Banana Blossom Salad Recipe Goi Bap Chuoi

Ever wondered what happens when you blend the exotic allure of banana blossoms with the savory goodness of chicken and the zestiness of lime? Let’s dive into this vibrant culinary adventure and create a Banana Blossom Salad that’ll make your taste buds dance and your Instagram followers want a bite!

My Banana Blossom Salad, or Goi Bap Chuoi, presents a colorful, crunchy, and tasty dish that is a great way to enjoy Vietnam’s fabulous cuisine. It’s sort of a riff on that staple salad: Chicken, shrimp, and a tangy dressing make it a classic.

But it’s also a riff on 2nd-generation dishes that make better use of the underutilized banana blossom. With this salad, you get a generous serving of the crisp blossoms.

They are as refreshing as a surfside breeze.

Banana Blossom Salad Recipe Goi Bap Chuoi Ingredients

• Banana Blossom: Rich in fiber, supports digestion, unique texture.
• Shredded Chicken Breast: High in protein, lean, helps muscle repair.
• Prawns: Low in calories, high in protein, rich in omega-3.
• Carrot: High in beta-carotene, supports vision, adds sweetness.
• Cucumber: Hydrating, low-calorie, refreshing crunch.
• Bean Sprouts: Low in calories, rich in vitamin C, crunchy.
• Red Chili: Adds heat, boosts metabolism, source of vitamin C.
• Lime Juice: Sour and refreshing, high in vitamin C.
• Fish Sauce: Adds umami, savory depth, enhances flavor.
• Mint Leaves: Refreshing aroma, aids digestion, adds freshness.
• Cilantro Leaves: Bright flavor, aids in digestion, rich in antioxidants.
• Roasted Peanuts: Adds crunch, rich in protein and healthy fats.

Banana Blossom Salad Recipe Goi Bap Chuoi Ingredient Quantities

• 1 banana blossom
• 200g shredded chicken breast
• 100g prawns, boiled and peeled
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 100g bean sprouts
• 1 red chili, sliced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small bunch of fresh mint leaves
• 1 small bunch of fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Water for soaking
• 1 teaspoon salt for soaking

How to Make this Banana Blossom Salad Recipe Goi Bap Chuoi

1. Banana Blossom Salad Recipe (Gỏi Bắp Chuối):

2. Prepare the Banana Blossom:
Take off the hard, stiff outer layers of the banana blossom until you reach the soft, tender inner layers. Slice the core very thinly and put the slices into a bowl of water with 1 teaspoon of salt to keep it from turning color. Let sit for 20 minutes.

3. Prepare the Dressing:
Mix in a small bowl the juice of limes, fish sauce, sugar, and minced garlic until combined and the sugar dissolves. Taste for seasoning. Adjust if necessary.

4. Combine Vegetables:
In a big mixing bowl, mix together the carrot, cucumber, and bean sprouts, cut into fine strips.

5. Add Banana Blossom:
Sliced and drained banana blossom should then be added to the vegetable mixture in the large bowl.

6. Mix in Protein:
In the bowl with the vegetables and banana blossom, add the shredded chicken breast and boiled, peeled prawns.

7. Add Herbs and Spice:
Combine fresh mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and sliced red chili with the mixture.

8. Mix Salad:
Put the dressing you prepared over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until the salad is well mixed and evenly coated. It should be done by now.

9. Garnish:
Sesame oil should be drizzled over the salad. Roasted peanuts should be sprinkled on top.

10. Final Adjustments:
Check the salad for seasoning. If it needs adjusting, do it with some lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar, to taste.
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1. To serve: Plate the salad and serve it right away to experience the fresh flavors and multiple textures.
Savor your very own Banana Blossom Salad made fresh at home!

Banana Blossom Salad Recipe Goi Bap Chuoi Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl (for soaking banana blossom)
2. Small bowl (for mixing dressing)
3. Large mixing bowl (for combining salad ingredients)
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife
6. Peeler (optional, for julienning)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Serving plate or platter (for serving salad)

FAQ

• What is a banana blossom and where can I find it?The flower found at the end of a cluster of banana fruits is known as banana blossom or banana heart. It has purple skin and you can see it in the grocery stores of Asia or in specialty markets.
• How do I prepare a banana blossom for the salad?Remove the outer layers, slice the interior part thinly, and soak it in salted or lime juice water for about 10-15 minutes while it is submerged to keep it from turning brown and to remove any bitterness that might be present.
• Can I substitute the chicken or prawns in this recipe?Certainly! Tofu or tempeh can be used in place of fish for a vegetarian option. You might also use other seafood, like squid or cooked mussels, to change things up.
• Is the fish sauce necessary in this recipe?A distinct umami taste is imparted by fish sauce, yet if need be, you can replace it with soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?You can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time but you should put the salad together just before serving to keep it fresh and texturally interesting. Though it is best right after assembly, the salad is also still good the next day if you store it in the fridge and let it come to room temp before digging in.
• What can I serve with this Banana Blossom Salad?This salad is perfect alongside grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal. It’s also a refreshing starter.

Banana Blossom Salad Recipe Goi Bap Chuoi Substitutions and Variations

One medium cabbage, thinly sliced, can be used in place of one banana blossom.
200g shredded chicken breast can be replaced with 200g shredded tofu for an option that is suitable for vegetarians.
If unavailable, 100g cooked shrimp can replace 100g prawns.
A vegetarian version of fish sauce can be made by substituting soy sauce.
Roasted cashews or almonds can take the place of roasted peanuts.

Pro Tips

1. Optimize Banana Blossom Preparation When slicing the banana blossom, use a sharp knife to achieve thin, even slices. Immediately place the slices in the salted water to prevent browning and bitterness.

2. Balance the Dressing Taste the dressing before combining it with the salad. If it’s too salty, add more lime juice or sugar. If it’s too sweet, a little extra fish sauce can balance it out. This ensures the dressing complements the salad perfectly.

3. Infuse Flavor in Protein For extra flavor, consider marinating the shredded chicken breast and prawns in a bit of the prepared dressing for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the salad.

4. Chill for Crispness After mixing the salad, refrigerate it for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This enhances the crispness of the vegetables and allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

5. Customize the Heat Adjust the amount of sliced red chili to your preference. If you prefer a milder salad, deseed the chili or use less. For more heat, include additional chili or even a spicier variety.