Delicious Dried Shrimp and Water Spinach Salad Recipe

The dried shrimp and water spinach salad is a rustic dish that boasts a unique and appealing flavor. With its simple preparation and easily accessible ingredients, this dish is not only nutritious but also adds variety to family meals. Let’s explore the detailed recipe to make this delicious salad right at home.

Ingredients Needed

To make a delicious and authentic dried shrimp and water spinach salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 100g dried shrimp
• 500g fresh water spinach
• Cilantro, Vietnamese coriander, Thai basil (one sprig each)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2 chopped chili peppers
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 2.5 tablespoons fish sauce
• Common seasonings: sugar, salt, MSG

Ingredients for dried shrimp and water spinach salad

Tips for Choosing Quality Dried Shrimp

• Choose dried shrimp of medium size, not too large or too small.
• Prefer dried shrimp with a natural light red color; avoid buying shrimp that are too dark, as they may have been dyed or stored for too long.
• Buy dried shrimp from reputable supermarkets or stores to ensure hygiene and quality.

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preparing ingredients for dried shrimp and water spinach salad

• Dried shrimp: Soak the dried shrimp in warm water (60-80°C) for about 30 minutes to soften. Then rinse them with cold water.
• Water spinach: Remove the old leaves, cut into pieces about 3 finger lengths, and wash thoroughly with water several times.
• Herbs: Wash the cilantro, Thai basil, and Vietnamese coriander, then cut into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Boil the Water Spinach

• Boil 500ml of water in a pot, add ½ teaspoon of salt to make the spinach greener.
• When the water is boiling vigorously, add the water spinach and boil for 2 minutes.
• Remove the spinach and immediately soak it in a bowl of ice water for 3 minutes to keep it crispy and maintain its vibrant green color.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Dressing

Mix the following ingredients in a bowl:

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Minced chili and garlic

Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves and the flavors blend together.

Step 4: Sauté the Dried Shrimp

• Heat a pan, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and the remaining minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
• Add the prepped dried shrimp and stir-fry over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
• Add 1 teaspoon of MSG and ½ tablespoon of fish sauce, continue stirring for another 2 minutes to let the shrimp absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Mix the Salad

• Combine all the ingredients, including water spinach, dried shrimp, and herbs, in a large bowl.
• Pour the salad dressing over the mixture and add ½ tablespoon of crushed roasted peanuts.
• Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Finalize and Present

Dried shrimp and water spinach salad

• Arrange the dried shrimp and water spinach salad on a plate, garnish with additional crushed roasted peanuts and herbs for added visual appeal.
• This colorful and harmoniously tangy and spicy salad is sure to delight the whole family.

Finished Product

The completed dried shrimp and water spinach salad is visually striking with the green of the water spinach mixed with the orange-red of the dried shrimp. When enjoyed, you’ll experience the crunchiness of the water spinach combined with the rich, savory flavor of the dried shrimp and the robust taste of the dressing. This dish is perfect to serve with white rice, porridge, or rice paper.

Tips for a Perfect Salad

• Choosing Fresh Water Spinach: Opt for water spinach with a deep green color, tender stems, and crisp texture. Avoid buying overly large or unusually green spinach, as it may have been treated with growth stimulants.
• Boiling Time for Water Spinach: Only boil the water spinach until it’s just cooked to maintain its crunchiness. Soaking it in ice water immediately after boiling will enhance its crispness and keep its color vibrant.
• Salad Dressing: Adjust the amounts of sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice according to your family’s taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of chili.

Conclusion

With the simple recipe for dried shrimp and water spinach salad provided above, you can easily prepare this delicious dish at home. Not only is it nutritious, but it also offers a wonderful culinary experience for the whole family. Give it a try and share your results with us!

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