Authentic Vietnamese Rau Sống Recipe: A Guide to Fresh Herb Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of fresh mixed herbs (coriander, mint, perilla, Vietnamese balm)
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1-2 fresh red chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 1 tablespoon of white vinegar

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the mixed herbs thoroughly and drain them well. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, sugar, chopped red chilies, chopped garlic, lime juice, water, and white vinegar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the mixed herbs. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Let the herbs marinate in the sauce for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Enjoy your Rau sống as a side dish or as a garnish for your main meals.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing the herbs and garlic.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the herbs, garlic, and chilies into small pieces.
  • Small bowl - Used for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
  • Whisk or spoon - Used to stir and combine the sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Needed to accurately measure the fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the mixed herbs with a different combination of herbs such as basil, parsley, or cilantro.
  • Add thinly sliced cucumber or carrot for added crunch and freshness.
  • Include sliced onions or shallots for a savory twist.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the fish sauce and substitute with soy sauce or tamari.
  • Add grilled shrimp, sliced grilled chicken, or shredded cooked pork for a protein-packed version.
  • Sprinkle crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds on top for extra texture and flavor.
  • Drizzle some sesame oil or chili oil over the salad for a spicy kick.
  • Try different citrus juices like lemon or orange instead of lime juice for a unique taste.
  • Experiment with different types of vinegar such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Recipe overview

Rau sống, a classic Vietnamese dish, is a refreshing blend of various mixed fresh herbs marinated in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce. This dish serves as a perfect complement to many main dishes, adding a burst of freshness and flavor. The recipe requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. What's more, it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare, making it an easy addition to any meal. Enjoy the symphony of flavors that Rau sống brings to your table, from the minty freshness of the herbs to the tangy kick of the lime-vinegar marinade. Don't forget to let the herbs sit in the sauce for a bit before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop!

Common questions

  1. What herbs can I use for Rau sống?
    You can use a variety of fresh herbs such as coriander, mint, perilla, and Vietnamese balm.
  2. Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
    Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chopped red chilies according to your preference.
  3. Can I substitute fish sauce with a vegetarian alternative?
    Yes, you can use a vegetarian fish sauce substitute if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish.
  4. How long should I marinate the herbs in the sauce?
    It is recommended to marinate the herbs in the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
  5. Can I serve Rau sống as a main dish?
    Rau sống is typically served as a side dish or a garnish for main meals, but you can also enjoy it as a light and refreshing main dish.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Rau sống, meaning 'raw vegetables' in Vietnamese, is a crucial part of the Vietnamese culinary tradition, and it plays a significant role particularly in the Southern regions of the country. Simple yet delicious, rau sống normally consists of a variety of fresh, aromatic herbs served with a tangy fish sauce-based dressing. The beauty of rau sống lies in its versatility - it can be a refreshing side dish or a garnish, adding a burst of flavor and texture to a range of Vietnamese dishes. It speaks volumes about the importance of fresh, high-quality ingredients in Vietnamese cuisine. The combination of herbs used in rau sống can vary widely depending on the region, the season, and individual preference, reflecting the rich biodiversity of Vietnam and the creativity of its cooks.

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.