Authentic Vietnamese Lotus Root Salad (Goi Ngo Sen) Recipe

Ingredients

200 grams of lotus root
100 grams of carrots
100 grams of cucumbers
100 grams of pork belly
50 grams of fresh shrimps
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
A handful of fresh herbs (mint, basil)
2 tablespoons of crushed peanuts
2 tablespoons of fried onions

Steps and instructions

First, peel the lotus root and cut into thin slices. Soak the slices in water mixed with vinegar to keep them white.
Next, peel and cut the carrots and cucumbers into matchsticks.
Boil the pork belly until fully cooked and cut it into thin slices.
Devein the shrimps and boil them until they turn pink, then set aside.
In a bowl, mix together fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, and chopped red chili peppers to make a dressing.
In a large bowl, combine the lotus root, carrots, cucumbers, cooked pork and shrimps. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
Chop the fresh herbs and add them to the salad.
Before serving, sprinkle the salad with crushed peanuts and fried onions.

Tools for making

Knife - For slicing and chopping the ingredients.
Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting the vegetables and meat.
Mixing bowl - To combine the ingredients and the dressing.
Large serving bowl - To toss and serve the salad.
Boiling pot - To cook the pork belly and shrimps.
Colander - To drain and rinse the lotus root slices.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and other ingredients.
Garlic mincer - To finely mince the garlic cloves for the dressing.
Chili pepper chopper - To finely chop the red chili peppers.
Peeler - To peel the lotus root, carrots, and cucumbers.
Grater - To crush the peanuts for sprinkling on the salad.
Fried onions - To sprinkle on top of the salad as a garnish.

Recipe variations

Vegan/Vegetarian option: Replace the pork belly and shrimps with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
Seafood variation: Substitute the pork belly and shrimps with cooked crab meat or cooked squid.
Chicken alternative: Use grilled or boiled chicken breast as a substitute for pork belly.
Spicy twist: Add chopped bird's eye chili or sriracha sauce to the dressing for an extra kick of heat.
Vegetable medley: Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, bean sprouts, or jicama for added crunch and flavor.
Herb substitution: Instead of using mint and basil, try using cilantro or Thai basil for a different herbal taste.
Nut-free option: Omit the crushed peanuts and replace them with toasted sesame seeds or roasted sunflower seeds.
Gluten-free adaptation: Substitute the fish sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.

Recipe overview

Goi Ngo Sen, or Vietnamese Lotus Root Salad, is a refreshing and vibrant dish that's perfect for a light meal or a side dish. This salad is a delightful combination of crunchy lotus roots, carrots, cucumbers mixed with slices of tender pork belly and succulent shrimp. It's all tossed together with a tangy and spicy dressing that packs a flavorful punch. To finish, the salad is topped with fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, and fried onions, adding a layer of texture and complexity to this delightful dish. With this recipe, you'll be able to bring a taste of Vietnam into your kitchen. It's a simple and straightforward process, so let's get started on your culinary journey!

Common questions

Can I substitute the lotus root with something else? Yes, if you can't find lotus root, you can substitute it with jicama or water chestnuts.
Can I use chicken instead of pork belly? Absolutely! You can use chicken breast or thigh meat as a substitute for pork belly.
Can I omit the shrimp? Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian version or have allergies, you can omit the shrimp. The salad will still be delicious.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Of course! If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of red chili peppers or omit them altogether.
Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it's best to dress the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
Can I store the leftovers? It's best to consume the salad fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and slicing the ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the lotus root, carrots, cucumbers, and herbs.
Boiling pot - A pot for boiling the pork belly and shrimps.
Mixing bowl - A bowl for mixing the dressing and combining the salad ingredients.
Strainer - A strainer to drain the lotus root slices after soaking.
Measuring spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the fish sauce, sugar, and vinegar.
Tongs - Useful for handling the pork belly and shrimps while boiling.
Serving platter - A platter to present and serve the Goi Ngo Sen salad.
Garnish tools - Utensils such as a mortar and pestle to crush peanuts, and a container for fried onions, for garnishing the salad.

Origin stories

Goi Ngo Sen, or Lotus Root Salad, is a quintessential dish hailing from the intricate culinary landscape of Vietnam. The lotus holds significant cultural and spiritual symbolism in Vietnam, being seen as a symbol of purity, commitment and optimism for the future. Its root, in particular, is lauded not just for its crunchy texture and mild sweetness, but also for its high nutritional value. The art of balancing flavors - sweet, sour, spicy, and salty - in the salad dressing indeed embodies the Vietnamese culinary philosophy. Thus, every bite of Goi Ngo Sen stands as a delightful journey into the heart of Vietnam, its culture and its people.

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.