Authentic Vietnamese Gỏi: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

1 large carrot, julienned
1 large daikon radish, julienned
2 cups of shredded chicken breast
1 cup of fresh mint leaves
1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup of chopped peanuts
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 red chilies, de-seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of sugar
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
1/4 cup of lime juice

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the julienned carrot and daikon radish. Set this aside.
In a separate bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped chilies, fish sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and lime juice. This will serve as your dressing.
Pour the dressing over the carrot and daikon mixture. Toss well to ensure the vegetables are coated in the dressing.
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and toss again to combine.
Next, add the fresh mint leaves and cilantro. Toss the ingredients together one more time.
Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top of the salad for a bit of crunch.
Enjoy your Gỏi as a refreshing appetizer or light meal.

Tools for making

Large bowl - Needed to mix and toss the ingredients together.
Knife - Used to julienne the carrot and daikon radish.
Cutting board - Provides a surface for cutting and preparing the vegetables.
Measuring cups - Required to accurately measure and add the ingredients.
Measuring spoons - Needed to measure precise amounts of sugar, fish sauce, vinegar, and lime juice.
Garlic mincer - Used to mince the garlic cloves.
Chopping board - Provides a surface for chopping the chilies.
Whisk or spoon - Used to mix the dressing ingredients together.
Serving platter or bowl - Used to present the Gỏi salad.
Tongs or salad servers - Helpful for tossing and serving the salad.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian option: Replace the shredded chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh.
Seafood option: Add cooked shrimp or crab meat to the salad.
Spicy variation: Increase the amount of red chilies or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
Herb substitution: Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil or lemongrass.
Extra crunch: Include additional vegetables like cabbage or bell peppers for added texture.
Noodle addition: Toss in cooked rice noodles to make the salad more substantial.
Fruit twist: Add slices of mango or pineapple for a hint of sweetness.
Gluten-free option: Substitute the fish sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Recipe overview

This delicious and refreshing Gỏi, a traditional Vietnamese salad, is a must-try for those who love bright, fresh flavors. It features a medley of julienned carrot and daikon radish, combined with shredded chicken, fresh mint, and cilantro. Tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing made from fish sauce, lime, garlic and chilies, this salad is wonderfully light and flavorful. The final touch is a sprinkle of chopped peanuts adding a delightful crunch to every bite. This salad is perfect as a light meal on its own, or as an appetizer to a larger feast. Enjoy the unique flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this simple and vibrant Gỏi recipe.

Common questions

Can I make Gỏi without chicken?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken if you prefer a vegetarian version or substitute it with tofu, shrimp, or any other protein of your choice.
How should I julienne the carrot and daikon radish?
It's best to use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut the carrot and daikon radish into thin, matchstick-like strips.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the amount of chopped chilies in the dressing.
How long can I store Gỏi?
Gỏi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I make Gỏi ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad and dressing separately ahead of time, but it is recommended to combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients.
Can I substitute any of the herbs?
If you're not a fan of mint or cilantro, you can substitute them with Thai basil or even regular basil for a slightly different flavor profile.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large mixing bowl - Needed to combine and toss the ingredients
Sharp knife - Required for julienning the carrot and daikon radish
Cutting board - To safely chop and prepare the vegetables
Measuring cups - Necessary for accurate measurement of ingredients
Measuring spoons - Used to measure small amounts of dressing ingredients
Mixing spoon or tongs - To mix and toss the salad
Chopping board - For mincing garlic and chopping chilies
Garlic mincer - If preferred, can be used to mince the garlic cloves
Serving plate or bowl - Used to present and serve the Gỏi

Origin stories

Gỏi, also known as Vietnamese salad, reflects the heart of Vietnamese cuisine with its fresh ingredients, light yet flavorful dressing, and a delightful interplay of textures. The dish is often served as a part of traditional festivities and celebrations throughout Vietnam, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. The use of mint and cilantro showcases the country's penchant for herbs, their fragrance wafting through the air, whispering tales of age-old family recipes. The sharpness of daikon radish and carrots, mingling with the tender chicken, echoes the vibrant street life of Hanoi, where one can often spot Gỏi being prepared fresh at bustling roadside stalls. The crowning glory of the salad - the crunch of peanuts - is a testament to the Vietnamese's love for layered textures in their dishes. Every bite of Gỏi is a journey through Vietnam's rich culinary landscape, a beautiful balance of yin and yang that is central to the Vietnamese philosophy of food.

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.