a delightful texture that tickles your taste buds.
This Vietnamese Shrimp Salad recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. You can serve it as an appetizer or side dish, or make it a main course by adding some rice noodles or quinoa. It’s also great for hosting dinner parties or potlucks, as it’s easy to make and can impress your guests with its unique taste.
Are you ready to learn how to make this mouthwatering Vietnamese Shrimp Salad? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, have you ever tasted a dish that makes you feel as though you’re on a tropical island, basking in the warm sun? If not, then I have the perfect recipe for you – Vietnamese Shrimp Salad. This salad mixes together sweet and sour flavors, crunchy and tender textures, to create an explosion of flavors in your mouth!
What’s even more exciting is that this salad recipe is nutrient-dense and has many great health benefits. It includes fresh vegetables like cucumber, pineapple, and asparagus, which are high in fiber, vitamins A and C. The shrimp in the salad provides a healthy dose of protein while being low in calories.
But what makes this Vietnamese Shrimp Salad irresistible is the dressing – Nuóc Cham. This traditional Vietnamese sauce consists of fish sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, sugar and provides that singular umami flavor we love in Asian cuisine. The delicate balance between salty, tart, and sweet will leave your taste buds wanting more.
This salad could be eaten as a light meal or served as a starter for dinner parties or potlucks. It’s sure to become a favorite among seafood lovers! So grab your ingredients and get ready to mix up this amazing salad – I promise it won’t disappoint!
Ingredient List
Shrimp Salad:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium-sized cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of pineapple, diced
- 4 cups of iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 8 to 10 asparagus spears, steamed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup of cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
Dressing:
- ⅓ cup of fish sauce
- ⅓ cup of rice vinegar
- ⅓ cup of fresh lime juice
- zest of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
Nuóc chấm (Vietnamese dipping sauce):
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
Garnish:
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Note: You can add extra veggies to suit your taste. Vietnamese shrimp salad is versatile and you can add anything you want.
The Recipe How-To
Now the fun part: let’s dive into making this Vietnamese Shrimp Salad dish!
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, let’s do some prep work to make the process go more smoothly.
Peel and Devein Shrimp
If your shrimp isn’t already peeled and deveined, take some time to do this before cooking. Trust me; it’s worth the effort to have nicely cleaned shrimp.
Chop Vegetables
Next, chop up the iceberg lettuce, asparagus, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. The particular vegetables can be adapted to suit your preferences, but I recommend staying with hardier greens like romaine or butter lettuce for this dish.
Make Dressing
The next step is to make your dressing. In a bowl, mix together fish sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, and a touch of garlic powder. You can adjust the amount of sugar you use according to your likings.
Cook Shrimp
Now that everything is prepped, you can start cooking. Heat up a skillet on medium-high heat with olive oil. When hot, add in your shrimp until browned and cooked through.
Assembling the Vietnamese Shrimp Salad
Now it’s time to build your salad! Start by adding your chopped veggies to a large bowl – this will be your base.
Next, add in the cooked shrimp and drizzle over it with the dressing. Toss everything together well so that each piece is fully coated in sauce.
Finish things off by sprinkling over roughly chopped cilantro and fresh basil to give a pop of bright flavor.
Serve Your Delicious Dish
Serve up immediately and enjoy! This salad makes such an excellent light lunch or dinner option; you can even turn it into delicious Vietnamese Shrimp Salad Noodle by adding in some sweet pineapple chunks, shredded carrots, and rice noodle. No matter how you choose to eat it, I hope you relish this fantastic Vietnamese shrimp salad dish!
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s spice things up and create some new options for the recipe. You can use different ingredients to change the flavor of the Vietnamese shrimp salad. Here are a few ideas:
1. Vegetarian option: if you want a vegetarian version of this dish, you can swap the shrimp with tofu or tempeh. Cook and season it in the same way as the shrimp and mix it with the rest of the ingredients.
2. Different greens: try using different types of greens for the salad, such as kale or spinach, instead of iceberg lettuce. Experiment with arugula or mixed greens for a peppery taste.
3. Citrus zest: you can substitute lemon zest with lime zest for a fresher and more intense flavor. You can even try mixing lemon and lime zest to give your dish a tangy sensation.
4. Pineapple or Mango: While cucumber is a vital ingredient in this recipe, you can opt for adding some fresh fruit like pineapple or mango to give your dish a sweeter taste.
5. Noodle Salad: If you desire more texture in your salad, blend in some rice noodles into the mix along with your shrimp and other veggies.
6. Green Papaya Salad: For fans of Thai cooking, green papaya salad would be an easy adaptation which swaps out cucumber and pineapple for shredded green papaya.
7. Herbs swapping: Experiment with switching up herbs like replacing basil with mint or cilantro with Thai Basil leaves.
Remember that these variations could turn out to be amazing combinations you might not have imagined on your own!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve prepared this delicious Vietnamese shrimp salad, it’s time to serve and pair it with the perfect accompaniments. This refreshing and light salad is perfect for hot summer days or as a starter for a feast.
To serve, I like to arrange the salad on a platter or in a large bowl if you’re feeding a crowd. You can also serve the salad in individual bowls for smaller portions. Garnish with fresh basil and cilantro on top of the salad to give it an extra pop of flavor and color.
When it comes to pairing, there are several options that would complement this dish well. If you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, pair your Vietnamese shrimp salad with a glass of chilled white wine or even an ice-cold beer. My personal favorite is pairing the salad with a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
For those looking for a non-alcoholic option, try serving the salad with an iced green tea or jasmine tea. The floral notes from these teas pair well with the bright flavors of the salad.
Additionally, you could pair this salad with another Vietnamese dish like rice noodle salad or green papaya salad for a complete meal experience. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds singing in harmony.
