Authentic Phan Thiet Mai Fish Salad: Sour & Spicy Recipe

Phan Thiet’s signature sour and spicy Mai fish salad is a culinary delight, offering a distinctive flavor that perfectly combines the tanginess of lime, the spiciness of chili, and the sweet freshness of Mai fish. Let’s explore how to make this sour and spicy Mai fish salad to savor the taste of the sea right at home.

Sour and spicy Mai fish salad is not only a popular dish in Phan Thiet but also an excellent choice for anyone who loves the fresh flavors of the ocean. This dish is often served at family gatherings or parties with friends.

Ingredients for Sour & Spicy Mai Fish Salad

To make sour and spicy Mai fish salad for 4 people, you will need the following ingredients:

• Mai fish: 300g
• Minced garlic: 2 tablespoons
• Sour tamarind: A small amount (seedless)
• Minced chili: 1 tablespoon
• Limes: 5
• Green onions: 3 stalks
• Sugar water: 1.5 cups
• Roasted peanuts: 2 cups
• Fresh chilies: 4
• Grilled rice paper: 1 sheet
• Assorted fresh herbs: A small amount (lettuce, basil)
• Fish sauce: 5 tablespoons
• Common seasonings: A small amount (salt, sugar, MSG)

Equipment

To prepare the sour and spicy Mai fish salad, you will need the following tools:

• Blender
• Pot
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Plastic gloves

How to Make Sour & Spicy Mai Fish Salad

Preparing the Mai Fish

When you buy Mai fish, place them in a colander and rinse gently under running water, tossing them to remove any impurities. Next, cut off the heads and tails, then remove the guts. Rinse thoroughly with water 2-3 more times.

Cleaning and preparing Mai fish

Making the Chili Salad Mixture

In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, a small amount of seedless sour tamarind, 1 tablespoon of minced chili, 1/2 tablespoon of salt, 1/2 tablespoon of MSG, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Put on plastic gloves and mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Mixing chili paste for the salad dressing

Curing with Lime and Squeezing the Mai Fish

In a large bowl containing 300g of Mai fish, squeeze in the juice of 3 limes. Then, use your hands to mix gently to avoid breaking the fish. Continue mixing until the fish turns opaque white. After that, squeeze the Mai fish to remove all the lime juice and water from its body. Transfer the squeezed, dry fish to another bowl, ready for mixing.

Curing Mai fish with lime juice and squeezing excess liquid

Mixing the Mai Fish Salad

Add all the prepared chili mixture to the bowl of Mai fish, then use your hands to gently mix until the chili is evenly absorbed into each fish.

Tip: Place the mixed fish in the refrigerator for about 7-10 minutes. This will make the fish taste better when eaten and help keep it fresh while you prepare the dipping sauce.

Mixing Mai fish with the spicy salad dressing

Making the Dipping Sauce

In a blender, combine 1.5 cups of sugar water (1.5 cups water mixed with 7 tablespoons sugar), 5 tablespoons of fish sauce, 4 fresh chilies, and 1.5 cups of roasted peanuts. Blend at low speed until the mixture is smooth, thick, and has a golden-brown color. Pour the dipping sauce mixture into a pot, heat over medium heat, and squeeze in the juice of 2 limes. Stir well until the mixture is combined. Once the dipping sauce simmers, turn off the heat, remove from the stove, and let it cool.

Tip: Depending on the saltiness of your fish sauce, adjust the amount to your taste. You can also add or reduce other seasonings to suit your preference.

Blending ingredients for the dipping sauce

Finishing

Arrange the Mai fish on a plate, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of roasted peanuts, sliced green onions, and chopped chilies. Place a plate of fresh herbs and grilled rice paper on the side. Finally, pour the dipping sauce into a small bowl, and it’s ready to be enjoyed.

Plating the finished Mai fish salad with accompaniments

Finished Dish

The Mai fish salad is visually appealing and delicious. The tender, sweet Mai fish meat blends perfectly with the sourness of lime, the spiciness of chili, and the rich flavor of peanuts. Wrap the fish with fresh herbs or enjoy it with crispy grilled rice paper, dipping generously into the fragrant sauce for a surprisingly delightful experience.

Close-up of the delicious Mai fish salad

How to Choose Fresh, Delicious Mai Fish

To select good Mai fish, choose those that are whole to ensure freshness, as sellers often cut off the heads and tails beforehand. Fresh Mai fish typically have clear eyes, a translucent body, and a shining silver-white stripe down the middle. Look for fish with thick, slightly plump bodies, as these will have more meat and fewer bones. Absolutely avoid fish that are opaque white or yellowish, as these have likely been cold-stored or treated with hormones.

What is Mai Fish?

Mai fish is a small, slender fish, about 8-10 cm long and the size of an index finger. It has a long, white-striped body with clear, firm flesh and primarily lives in coastal waters. It is concentrated in the sea areas of Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan provinces. Mai fish is similar to anchovies and sardines but has less of a fishy odor. Its outer scales resemble those of anchovies but are thinner. Mai fish meat is sweet, crispy, and not fishy.

Conclusion

Sour and spicy Mai fish salad is not only delicious but also embodies the rich flavors of the sea. With a simple preparation method and easily accessible ingredients, you can effortlessly make this dish at home to treat your family and friends. Try it now to experience the irresistible allure of authentic Phan Thiet sour and spicy Mai fish salad!

If you wish to explore more salad recipes, refer to how to make shrimp and pork salad or how to make shrimp and lotus stem salad for more options for your meals.

We wish you success and a delicious meal!