Delicious Central Vietnamese Vegan Banana Blossom Salad Recipe

Vegan banana blossom salad from Central Vietnam is a light and flavorful traditional dish. With a simple preparation method and easily accessible ingredients, you can make this salad at home to enjoy or treat your family.

Ingredients Needed

To create a delicious vegan banana blossom salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Banana blossom: 1 medium (preferably young, not bruised or blackened).
• Fried tofu: 2 pieces (cut into bite-sized pieces).
• Carrot: 1 medium (shredded into thin strips).
• Roasted peanuts: 100g (lightly crushed).
• Herbs: Mint, cilantro, and Vietnamese coriander (washed and finely chopped).
• Fresh chili: 1-2 (finely chopped, to taste).
• Vegan fish sauce: 3 tablespoons.
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons.
• Lime juice: 2 tablespoons.
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced).
• Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon.
• Other seasonings: Salt, pepper.

Vegan banana blossom salad ingredients

Tips for Choosing Fresh Banana Blossom

Choose a young banana blossom that is ivory white and shows no signs of blackening. After purchasing, slice it thinly and immediately soak it in a diluted saltwater solution with lime to maintain its color and crispness.

Steps for Preparing Ingredients

Thorough preparation is crucial for achieving a perfect salad.

Preparing the Banana Blossom

1. Slice the banana blossom into thin, even strips.
2. Soak immediately in a diluted saltwater solution with lime (1 liter of water + 1 tablespoon of salt + 1 tablespoon of lime juice) for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any bitterness.
4. Briefly blanch the banana blossom for 2-3 minutes, then drain and let it dry.

Preparing Other Ingredients

• Fried tofu: Cut into small pieces and re-fry until crispy.
• Carrot: Shred into thin strips.
• Herbs: Wash and finely chop.
• Roasted peanuts: Lightly crush.
• Fresh chili: Finely chop to the desired level of spiciness.

Preparing ingredients for vegan banana blossom salad

Making the Salad Dressing

The salad dressing plays a crucial role in the flavor of the dish. Prepare it using the following recipe:

• Mix thoroughly: 3 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, minced garlic, and chopped chili.
• Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. Adjust the taste to achieve a balanced sweet and sour flavor.

“A small tip from culinary expert Nguyen Thi Mai: Using high-quality vegan fish sauce will enhance the flavor of the salad.”

Mixing the Vegan Banana Blossom Salad

1. Place the blanched banana blossom in a large bowl.
2. Add the fried tofu, shredded carrot, and finely chopped herbs.
3. Slowly pour the salad dressing over the ingredients.
4. Gently mix to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Mixing vegan banana blossom salad

Finishing and Enjoying

• Arrange the salad on a plate and sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts on top.
• Garnish with additional herbs for added visual appeal.
• Enjoy immediately while the banana blossom is still fresh and crispy, complemented by the richness of the tofu and the sweetness of the carrot.

Tips to Make the Salad More Appealing

• You can add bean sprouts, cucumber, or onions for added variety.
• If you prefer spicy food, add chili powder or sate sauce to the dressing.
• Mix gently to avoid crushing the banana blossom.

“According to Ms. Lan from Quang Nam: ‘Vegan banana blossom salad may be simple, but it requires meticulous preparation to ensure its distinctive flavor.'”

Unique Variations for the Salad

You can experiment with some variations to make the salad more diverse:

• Add vegan spare ribs: Fry vegan spare ribs until crispy and mix them into the salad.
• Combine with vegan shrimp: Sauté vegan shrimp until fragrant and add to the salad.
• Use mushrooms: Add straw mushrooms or wood ear mushrooms to enhance the natural flavor.

Conclusion

With the detailed instructions above, you can easily prepare a delicious Central Vietnamese vegan banana blossom salad at home. This dish is not only light but also rich in traditional culinary culture. Get cooking and share your creation with your loved ones!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Question 1: How can I prevent the banana blossom from turning black?
  Answer: Soak the banana blossom in a diluted saltwater solution with lime immediately after slicing.
• Question 2: What can I use instead of vegan fish sauce?
  Answer: You can use soy sauce or vegan seasoning powder.
• Question 3: How long can I store vegan banana blossom salad?
  Answer: It’s best to eat it immediately after mixing. If there are leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to one day.
• Question 4: Can I make the salad without fried tofu?
  Answer: You can replace it with bean sprouts, cucumber, or other vegetables.
• Question 5: How can I keep roasted peanuts from becoming soggy?
  Answer: Roast them thoroughly, lightly crush them, and store them in an airtight container.