| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 238 | 9g | 4g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 4g | 15g | 0.6g |
Ever since I tasted the zesty delight of the Spicy Thai Pomelo Salad (Yam Som-O), I’ve been enamored by this extraordinary blend of flavors. This delightful salad resonates with both my Pacific Northwestern roots and my Japanese heritage, thanks to its interplay of ingredients. The aromatic spices, the juicy pomelo, and the succulent chicken create a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist. And the best part? This salad can not only tantalize your tastebuds, but also contribute to your overall health with its nutrient-rich ingredients.
Exploring the Flavors
At first glance, the Spicy Thai Pomelo Salad may seem like an unusual combo, especially for those not familiar with Thai cuisine. But the truth is, this salad is a beautiful medley of flavors that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Thai food with its combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. In this salad, the pomelo brings in a citrusy sweetness that balances the fiery bird’s eye chilies and savory fish sauce. The addition of shallots, garlic, and carrots only enhances the complexity of the dish, while the crushed peanuts and grated coconut add a contrasting crunch. A drizzle of tamarind paste, lime juice, and palm sugar, and the whole salad comes alive with a tang. The result? An exotic salad that leaves a vibrant feeling lingering on your tastebuds.
Health Benefits and Complementary Dishes
Aside from its phenomenal taste, the Yam Som-O is also packed with vitamins and minerals. The pomelo is loaded with vitamin C and fiber, while the chilies are packed with capsaicin, known to improve metabolism and heart health. Not to mention, this salad also uses coconut, a fabulous source of quick energy and good fats. As for protein, the shredded chicken breast does the job wonderfully. So not only is this salad a flavour bomb, it also carries significant health credentials.
If you’re planning a meal, the Yam Som-O would pair beautifully with Thai favorites like Pad Thai or Red Curry Chicken. For seafood lovers, a side of Grilled Thai Coconut Catfish would complete the meal. And if you’re looking for a refreshing drink to accompany, a glass of Thai Iced Tea would be an ideal choice.
What You’ll Need
- 3 medium-sized pomelos (about 4.5 cups when peeled and sectioned)
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped shallots
- 2 medium-sized carrots, julienned
- 2 red bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ½ cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts, crushed
- ½ cup fresh coconut, grated
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 large chicken breast, boiled and shredded
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the pomelo. Peel the pomelo and remove as much of the white pith as possible. Break it up into bite-sized segments, removing seeds, and place in a large mixing bowl.
Step Two
Add the julienned carrots, finely chopped shallots, bird’s eye chilies, and minced garlic to the pomelo in the mixing bowl.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, stir together the fish sauce, palm sugar, tamarind paste, and lime juice until well combined. This will form the dressing.
Step Four
Pour the dressing over the pomelo mixture and toss until all ingredients are well coated.
Step Five
Add the shredded chicken, crushed peanuts, grated coconut, chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and green onions to the salad. Toss well to incorporate all ingredients.
Step Six
Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness and enjoy this burst of Thai flavors!
