Authentic Vietnamese Goi Tom Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Shrimp Salad Experience

Ingredients

  • 1 kg medium sized fresh prawns
  • 200g shredded green papaya
  • 200g shredded carrot
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 fresh red chilies, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • Fried shallots for garnish
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by peeling and deveining the prawns, leaving the tails intact. Boil them in salted water until they are just cooked, then drain and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded green papaya and carrot. Add a little salt and massage until they become soft.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped red chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved to create the dressing.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the shredded papaya and carrot. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  5. Add the cooled prawns, fresh mint and basil leaves to the bowl. Toss again until everything is well mixed.
  6. Sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts and fried shallots before serving.
  7. Enjoy your delicious Goi Tom!

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for slicing and shredding vegetables.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting and deveining prawns, as well as chopping herbs.
  • Large bowl - Used for tossing and mixing the ingredients.
  • Small bowl - For preparing the dressing.
  • Measuring spoons - Needed to accurately measure the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.
  • Saucepan - Used to boil the prawns.
  • Colander - For draining the cooked prawns.
  • Serving platter - To present the Goi Tom.
  • Kitchen tongs - Useful for tossing and mixing the ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Replace prawns with cooked shredded chicken or tofu for a meat-free option.
  • Add sliced cucumber or julienned bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.
  • Include bean sprouts for additional texture.
  • For a spicier kick, add finely chopped bird's eye chilies to the dressing.
  • Substitute green papaya with green mango for a tangier flavor.
  • Try using a combination of different herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil.
  • For a creamier dressing, mix in a spoonful of creamy peanut butter.
  • Add sliced red onions or shallots for extra flavor.
  • Garnish with crispy fried garlic or crushed roasted sesame seeds.

Recipe overview

Goi Tom, or Vietnamese Shrimp Salad, is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish. It features fresh, vibrant ingredients like green papaya, carrot, mint, and basil, tossed together with succulent prawns and a tangy, spicy dressing. The dish is then topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and fried shallots for an added layer of texture and flavor. This easy-to-make salad is sure to impress with its unique blend of textures and mouthwatering flavors. Whether you're new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned veteran, this Goi Tom recipe is one you'll want to make again and again.

Common questions

  1. Can I use cooked prawns instead of fresh ones?
  2. Yes, you can use cooked prawns if you prefer. Just make sure they are properly cooled before adding them to the salad.
  3. Can I substitute green papaya with something else?
  4. If you can't find green papaya, you can use green mango as a substitute. It will provide a similar crunchy texture.
  5. Can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?
  6. Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red chilies according to your taste preferences.
  7. Can I make this salad in advance?
  8. It is best to serve Goi Tom immediately after preparing it to maintain its freshness and crunchiness. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and mix them together just before serving.
  9. Can I omit the peanuts?
  10. Yes, you can omit the peanuts if you have allergies or simply prefer not to include them. The salad will still be delicious.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Kitchen Knife - To peel and devein the prawns, as well as chop the garlic and red chilies.
  • Cutting Board - To safely chop vegetables and herbs.
  • Colander - For draining the cooked prawns.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.
  • Serving Platter - To present the Goi Tom beautifully.
  • Tongs - To toss and mix the ingredients together.
  • Garnish Shaker - To sprinkle the chopped peanuts and fried shallots on top.
  • Ladle - For pouring the dressing over the shredded papaya and carrot.

Origin stories

Goi Tom, this delightful and refreshing salad hails from Vietnam. It is a part of Vietnam's varied and vibrant salad tradition, showcasing the country's love for fresh, crisp textures and bold, tangy flavors. The use of green papaya and carrot is a nod to the Southeast Asian country's tropical climate, where these ingredients are abundantly available. The pairing of these with prawns reflects Vietnam's long coastline, teeming with bountiful seafood. What's more, the use of fish sauce in the dressing is a testament to Vietnam's ancient tradition of fermenting fish, dating back nearly 2000 years. So, when you're enjoying a plate of Goi Tom, remember that you're not only savoring a delicious dish but also partaking in a culinary tradition steeped in centuries of history and culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.