Authentic Hanoi Banana Blossom Salad Recipe

Banana blossom salad (Nộm hoa chuối) is a rustic yet incredibly appealing dish in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly beloved in Hanoi. Featuring the refreshing crispness of banana blossom combined with the chewy, crunchy texture of pig ears, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also offers significant nutritional value. Let’s dive into the authentic way to make Hanoi-style banana blossom salad with this guide.

Finished bowl of Hanoi-style banana blossom salad with pig ears and peanuts

Ingredients Needed

To make Hanoi-style banana blossom salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Banana blossom: 1 (approx. 500g / 1.1 lbs)
• Pig ear: 300g (approx. 0.66 lbs)
• Carrot: 1 medium
• Roasted peanuts: 50g (approx. 1/3 cup), coarsely crushed
• Fresh herbs: Small bunch (e.g., cilantro, Thai basil)
• Onion: 1/2 medium (preferably red onion)
• Limes: 2 (for juice)
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves
• Fresh chilies: 1-2 (or to taste)
• Seasonings: Salt, sugar, vinegar, fish sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Slicing banana blossom thinly into a bowl of acidulated water

The pig ear needs thorough cleaning. Choose one that is fresh, firm, and odorless. Clean it well using salt and vinegar to eliminate any smell. Boil the ear in water with a bit of vinegar until just cooked through – this helps keep it crisp. Let it cool completely, then slice thinly.

Thinly slice the banana blossom. Immediately submerge the slices in a bowl of water mixed with lime juice or vinegar to prevent them from turning brown (oxidizing). The ‘tây’ variety of banana blossom is recommended as it’s less astringent and crisper than others. After soaking for about 15-20 minutes, drain well, squeezing gently to remove excess water.

Finely shred the carrot. Thinly slice the onion and soak it briefly in ice water to make it milder and crisper; drain well. Wash the fresh herbs and roughly chop them. Mince the garlic and chilies. Juice the limes. Crush the roasted peanuts coarsely.

Make the Dressing

A key factor determining the salad’s flavor is the dressing. Combine the following in a small bowl:

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon water
• Minced garlic and chili

Stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust if needed to achieve a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Assemble the Salad

Once all ingredients are prepared, proceed to mix the salad. In a large bowl, combine the drained sliced banana blossom, shredded carrot, sliced onion, and thinly sliced pig ear. Gradually pour the prepared dressing over them.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated with dressing without being crushed or bruised. Just before serving, stir in most of the chopped fresh herbs and crushed peanuts, reserving some for garnish.

Transfer the salad to a serving platter and garnish with the remaining fresh herbs and crushed peanuts.

Tips for a Delicious Banana Blossom Salad

To ensure your Hanoi-style banana blossom salad achieves the perfect flavor, keep these tips in mind:

• Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest banana blossom and pig ear you can find.
• Soaking Time: Soak the sliced banana blossom for only about 15-20 minutes in the acidulated water. Over-soaking can reduce its natural crispness.
• Pig Ear Texture: Boil the pig ear until just cooked through to maintain its pleasantly chewy and crisp texture; avoid overcooking it until soft.
• Gentle Toss: Mix the salad gently to avoid bruising the delicate banana blossom slices.
• Serve Promptly: Assemble and dress the salad just before serving for optimal texture and freshness.
• Peanut Power: Use freshly roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed, for the best nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Conclusion

Making authentic Hanoi-style banana blossom salad is quite straightforward once you understand the basic steps and key tips. This dish is not only a wonderful suggestion for family meals but also perfect for entertaining guests on special occasions. Give it a try and share your delicious creation with your loved ones!

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