Authentic Vietnamese Mango Salad (Goi Xoai) Recipe

Ingredients

2 green mangoes
1 cup of carrots, julienned
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of sugar
2 tablespoons of lime juice
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 red chili, finely chopped
1/3 cup of fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup of basil leaves
1/3 cup of cilantro leaves
1/4 cup of fried shallots
1/4 cup of crushed roasted peanuts

Steps and instructions

Peel the mangoes and carrots, then julienne them into thin strips. Place them into a large bowl.
In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped chili to create the dressing. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Pour the dressing over the julienned mangoes and carrots. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Add the mint, basil, and cilantro leaves to the bowl. Toss again to distribute the herbs evenly.
Before serving, sprinkle the salad with the fried shallots and crushed roasted peanuts.
It's best to let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before eating, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Tools for making

Peeler - To peel the mangoes and carrots.
Knife - For julienning the mangoes and carrots.
Large Bowl - To mix and toss the salad.
Small Bowl - For preparing the dressing.
Spoon - To mix the dressing ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - To measure fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and other ingredients.
Garlic Press - To mince the garlic cloves.
Chopping Board - To chop the chili and other ingredients.
Salad Tongs - For tossing and serving the salad.
Frying Pan - To fry the shallots (if not using store-bought).
Mortar and Pestle - To crush roasted peanuts (if not using store-bought).

Recipe variations

Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a protein-packed variation.
Substitute green mangoes with ripe mangoes for a sweeter flavor.
Add thinly sliced red onions for an extra layer of flavor.
Include chopped roasted cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different nutty crunch.
For a vegetarian option, omit the fish sauce and replace it with soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce substitute.
Add shredded cabbage or lettuce for some extra freshness and texture.
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for an added nutty flavor.
Add julienned bell peppers or cucumber for additional crunch and color.
For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or Sriracha to the dressing.
Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil, lemongrass, or kaffir lime leaves for unique flavors.

Recipe overview

Goi Xoai, also known as Vietnamese Green Mango Salad, is a refreshing and tangy dish that's perfect as a side or even on its own. This salad is packed with vibrant flavors, from the tartness of green mangoes to the heat of red chilies, and the sweetness of carrots. It's all brought together with a savory fish sauce dressing and finished with a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts and fried shallots for an added crunch. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow. In just a few steps, you'll have a delicious and healthy dish. Enjoy Goi Xoai as a delightful appetizer or a light meal!

Common questions

Can I use ripe mangoes instead of green mangoes? No, green unripe mangoes are typically used in this recipe as they have a tangy and crisp texture that complements the other ingredients. Ripe mangoes are sweeter and softer, which will result in a different flavor and texture for the salad.
Can I substitute the fish sauce with something else? Fish sauce is an essential ingredient in this recipe as it adds a distinct umami flavor. There is no direct substitute for fish sauce, but you can try using soy sauce or tamari as alternatives. However, the taste will vary.
Can I omit the peanuts or fried shallots? Yes, you can omit the peanuts or fried shallots if you have allergies or personal preferences. However, they add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad, so they are recommended if possible.
Can I make this salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance by juliennening the mangoes and carrots and preparing the dressing. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. Combine all the ingredients together just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunchiness of the salad.
Is this salad spicy? The level of spiciness depends on the heat of the chili used. If you prefer a milder salad, you can remove the seeds from the chili or reduce the amount used.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large bowl - A large bowl is needed to mix and toss the ingredients together.
Small bowl - A small bowl is required to make the dressing.
Knife - A knife is necessary to peel and julienne the mangoes and carrots.
Cutting board - A cutting board is needed to safely chop and prep the ingredients.
Spoon or whisk - A spoon or whisk can be used to mix the dressing ingredients together.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are useful to accurately measure the fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice.
Frying pan - A frying pan is required to fry the shallots for garnishing.
Mortar and pestle - A mortar and pestle can be used to crush the roasted peanuts.

Origin stories

Goi Xoai, or Vietnamese Green Mango Salad, is a delightful culinary experience originating from Vietnam. This dish is a testament to the Vietnamese's mastery of balancing flavors. Traditionally, Goi Xoai is made during the green mango season, which is from April to August. The green, unripe mangoes give a tartness to the dish, which is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of sugar and the umami flavor of fish sauce. This fresh and vibrant salad is often served during family gatherings and festive occasions, making it a cherished part of Vietnamese culture. It's an embodiment of Vietnam's rich biodiversity, with the mangoes and herbs representing the country's lush landscapes and the fish sauce paying homage to its long coastline. This salad, with its crisp texture and refreshing flavors, is a beautiful reminder of Vietnam's vibrant street food culture, where each dish tells a story of its history and 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.