| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 198 | 9g | 2g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 4g | 22g | 1.23g |
Why I Love Thai Spicy Seafood and Herb Salad
I’m absolutely infatuated with this Spicy Seafood and Herb Salad, a dish that truly manages to capture the vibrant flavors of Thailand in each and every bite. Inspired by my travels to the region and my love for fresh, dynamic ingredients, this salad is a lively blend of aromatic herbs, zingy citrus, and lush seafood. What appeals to me most about this recipe is its ability to transport you to a different place entirely, a testament to the power of authentic cuisine.
A Reality Check
Let’s get candid here, I hail from the Rocky Mountains, and seafood doesn’t exactly abound in the wild there. However, that’s what makes this recipe so special to me. It represents a delightful departure from my regular repertoire of game meats, trout dishes, and heartier mountainous fare. Like a culinary adventure, each preparation brings me closer to the beaches of Thailand, amid the coconut groves and bustling seafood markets, making every bite feel like a tropical escape.
A Culinary Playground
What truly stands out about this Spicy Seafood and Herb Salad is its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and sourness – a hallmark of Thai cooking. This is a salad that’s not afraid to play with bold flavors, thanks to the fish sauce’s umami hit, the fresh lime’s tartness, the bird’s eye chili’s fire, and the array of fresh herbs. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures that will keep your palate excited.
This recipe also plays a tribute to Chef David Thompson, a leading authority in Thai cuisine. His emphasis on a thoughtful balance of flavors and commitment to traditional principles are elements I’ve tried to replicate in this dish.
Spicing up your life needs no special occasion. Any day can be brightened up with a vibrant salad that’s as colorful as it is flavorful. So embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Thailand with this Spicy Seafood and Herb Salad.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, scallops)
- 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 small bird’s eye chili peppers, finely chopped
- 2 shallots, finely sliced
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, finely sliced
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups of mixed salad greens
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Method
Step One
In a large pot, boil some water and cook the mixed seafood until it is fully cooked and turns pink. Once cooked, drain and set the seafood aside to cool.
Step Two
In a small bowl, mix together fish sauce, fresh lime juice, sugar, and finely chopped bird’s eye chili peppers. This will be your salad dressing.
Step Three
In a large bowl, add the finely sliced shallots, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Then, add the fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves. Mix them together to blend the flavors.
Step Four
Pour the salad dressing over the herb mixture in the bowl, and mix well so that everything is evenly coated.
Step Five
Once the mixed seafood has cooled, add it to the salad bowl, mixing well to ensure the seafood is well coated with the dressing and herb mixture.
Step Six
On a large serving platter, arrange the mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, and sliced avocado.
Step Seven
Top the salad greens with the seafood and herb mixture.
Step Eight
Serve the salad immediately with lime wedges for garnish. This Spicy Seafood and Herb Salad is best enjoyed chilled and goes great with a cold glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
