Tiếng Việt
ไทยIf you are a “fan” of snacks with a sour, spicy taste and a rich sea flavor, dried squid hog plum salad will surely make you “fall in love” from the first taste. This seemingly simple dish is a delicate blend of the crispness of hog plums, the rich flavor of dried squid, and a flavorful salad dressing. Let’s explore with Ola Squid how to make this delicious dish at home, saving money and ensuring food safety!
Dried Squid Hog Plum Salad – An Addictive Unique Combination
Dried squid hog plum salad is not just a snack, but a captivating “symphony of taste.” The light sourness from the crunchy green hog plums, combined with the fragrant, chewy dried squid, all blended in a rich, slightly spicy, and enticing dressing, awakens all the senses after just one bite.
It’s no coincidence that this dish has become a familiar “companion” for everyone from students to office workers. The salad is not only delicious but also provides a refreshing feeling, dispelling fatigue, like a “mental vitamin” after stressful study or work hours.
Simple Ingredients for Dried Squid Hog Plum Salad
To create a delicious and authentic dried squid hog plum salad, the ingredient preparation plays a crucial role. You don’t need to search for overly complicated ingredients; with just a few familiar items and a touch of care in selection, you can make a delicious and high-quality dish at home.
Main Ingredients to Prepare
- Green Hog Plum: 4-5 fruits. Choose the plump variety, large, crisp, with little fiber, and a characteristic light sour taste.
- Dried Squid: 1-2 pieces depending on size. You can use whole dried squid to grill and shred or pre-shredded dried squid if you want to save time.
- Spices: Minced garlic, pounded fresh chili, granulated sugar, good quality fish sauce, Tay Ninh shrimp salt – these are the elements that create the characteristic flavor of the salad.
- Optional Toppings: Chopped Vietnamese mint, crushed roasted peanuts, adding aroma, richness, and an attractive color to the dish.
Notes on Choosing Ingredients
To make the dried squid hog plum salad irresistibly delicious, be discerning in your ingredient selection:
- Dried Squid: Prioritize squid with thick bodies, firm flesh, a natural off-white surface, no strange odor, and no mold. When grilled, it will have a moderate chewiness and a characteristic sea aroma.
- Green Hog Plum: Choose fruits that are bright green, not soft, and not bruised. Avoid buying hog plums that are too young (easily astringent) or too ripe (mushy, losing crispness).
- Spices: Don’t skimp on small but mighty ingredients like good fish sauce or quality shrimp salt; they are the “soul” that creates the rich and well-rounded flavor of the salad.
Depending on your taste, you can also create variations like dried squid mango salad with sweet and sour green mango or pomelo salad with shrimp and squid for a refreshing taste, making the dish more novel.
How to Make a Flavorful Sour and Spicy Dried Squid Hog Plum Salad
When the ingredients are ready, it’s time for the most important part: preparing the dried squid hog plum salad. With the following three simple yet delicate steps, you can easily transform seemingly simple ingredients into a snack that will make everyone exclaim with delight.
Step 1 – Preparing Hog Plum and Dried Squid
- Green Hog Plum: Peel, wash thoroughly, then shred or slice thinly as desired. To increase crispness, soak the hog plums in ice water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
- Dried Squid: Grill the squid over charcoal, an electric grill, or a gas stove. Grill just enough to bring out its characteristic aroma, then shred into small, bite-sized pieces. If using pre-shredded squid, you can lightly pan-fry it to enhance the aroma before mixing.
Step 2 – Making the “Divine” Salad Dressing
The soul of the dried squid hog plum salad is the dressing, which harmoniously binds all the flavors together.
- Mix the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons good fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Tay Ninh shrimp salt
- Minced garlic and pounded fresh chili
- Stir well until all ingredients are completely dissolved, creating a slightly thick mixture with a fragrant fish sauce aroma, the pungent spiciness of garlic and chili, and a balanced sweet and savory taste.
Step 3 – Mixing the Salad and Enjoying
- Place the drained hog plums in a large bowl, add the shredded dried squid.
- Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the top, mix gently to ensure the hog plums and squid are well coated with the seasoning.
- Finally, sprinkle with chopped Vietnamese mint, crushed roasted peanuts, and a little shrimp salt on top to enhance the aroma, richness, and visual appeal.
See more: How to Make Delicious and Simple Dried Squid Banh Trang Tron at Home
Tips to Make the Salad More Delicious
To make the dried squid hog plum salad not just delicious but also rich and captivating from the first bite, don’t overlook these small tips. Although simple, if applied correctly, the dish will be significantly enhanced, making everyone who tastes it praise its deliciousness.
How to Grill Squid for Aroma Without Toughness
Grill the squid over hot charcoal or an electric grill with medium heat to retain its moisture and natural sweetness. While grilling, turn it frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. When the squid slightly puffs up and emits a fragrant aroma, it’s ready. Absolutely do not grill for too long, as the squid will become dry, tough, and lose its characteristic flavor.
What to Do if Hog Plums are Too Sour?
If the hog plums are too sour, you can briefly soak them in diluted sugar water for 5-10 minutes to mellow the harsh sourness. Then, drain the hog plums completely before mixing the salad to avoid diluting the dressing. This method helps to balance the salad, making it palatable while retaining its natural crispness. A small but extremely effective trick to rescue overly sour hog plums.
What Toppings to Add for a More Novel Salad?
To make the dried squid hog plum salad more visually appealing and novel, you can get creative with various toppings. Shredded green mango, carrots, or fragrant fried dried shrimp are ideal choices. Adding a little crispy fried shallots will enhance the aroma and increase the “addictiveness” of the salad. Not only will it taste better, but it will also create a novel sensation with each bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions when making dried squid hog plum salad at home. If you have any concerns before heading to the kitchen, refer to these answers to make the dish more complete and easier to succeed.
How Long Can Dried Squid Hog Plum Salad Be Stored?
It is best to enjoy the salad immediately after mixing to fully appreciate the crispness of the hog plums and the delicious aroma of the squid. If you need to store it, place the salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator’s cool compartment, consuming within 4-6 hours. However, avoid storing it overnight as the hog plums can become soft, release water, and lose their original freshness.
Does Dried Squid Need to Be Boiled First?
No, the squid does not need to be boiled before preparation. Simply grill it lightly over low heat until it releases its aroma, then shred it to be used immediately. Boiling will cause the squid to lose its characteristic chewiness and flavor, making the salad less appealing.
Can Hog Plums Be Replaced With Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! If hog plums are not available, you can substitute them with green mangoes, which have a similar light sourness and crispness. However, the dried squid hog plum salad still possesses a very unique flavor: intensely sour, crispy, and stimulating, which mangoes find hard to fully replicate. Try both to feel the difference!
With easily available ingredients, simple preparation, and quick cooking time, dried squid hog plum salad is an ideal choice for gatherings with friends, leisurely weekend afternoons, or simply when you need to “recharge your spirit.” Try making this flavorful salad yourself, and you’ll be surprised at how delicious a dish you can create with your own hands!
