How to Make An Giang’s Water Lily Salad: A True Taste of the Mekong Delta

Water lily salad, a specialty from the riverine region of An Giang, offers a refreshing and flavorful experience. Featuring the water lily flower, which blooms only during the flood season, this dish is not only delicious but also embodies the unique culinary culture of the Mekong Delta.

Ingredients Needed for An Giang’s Water Lily Salad

To prepare An Giang’s water lily salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fresh water lily flowers: 200 grams
• Fresh shrimp: 150 grams
• Pork belly or chicken: 100 grams (optional)
• Bean sprouts: 100 grams
• Herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, mint…
• Small onion: 1
• Fresh limes: 2
• Fresh chilies: 2-3
• Sugar, salt, fish sauce
• Toasted sesame seeds: for garnish

Main ingredients for water lily salad

Preparation Steps for Ingredients

Preparing the Water Lily Flowers

• Remove the tough stems from the water lily flowers, wash them in diluted salt water for about 10 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
• Soak the water lily flowers and bean sprouts in ice water to maintain their crispness.

Preparing the Shrimp and Meat

• Clean the shrimp, remove the whiskers and legs, and let them drain.
• Boil the pork belly until cooked, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
• Slice the onion thinly and soak in diluted salt water to reduce its sharpness.

Preparing the Herbs and Seasonings

• Wash the herbs thoroughly and chop them finely.
• Squeeze the juice from the limes and finely chop the chilies to make the dressing.

How to Make the Dressing for the Salad

The dressing plays a crucial role in creating the distinctive flavor of An Giang’s water lily salad. You can mix it according to this recipe:

• 3 tablespoons of good quality fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of water
• 1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic and chili

Mix the above ingredients well, and adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If you prefer it spicier, increase the amount of chili.

Detailed Instructions for Making An Giang’s Water Lily Salad

Step 1: Cooking the Shrimp

• Heat some oil in a pan, add the shrimp, and stir-fry until they are cooked with a bit of the prepared fish sauce.
• Once the shrimp are cooked, turn off the heat and let them cool.

Step 2: Mixing the Salad

• Place the water lily flowers, bean sprouts, onion, shrimp, and meat in a large bowl.
• Pour the dressing evenly over the mixture, and gently toss with your hands or chopsticks to avoid crushing the ingredients.
• Add the finely chopped herbs and continue to mix well.

Step 3: Finishing the Dish

• Arrange the salad on a plate and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor.
• Garnish with a few slices of chili or Thai basil leaves to make the dish more appealing.

Finished water lily salad dish

Conclusion

An Giang’s water lily salad is a simple yet captivating dish that offers a unique culinary experience with the crispness of water lily flowers, the sweetness of shrimp and meat, and the fragrance of fresh herbs. Try making this dish at home to savor the distinctive flavors of the Mekong Delta. Don’t forget to share your creation with us!

References

• VTC News
• Various resources on Mekong Delta cuisine