Delicious and Attractive Banana Blossom and Dried Squid Salad Recipe

Banana blossom and dried squid salad is a signature dish of Vietnamese cuisine, combining the sweet crunch of banana blossom, the distinctive aroma of dried squid, and various herbs. This dish is not only easy to make but also perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare banana blossom and dried squid salad for about 4 servings, you need the following ingredients:

• Dried squid: 400 grams (about 3 pieces)
• Banana blossom: 500 grams (1 blossom)
• Star fruit: 3 fruits
• Thai basil: 100 grams
• Fresh chili: 2 pieces
• Sugar/salt: a little

Delicious banana blossom and dried squid salad

How to Choose Good Dried Squid

Choosing quality dried squid plays a crucial role in creating the flavor of the dish. Here are some tips to help you select good dried squid:

• Choose large dried squid with a thick layer of powder on the skin, as the meat will be firmer and sweeter.
• Prefer fresh dried squid that is neither too soft nor too hard. The tentacles and head should be firmly attached to the body, not detached or peeling.
• Avoid buying pre-shredded squid, as this is often of lower quality or mixed with counterfeit squid.

Steps to Make Banana Blossom and Dried Squid Salad

Step 1: Preparing the Banana Blossom

• Wash the banana blossom thoroughly with water, then slice it into thin, bite-sized strips. Soak the banana blossom in diluted saltwater for about 10 minutes to reduce bitterness and prevent discoloration.
• Rinse the banana blossom twice with clean water, drain, and soak again in diluted saltwater (or vinegar, lemon juice) for another 10 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing Other Ingredients

• Wash the Thai basil, let it drain, and cut it into small, bite-sized strips.
• Remove the stems from the chilies and slice them thinly.
• Wash the star fruit, remove the edges, and slice it lengthwise into thin strips.

Step 3: Processing the Dried Squid

• Place the dried squid in a pan and roast it with a little alcohol. Cook over medium heat and flip frequently with chopsticks for about 5 minutes.
• When the squid curls up, the alcohol burns off, and it emits a distinctive aroma, remove it from the heat, let it cool, and then shred it into small strips.

Step 4: Mixing the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine the shredded dried squid, banana blossom, and star fruit slices. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 sliced chilies, and the Thai basil strips.
• Wear gloves and mix all the ingredients well. Squeeze firmly to release the sour juice from the star fruit and dissolve the sugar evenly into the mixture.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste and arrange on a serving plate.

Conclusion

The recipe for banana blossom and dried squid salad is not complicated but requires meticulous attention to each step of preparation and mixing. With a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, sweet, and crunchy flavors, this dish is sure to provide an exciting culinary experience for the whole family. Try it out and share your thoughts on this unique dish!

References:

• VOV Traffic
• Traditional Vietnamese cooking guides