How to Make Binh Dinh’s Shrimp and Green Mango Salad

Shrimp and green mango salad is a signature dish from Binh Dinh, featuring a refreshing sweet and sour flavor combined with the crunch of freshwater shrimp and green mango. This is not only a rustic dish but also embodies the unique culinary culture of the Central Vietnamese people.

Ingredients

To make an authentic Binh Dinh shrimp and green mango salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Freshwater shrimp: 300 grams
• Green mango: 2 medium-sized
• Carrot: 1 small
• Assorted herbs (such as Vietnamese coriander, fish mint)
• Roasted peanuts
• Fresh chili, garlic, lime
• Basic seasonings: sugar, salt, fish sauce

Ingredients for shrimp and green mango salad

Steps

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by cleaning the freshwater shrimp. Rinse them with a light salt solution, then boil them with a bit of salt and crushed ginger to remove any fishy smell. Once cooked, drain the shrimp, peel the shells, and keep the meat.

Peel the green mango and shred it into long, thin strips. Do the same with the carrot. Soak both in ice water for about 15 minutes to maintain their crunchiness.

Making the Salad Dressing

A crucial element that determines the flavor of the salad is the dressing. Here’s the recipe for the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons of good fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon of minced chili

Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a syrupy blend with a harmonious sweet and sour taste.

Mixing the Salad

Place the drained green mango and carrot in a large bowl. Add the prepared shrimp. Gradually pour the dressing over the ingredients, and gently massage them to ensure the flavors are well absorbed.

Finally, add finely chopped herbs and crushed roasted peanuts, and mix well. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Finished shrimp and green mango salad

Finished Product Requirements

The standard shrimp and green mango salad must meet the following criteria:

• Eye-catching colors with the red-orange of the shrimp, pale yellow of the carrot, and the light green of the mango
• A balanced sweet and sour taste, rich but not overpowering
• The characteristic crunchiness of the mango and shrimp
• The aroma of the herbs and roasted peanuts

Tips and Notes

• Choose fresh, live shrimp of medium size to ensure the sweetness of the meat
• Select mangoes that are just ripe enough, not too young or too ripe
• Adjust the sweetness and sourness to personal taste
• It’s best to serve immediately after mixing to maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients

The process of making Binh Dinh’s shrimp and green mango salad is simple but requires meticulous attention to detail to create an appealing dish. We hope that through this article, you have learned the secrets to preparing this specialty at home. Give it a try and share your results!

References:

• Tay Son Rice Rolls
• Documents on Binh Dinh cuisine