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This vibrant Vietnamese carrot salad has become a customer favorite at my Asian-inspired bistro. The recipe comes from my culinary adventures in Vietnam, where I learned the art of balancing flavors. The magic lies in combining crisp carrots with an aromatic dressing that creates the perfect harmony of tastes.
A Symphony of Asian Flavors
This recipe transforms ordinary grated carrots into something extraordinary. The fish sauce dressing adds that distinct Vietnamese essence, while crushed peanuts provide a delightful crunch. It's an ideal appetizer that starts any Asian meal on a bright, fresh note.
Essential Ingredients
- 400g carrots: Choose fresh, crisp carrots with tops attached
- 3 tbsp fish sauce: Authentic Vietnamese fish sauce preferred
- 2 tbsp lime juice: Freshly squeezed
- 3 tbsp sugar: Balances the flavors
- 1 tbsp water: For thinning the dressing
- 1 garlic clove: Finely minced
- Chili to taste: For gentle heat
- 10 coriander seeds: Crushed to release flavor
- Peanuts: Home-roasted and roughly chopped
Preparation Method
- Prepare the carrots
- Grate the carrots using a medium grater for ideal texture.
- Create the dressing
- Combine fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and spices in a mixing bowl.
- Combine ingredients
- Toss the carrots gently with the dressing until well coated.
- Let rest
- Allow flavors to develop for 15 minutes.
- Final touch
- Sprinkle with crushed peanuts just before serving.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing salad chilled as a starter or side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled Asian meats, aromatic rice bowls, or stir-fried noodles. The combination of textures and flavors creates a truly memorable dining experience.
Recipe Tips
- → Can you make this salad ahead of time?
- You can prep the dressing and shred the carrots in advance, but mix them together right before serving. Add the peanuts at the end so they stay crunchy.
- → Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
- Fish sauce provides a distinct flavor, but soy sauce is a good alternative. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still work well in the salad.
- → What’s the best way to grate the carrots?
- Use a medium-sized grater or the medium setting on a food processor. The pieces should be thin but not too fine so they stay crisp.
- → Can other veggies be added?
- Absolutely! Thinly sliced radish or shredded cabbage can bring more crunch. Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro pair wonderfully too.
- → Does the salad have a spicy kick?
- The recipe includes a small amount of spice, but you can easily adjust the heat to your taste or skip it for a milder version.