Authentic Vietnamese Gỏi Cá Trích Recipe: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ingredients

500 grams of fresh herring
5 cloves of garlic
4 bird's eye chilies
1 tablespoon of sugar
3 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of lime juice
1 small pineapple, thinly sliced
1 small carrot, julienned
1 small cucumber, julienned
1 small star fruit, thinly sliced
1 bunch of mint leaves
1 bunch of cilantro
1 bunch of perilla leaves
1 bunch of basil
1 bunch of Vietnamese coriander
2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts, crushed
2 tablespoons of fried shallots
1 pack of rice paper

Steps and instructions

Clean the herrings carefully and debone them. Cut the fish into thin slices and place them in a large bowl.
In a mortar, crush the garlic and bird's eye chilies together.
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed garlic and chilies, sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice to create the marinade.
Pour the marinade over the fish and mix well. Allow the fish to marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator.
While the fish is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the pineapple and star fruit. Julienne the carrot and cucumber.
In a large bowl, mix together the marinated fish, pineapple, carrot, cucumber, and star fruit.
Add the mint leaves, cilantro, perilla leaves, basil, and Vietnamese coriander to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.
Serve the salad on a large platter. Top with the crushed peanuts and fried shallots.
Accompany the salad with rice paper for wrapping, if desired.

Tools for making

Large bowl - Used for marinating the fish and mixing the salad ingredients.
Mortar and pestle - Used to crush the garlic and bird's eye chilies for the marinade.
Small bowl - Used to mix the marinade ingredients together.
Knife - Used for cleaning and deboning the herrings, as well as slicing the pineapple, star fruit, and herbs.
Cutting board - Provides a sturdy surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Platter - Used for serving the salad.
Frying pan - Used to fry the shallots for garnishing.
Rolling pin - Used to crush the peanuts for topping the salad.

Recipe variations

Replace the fresh herring with cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a different protein option.
Add sliced bell peppers or julienned daikon radish for extra crunch and flavor.
Include sliced mango or papaya for a sweet and tangy twist.
For a vegetarian version, omit the fish and add tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute.
Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil, lemon basil, or dill for unique flavors.
Try using different types of citrus juice like lemon or orange instead of lime juice.
Add a tablespoon of honey or palm sugar to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
Include sliced shallots or red onions for added depth of flavor.
For a spicier kick, use jalapeno or serrano peppers instead of bird's eye chilies.
Replace the roasted peanuts with cashews or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Recipe overview

Get ready to delve into the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with this authentic Gỏi Cá Trích recipe, or Vietnamese herring salad. This dish combines the freshness of herring with an array of colorful and crunchy vegetables, all marinated in a delectable dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chilies. The result is a symphony of tastes and textures – tangy, sweet, spicy, and incredibly refreshing. Topped with crushed peanuts and fried shallots, this salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. As a bonus, you can wrap your salad in rice paper for a fun and interactive culinary experience. This is a must-try recipe for all seafood and salad lovers!

Common questions

How long does it take to marinate the fish? The fish should be marinated for at least one hour in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute herring with a different type of fish? Yes, you can substitute herring with other small, oily fish such as mackerel or sardines.
Do I need to remove the bones from the herring? Yes, it is important to carefully debone the herrings before slicing them.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the salad? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the amount of bird's eye chilies in the marinade.
Can I prepare the salad in advance? While it is best to consume the salad immediately after preparation, you can store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. However, the texture and freshness may slightly change.
Do I have to use all the listed herbs? You can adjust the herbs based on your preference and availability. However, the combination of mint, cilantro, perilla leaves, basil, and Vietnamese coriander adds a unique flavor to the salad.
What is the purpose of the rice paper? The rice paper is served as a wrap for the salad. You can wrap a portion of the salad in the rice paper and enjoy it as a refreshing and crunchy appetizer.
Can I add any additional vegetables or fruits to the salad? Yes, you can experiment with adding other vegetables or fruits of your choice to customize the salad to your liking.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large bowl - a large bowl is needed to mix the marinated fish and vegetables
Mortar and pestle - used to crush the garlic and bird's eye chilies
Small bowl - used to mix the marinade
Knife - needed for cleaning and deboning the herrings, as well as slicing the vegetables
Cutting board - used as a surface for cutting and preparing the ingredients
Platter - used to serve the salad
Spoons - for mixing the marinade and tossing the salad
Frying pan - for frying the shallots
Paper towels - to absorb excess oil from the fried shallots
Rice paper - optional for wrapping the salad

Origin stories

Gỏi Cá Trích, or Vietnamese herring salad, takes its flavors and ingredients directly from the heart of Vietnam's vibrant, bustling markets and lush countryside. This vibrant dish is a testament to Vietnam's appreciation for fresh, local produce and the country's ability to create harmonious, balanced flavors from simple ingredients. The dish is particularly popular in coastal regions, where fresh herring is readily available. Every element of the dish, from the zesty lime and fish sauce marinade to the variety of aromatic herbs and vegetables, tells a story about Vietnam's rich culinary culture and the country's love for fresh, vibrant, and healthy food. In its essence, Gỏi Cá Trích is a celebration of Vietnam's culinary traditions, a true feast for the senses, taking you on a journey through the bustling markets, lush fields, and tranquil coastline of this beautiful country.

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.