Authentic Hai Phong Jellyfish Salad Recipe

Jellyfish salad from Hai Phong is a signature dish of the northern coastal region of Vietnam, renowned for its refreshing taste, crunchy texture, and easy-to-eat nature. This dish is not only a favorite in family meals but also frequently appears in festive feasts. If you’re looking for the most authentic way to make Hai Phong jellyfish salad, this article will guide you through each step so you can prepare it at home.

Ingredients Needed

To make Hai Phong jellyfish salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fresh or dried jellyfish: 300g (if using dried jellyfish, soak and preprocess thoroughly before cooking)
• Carrot: 1
• Cucumber: 2
• Herbs: Cilantro, Thai basil, Vietnamese balm
• Roasted peanuts: 50g
• Garlic and chili: 3 cloves of garlic, 2 chili peppers
• Seasonings: Rice vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, salt, lime

Steps to Follow

1. Preparing the Ingredients

• Jellyfish: If using fresh jellyfish, rinse multiple times with diluted saltwater to remove the slime. Then, blanch in boiling water for about 1 minute and drain. If using dried jellyfish, soak in cold water for 4-6 hours until soft, then rinse and blanch in boiling water.
• Carrot and cucumber: Peel, wash, and julienne into bite-sized pieces.
• Herbs: Pick and wash, then finely chop.
• Garlic and chili: Mince finely.

2. Making the Dressing

A crucial factor that determines the flavor of the salad is the dressing. The recipe for the dressing is as follows:

• 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• Minced garlic and chili

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious sweet and sour dressing.

3. Mixing the Salad

• Place the jellyfish, carrot, and cucumber in a large bowl.
• Gradually pour the dressing into the bowl, using chopsticks or gloves to mix evenly so that the ingredients absorb the flavors.
• Add the finely chopped herbs and crushed roasted peanuts to the bowl, and gently mix once more.

4. Presentation and Enjoyment

Arrange the jellyfish salad on a plate, and garnish with additional roasted peanuts and herbs for aesthetic appeal. Hai Phong jellyfish salad should be enjoyed immediately after mixing to maintain its crunchiness and fresh flavor.

Tips for Making Hai Phong Jellyfish Salad

• Choose quality jellyfish: Both fresh and dried jellyfish can be used, but ensure they come from a reliable source to avoid health risks.
• Thorough preprocessing: Rinsing and blanching the jellyfish helps completely remove the slime and any fishy smell.
• Balancing the flavors: The dressing should have a balanced sweet and sour taste, not too salty or too sweet.
• Timing of mixing: Mix the salad just before serving to preserve the crunchiness of the ingredients.

Conclusion

Hai Phong jellyfish salad is a simple dish that requires meticulous preparation and processing. With the detailed recipe provided above, you can easily make this dish at home to treat your family and friends. Feel free to experiment and adjust according to your taste to create your unique version of jellyfish salad. Don’t forget to share your results with us!