How to Make Delicious Mekong Delta Water Lily and Carp Salad

Water lily is a characteristic ingredient of the Mekong Delta region, often abundant during the flood season. With its unique flavor and vibrant color, water lily is not only used in traditional folk remedies but also features in many delicious dishes like water lily and carp salad. This dish offers a harmonious blend of the natural sweet crunch of carp, the refreshing tang of water lily, and the rich flavor of the mixed fish sauce.

Ingredients Needed

To make water lily and carp salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fresh carp: 300 grams (choose medium-sized, firm-fleshed fish)
• Water lily: 200 grams (select fresh, bright yellow flowers)
• Bean sprouts: 100 grams
• Herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, Vietnamese mint
• Onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
• Chili: 2 (adjust to taste)
• Lime: 2
• Sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic
• Toasted sesame seeds for topping
• Shrimp crackers to serve on the side

Water lily and carp salad ingredients

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Rinse the carp with a light salt solution, let it drain. Then, briefly boil it with a little fish sauce to firm up the fish and let it absorb the flavors.
• Remove the tough stems from the water lily, rinse well, and soak in a light salt solution for about 10 minutes. Rinse again with clean water and let it drain.
• Rinse the bean sprouts and let them drain. Thinly slice the onion and soak it in a light salt solution to reduce its sharpness.
• Rinse the herbs and chop them finely.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Dressing

The salad dressing plays a crucial role in determining the flavor of the dish. Here’s the recipe for the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons of good fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 1 clove of minced garlic
• 1-2 minced chilies (adjust to taste)

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the sugar completely dissolves. Taste and adjust to achieve a balanced sweet and sour flavor.

Water lily and carp salad dressing

Step 3: Mix the Salad

• Place the boiled carp in a large bowl, then add the water lily, bean sprouts, onion, and prepared herbs.
• Gradually pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients, gently mixing with your hands or chopsticks to avoid crushing them.
• Taste one last time and sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor.

Enjoying Water Lily and Carp Salad

Water lily and carp salad is a perfect combination of the sweet crunch of carp, the refreshing tang of water lily, and the rich flavor of the dressing. This dish is especially appealing when served with crispy grilled shrimp crackers. It’s not just a delicious meal but also a distinctive culinary feature of the Mekong Delta region.

When enjoying this salad, you’ll experience layers of flavors blending together: the sweet and sour taste of the dressing, the crunch of the carp, the refreshing taste of the water lily and herbs. All of these elements create a dish that is quintessentially Mekong Delta, offering an unforgettable experience.

We hope with these detailed instructions, you can make water lily and carp salad at home to treat your family and friends. Give it a try to experience the unique flavor of this dish!