Overall, this fresh and flavorful Vietnamese shrimp salad can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes and beverages. Get creative with your pairing choices and enjoy every bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about Vietnamese shrimp salad is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. To make sure your salad stays fresh, don’t add the dressing until you’re just about to serve it. This prevents the lettuce from becoming wilted and soggy.
To store your salad, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to meal prep for the week, simply divide the salad into separate containers and add the dressing before eating.
When it’s time to reheat your leftovers, gently stir or toss them in a pan with a little bit of olive oil or sesame oil over low heat. This should help revive the flavors and texture of your dish without compromising its original taste.
In terms of reheating noodles, avoid microwaving or boiling them excessively as it can make them soggy, dull and unappetizing. Instead, try re-stir frying them with some fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, cabbage or snap peas along with a dash of soy sauce or hoisin sauce.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Vietnamese shrimp salad remains delicious even after reheating, making it an ideal option for meal prepping or bringing to work/school.
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing Vietnamese Shrimp Salad Recipe is an adventure in culinary artistry. As someone who’s been cooking Vietnamese and Asian cuisine for many years, I have some tips to share with you that will help ensure that your Vietnamese Shrimp Salad comes to life with optimal flavor and a satisfying crunch. Here are my top five tips for achieving perfect results:
1. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
The best way to ensure juicy, succulent shrimp is by avoiding overcooking them. Overcooking shrimp leads it to become rubbery and difficult to chew. To get perfectly cooked shrimp, boil them for around 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink.
2. Balance the Flavors
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your Vietnamese Shrimp Salad, pay close attention to the quantity of each ingredient you add. Be sure not to overload any particular ingredient as all the flavors need to be balanced well.
3. Prepping Vegetables
A vital part of this recipe is the fresh veggies you use in it. For this recipe, it’s recommended that you julienne (thinly slice) the veggies to create an appealing visual appeal and even texture throughout the salad.
4. Make Dressing Ahead of Time
Dressing can take time to prepare, so it’s suggested that you make it ahead of time so that all the flavors can blend well together. You can store your dressing in an airtight container refrigerated for up to three days.
5. Experiment with Different Variations
Adding some variations to your recipe can bring new excitement and satisfaction to your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to switch out some ingredients or add a new twist such as putting noodles or glass noodles into the salad or using a different type of leafy greens like butterhead lettuce instead of iceberg lettuce.
By following these tips and making this recipe your own, you’re sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal every single time! Enjoy your Vietnamese Shrimp Salad and savor the delicacy it embodies.
FAQ
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps for this delicious Vietnamese Shrimp Salad Recipe, you may wonder about certain aspects of the dish. The FAQ section is here to answer all your questions and clear up any confusion. From substitutions to variations and serving suggestions, we have got you covered. So, let’s get started!
What is Vietnamese shrimp called?
Vietnam’s coastal areas are home to a wide variety of sea creatures, including the mantis shrimp. These shrimp are locally referred to as bề bề or tôm tít, or in some regions, bàn chải because of their physical resemblance to a scrub brush. The shrimp can be prepared using a variety of methods, such as boiling, steaming, grilling, or drying, and can be served with a variety of seasonings including lime, salt, pepper, fish sauce, tamarind, and fennel.
What is shrimp salad made of?
The dish I’ll be guiding you through requires fresh shrimp, crisp celery, tangy red onion, zesty lemon, salt, pepper, creamy mayonnaise, piquant mustard, and fragrant dill.
How long does shrimp salad last in the fridge?
Proper storage is key when it comes to prolonging the freshness of Shrimp Salad. After preparing the dish, make sure to transfer it to an airtight container then store it inside the refrigerator. This will help retain its quality for a maximum of 48 hours. Just before serving, don’t forget to give it a good stir to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
What else to eat with shrimp salad?
In this recipe article, I will guide you on how to make a delicious meal consisting of fried rice, cucumber salad, baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese, fried okra, corn on the cob, deviled eggs, and cornbread. Follow my detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations to create a scrumptious feast that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Vietnamese shrimp salad recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With the right combination of ingredients, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick and healthy weeknight meal, this shrimp salad is sure to impress everyone at the table.
So why not give this recipe a try? Impress your guests with your culinary skills and take them on an adventure to Southeast Asia. You will love the sweet and tangy flavors of the dressing combined with the fresh vegetables and succulent shrimp. Plus, with the variety of substitutions and variations you can make, you can customize this recipe to suit any taste preference.
Remember, cooking is an art form, and it takes practice to achieve perfection. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Enjoy the process of creating delicious meals, and share them with the people you love. Happy cooking!
Vietnamese Shrimp Salad Recipe
Ingredients
dressing
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 lemon, zest of
- 1 lemon, juice of
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 4 -5 leaves fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 finely sliced red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried chili
- 1 teaspoon sugar
salad ingredients
- 2 -3 cups shrimp, peeled, deveined
- 1 cup asparagus (new tiny asparagus is best)
- 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, chopped into slices
- 2 peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 pineapple, hollowed out and cut into pieces
- 1 cup finely sliced cucumber
Instructions
- Bring all of the ingredients in the dressing to a boil.
- Stir occasionally until the sauce has thickened.
- Taste the sauce and add salt/sugar as necessary: the sauce should be sweet/sour.
- Place the shrimp in the sauce and allow to simmer.
- Cook the asparagus.
- The time for this will vary depending on how thick the asparagus is.
- For tiny asparagus, 2-3 minutes.
- Add the asparagus to the shrimp.
- Take this mixture off of the heat and allow to cool.
- Mix together the shrimp/asparagus/dressing, lettuce, peaches, pineapple, and cucumber together, and serve in the hollowed out pineapple halves.