Name: Star Fruit Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1/2 lb (225 gram) of fillet basa, catfish or salmon; 3 star fruit; 1/4 cup of white vinegar; 1 tablespoon of sugar; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 teaspoon of fish sauce; 1 yellow onion, sliced thin; 2 oz (56 gram) of large size dried shrimp , soaked in warm water, drained; 1 cup of chopped mix herbs; cilantro, mint, and sweet basil leaves; 1/2 cup of unsalted roasted peanut; 1 hot chili pepper, slice (option)

Star Fruit Salad

Star Fruit Salad is a cherished Vietnamese dish that celebrates the crisp and juicy qualities of carambola, or star fruit. Known for its distinctive shape resembling a star when sliced, this yellowish-green fruit is beloved for its delicious taste, whether enjoyed raw or cooked. In this authentic Vietnamese country recipe, star fruit is paired with dried shrimp and grilled fish, creating a savory dish that is enhanced by a flavorful vinaigrette sauce.

To prepare this delightful salad, begin by boiling or grilling fish until tender. Once cooked, break the fish into bite-sized chunks using a fork and set it aside. Trim off the greenish edges of the star fruit tips, slice it thinly, remove the seeds, and set aside. In a large bowl, create the vinaigrette sauce by mixing white vinegar with sugar, salt, and fish sauce. Add sliced yellow onion, soaked dried shrimp, and star fruit to the bowl, mixing the ingredients well. Incorporate a generous amount of fresh herbs, such as cilantro, mint, and sweet basil leaves, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.

To serve, arrange the salad on a plate and top it with the grilled or boiled fish. Sprinkle unsalted roasted peanuts and sliced chili pepper on top for added texture and heat. This Star Fruit Salad can be enjoyed with rice or served as a mahope sar appetizer, showcasing the versatility and richness of Vietnamese culinary traditions. The combination of textures, colors, and flavors in this dish reflects the love and appreciation for star fruit in Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients

1/2 lb (225 gram) of fillet basa, catfish or salmon
3 star fruit
1/4 cup of white vinegar
1 tablespoon of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of fish sauce
1 yellow onion, sliced thin
2 oz (56 gram) of large size dried shrimp , soaked in warm water, drained
1 cup of chopped mix herbs; cilantro, mint, and sweet basil leaves
1/2 cup of unsalted roasted peanut
1 hot chili pepper, slice (option)

Directions to make Star Fruit Salad

Boiled or grilled fish till tender. When fish cooked, use fork to breaks fish in to chunks and set a side.
Trimmed off the greenish off the edge of star fruit tips, sliced thin, removed seeds and set a side.
In a large bowl, mix vinegar with sugar, salt, fish sauce together, mix well, add onion, dried shrimp and star fruit, mix well, add fresh herbs and mix well.
Put salad on a plate, top with grilled or boiled fish, roasted peanut and chili pepper.

Serve with rice or as * mahope sar * appetizer.

Related Recipe: Papaya Salad with Grilled Salmon