All About Jellyfish Salad: A Delicious Vietnamese Dish
Jellyfish salad is a refreshing and mouthwatering Vietnamese dish loved by many. It combines the crispiness of jellyfish with fresh vegetables and a tangy chili fish sauce, creating an explosion of flavors. Despite its simplicity, this dish is incredibly addictive and never fails to satisfy.
Preparing jellyfish salad is straightforward, and you can easily make it at home. By following simple steps, you can ensure both hygiene and a delicious flavor comparable to that of restaurants.
However, it’s important to note that jellyfish is a seafood item and can have a natural fishy odor. To eliminate this smell, pay attention to the preparation and seasoning steps. Below are some tips to make a tasty, odorless jellyfish salad.
Preparing the Jellyfish
Drain and rinse the packaged jellyfish thoroughly with clean water. Alternatively, soak it in clean water for about 40 minutes before rinsing again to remove any fishy odor.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Briefly blanch the jellyfish for a few seconds and immediately remove it from the heat. Do not over-blanch, as this can make the jellyfish shrink. Prepare a bowl of ice-cold water, and once the jellyfish is removed from the boiling water, shock it in the ice bath. This step ensures a crisp and tasty texture.
Preparing Other Ingredients
For the jellyfish salad, you’ll need various vegetables and herbs. The choice of ingredients can vary according to your preference.
Typically, green papaya, cucumber, carrot, and onion are used. These ingredients are cut into thin strips.
For herbs, wash, pat dry, and finely chop mint and basil. Additionally, prepare a small amount of minced garlic and chili peppers, adjusting the amount of chili to your preferred spice level.
To enhance the flavor, roast and grind peanuts and sesame seeds.
The Dressing: Chili Fish Sauce
Making the dressing is simple. In a bowl, combine good-quality fish sauce, sugar, and lime or kumquat juice in a 1:1:1 ratio. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and then add the garlic and chili pepper to taste.
Tips for a Crisp and Tasty Jellyfish Salad
In a bowl, add the jellyfish, papaya, carrot, and onion. Gradually pour in the prepared fish sauce dressing and mix well. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Then, add the herbs, peanuts, and sesame seeds, and mix again. Arrange the salad on a plate and sprinkle with more peanuts and sesame seeds for garnish.
And there you have it—a delicious jellyfish salad, crisp and free from any fishy odor.
Notes on Making Jellyfish Salad
- Choose Fresh Jellyfish
When buying packaged jellyfish, read the label carefully, checking the ingredients and expiration date. Opt for recently produced packages to ensure freshness.
If purchasing fresh jellyfish, feel it to ensure firmness. Good-quality jellyfish has a pale pinkish-white color. Avoid yellow-tinged jellyfish, as it may have been soaked in chemicals. Fresh jellyfish should not feel sticky or slimy, and its natural fishy odor should not be overpowering. However, preparing fresh jellyfish is more complex and challenging.
- Don’t Mix the Salad Too Early
If using cucumber in your salad, peel and remove the seedy core, as it tends to release water when mixed with the dressing, making the salad watery.
Store cut vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. Avoid mixing the dressing too early, as it can cause the vegetables to soften and release water.
The dressing should be on the thicker side to ensure a well-seasoned salad without the need for prolonged marination. Mixing the salad too early or letting it sit for too long can cause the ingredients to release water and lose their crispness.
Now you have the secrets to making a delicious and crisp jellyfish salad. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with this unique and tasty dish.
