When it comes to Dak Lak, one cannot miss the delicious dishes made with wild vegetables. One of these is a wild-growing vegetable highly sought-after by locals and visitors alike—the stinging tree shoot.
Known as a specialty of Dak Lak, this vegetable has a unique flavor profile, with a hint of bitterness and a slightly sweet aftertaste. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes. Join us as we explore this unique ingredient.
1 Introducing the Stinging Tree Shoot
Dak Lak, located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, offers not only breathtaking scenic spots but also a plethora of delicious local vegetables. Among these, the stinging tree shoot stands out for its distinct flavor and versatility. This wild vegetable is foraged by locals and used in a myriad of traditional dishes.
The stinging tree shoot is a key ingredient in many specialty dishes of the Central Highlands. It has a distinctive bitter taste with a subtle tangy twist, offering a unique and exciting culinary experience.
Introducing the Stinging Tree Shoot
While this wild plant can be found almost anywhere in the region, gathering the freshest shoots requires a full day’s journey into the deep forest. This labor of love is what gives the vegetable its irresistible aroma and unforgettable flavor.
The stinging tree shoot is known for its toughness and resistance to insects. It has long been used by locals as a material for crafts and ropes. Additionally, it is a popular ingredient in rustic dishes and is sold for 70,000–120,000 VND per kilogram.
2 Preparing Stinging Tree Shoots
To prepare stinging tree shoots for cooking, local tribes venture into the deep forest to gather the freshest shoots. They then cut the shoots into short sections and bring them back to the village.
The ideal stinging tree shoots are those that, when stripped of their outer thorns, reveal tender, plump inner shoots, ideally 3–4 hand spans in length. These shoots are then grilled and shredded in preparation for cooking.
Preparing Stinging Tree Shoots
3 Delicious Dishes with Stinging Tree Shoots
Prepared stinging tree shoots can be easily combined with various ingredients such as , , and . The ethnic minorities of the Central Highlands particularly enjoy stinging tree shoots cooked with , .
Additionally, stinging tree shoots can be transformed into a variety of dishes, including porridge, hot pot, stir-fries, and stews. The most notable dish, however, is grilled stinging tree shoots over charcoal or wood fire, served with a dip made from crushed , , and a hint of , creating an extraordinary culinary experience.
Delicious Dishes with Stinging Tree Shoots
Grilled stinging tree shoots have a distinctive aroma and flavor, with a hint of bitterness that is characteristic of this vegetable. They pair exceptionally well with “canh thụt,” also known as “canh bồi” or “canh đại ngàn.” Be sure to try this signature dish of the region.
Grilled Stinging Tree Shoots
This article has provided an insight into the unique stinging tree shoots and their culinary uses. We hope that you now have a deeper understanding of this special vegetable and are inspired to explore more of Vietnam’s diverse cuisine.
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