All About Jellyfish Salad: A Delicious Vietnamese Dish
Jellyfish salad is a refreshing and mouthwatering Vietnamese dish loved by many. It combines crunchy jellyfish with fresh vegetables and a spicy garlic fish sauce, creating an explosion of flavors. This simple yet addictive dish is perfect for those looking for something unique and delicious.
Preparing jellyfish salad is easy, and you can make it at home while ensuring hygiene and taste that rivals restaurant-quality dishes.
However, it’s important to note that jellyfish is a seafood product and can have a natural fishy odor. To eliminate this odor, pay attention to the preparation and seasoning steps. Below are some tips and tricks to make a delicious, odorless jellyfish salad.
Preparing the Jellyfish
When using pre-packaged jellyfish, drain and rinse it with clean water. Alternatively, soak the jellyfish in clean water for about 40 minutes, then rinse again to remove any fishy smell.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the jellyfish for a few seconds before removing it immediately. 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 the jellyfish remains crunchy and tasty.

Preparing Other Ingredients
For jellyfish salad, you’ll need various vegetables and herbs. Commonly used ingredients include green papaya, cucumber, carrot, and onion, all cut into thin strips.
For herbs, rinse and chop mint and basil finely. Additionally, prepare some minced garlic and chili, adjusting the amount of chili to your preferred spice level.
To enhance the flavor, roast some peanuts and sesame seeds.
The Dressing
Making the dressing is simple. Combine fish sauce, sugar, and lime or kumquat juice in a bowl with a 1:1:1 ratio, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, add the garlic and chili to taste.
Tips for a Crunchy and Odorless Jellyfish Salad

Gradually add the jellyfish, papaya, carrot, and onion to a bowl, drizzling in the prepared dressing as you go. Mix well, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed. Then, add the herbs, peanuts, and sesame seeds, giving it a final mix.
Plate the jellyfish salad, garnishing with more peanuts and sesame seeds.
And there you have it—a delicious and odorless jellyfish salad!
Notes on Making Jellyfish Salad
- Choose Fresh Jellyfish
When buying pre-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. The best 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, peel and remove the seedy center, as it can make the salad watery. Store prepared vegetables in a sealed container in the fridge to maintain freshness. Avoid seasoning too early, as this can cause the vegetables to soften and release water. The dressing should be on the thicker side to ensure flavor without requiring prolonged marination. Mixing the salad too early or letting it sit for too long can result in soggy vegetables.
Now you have the secrets to making a crunchy and tasty jellyfish salad. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with this unique and delicious dish.
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