How to make banana flower salad with shrimp, a delicious treat for the family on the weekend

How to prepare Banana Flower Salad with Shrimp

• 1

  Prepare the ingredients

  To remove mud and the fishy smell of the shrimp, after purchasing, you should add 1/2 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of vinegar, then shake well for about 2 minutes and rinse several times with cold water, then drain.

  For the banana flower still in the bud, use a grater to shred it, then soak it in a basin of water mixed with a little salt and vinegar for about 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water and drain.

  If you choose pre-shredded banana flower, soak it in salt water for about 15 minutes after buying, then rinse thoroughly and drain.

  How to prepare banana flower without browning:

  • It is advisable to let the banana flower wilt slightly before shredding; do not shred it immediately after picking as this will help reduce the sap secretion, preventing it from browning.
  • Before slicing, use your hands to strip away the old outer leaves, removing layer by layer until you reach the young part that is difficult to peel, then stop and start cutting or shredding.
  • Slice thinly or shred the banana flower horizontally. For every slice, soak the banana flower in a basin of lemon water mixed with salt immediately, leaving it out too long will cause the banana flower to brown and become unappealing.
  • Soak the banana flower in the mixed lemon salt water for at least 30 minutes. After that, rinse thoroughly with water and let it drain.
  • You can use vinegar, alum, or fermented rice mixed with water instead of lemon for soaking the banana flower. Do not add too much salt when preparing the soaking water, as it will make the banana flower salty and unappetizing.

  Pick the young basil leaves and wash them clean. Peel and slice the shallots. Peel the garlic. Squeeze the lemon for its juice. Roast the peanuts until fragrant, then remove the skin.

  

  
• 3

  Prepare the salad dressing

  Put 4 peeled garlic cloves, 2 chili peppers, and 2 tablespoons of sugar into a mortar, then use a pestle to grind them finely.

  Next, add 2 tablespoons of lime juice and 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, then mix well until all the ingredients are completely dissolved.

  You should taste the fish sauce to adjust it to your liking, with a balanced salty-sweet and slightly tangy flavor being ideal.

  

  

  

  
• 4

  Mix the salad

  Put the banana flower into a bowl, then gradually pour the prepared dressing into it, wearing gloves and mixing thoroughly to ensure the banana flower absorbs the flavors evenly.

  Next, add the shrimp, pour all the dressing into the bowl, and continue to mix the ingredients well to ensure they are seasoned properly.

  Finally, add the peeled peanuts, chopped basil, and a little fried onion into the bowl, mix well once more to complete the dish.

  Tip: Pour the salad dressing gradually and taste it to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Avoid pouring it all at once as it may make the salad too salty.

  

  

  

  
• 5

  Final Product

  Banana flower salad with shrimp is a dish full of flavor and color. The fried shrimp is crispy and fragrant, stir-fried with a rich flavor, while the banana flower is crunchy and sweet, blended with a spicy sour sauce that stimulates the taste buds.

  This dish is great when served with prawn crackers and dipped in a bit of sweet and sour fish sauce. Let’s enjoy it right away!