Vietnamese Mango Salad, or Gỏi Xoài, is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. This isn’t your average fruit salad; it’s a culinary adventure that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food. At Com Com Restaurant in London, we elevate this classic dish, offering authentic flavors and creative twists that will tantalize your taste buds. Want to recreate this magic at home? Let’s dive into the secrets of making a truly exceptional Gỏi Xoài.
Table Content:
- The Story of Goi Xoai at Com Com Restaurant
- Gathering Your Ingredients: A Trip to the Vietnamese Market (or Your Local Supermarket!)
- Crafting Your Masterpiece: A Step-by-Step Guide to Goi Xoài
- Tips and Variations: Make it Your Own!
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Health Benefits of Goi Xoài
- Pairing Your Goi Xoài: A Com Com Restaurant Experience at Home
- Frequently Asked Questions about Goi Xoài
- The Taste of Vietnam Awaits: Come to Com Com!
The Story of Goi Xoai at Com Com Restaurant
Gỏi Xoài, like many Vietnamese street food staples, has humble origins. It started as a simple, resourceful way to use green mangoes, readily available throughout Vietnam. At Com Com Restaurant, we honor this tradition while adding our own touch of culinary flair. We source the freshest ingredients, from perfectly ripe mangoes to aromatic herbs, ensuring every bite is an explosion of flavor. Our chefs, trained in the art of Vietnamese cuisine, meticulously balance the flavors, creating a Gỏi Xoài experience that is both authentic and unforgettable.
Gathering Your Ingredients: A Trip to the Vietnamese Market (or Your Local Supermarket!)
The key to a delicious Gỏi Xoài lies in the quality of your ingredients. While a trip to a bustling Vietnamese market is ideal, you can easily find most ingredients at your local supermarket. Here’s what you’ll need for a Com Com-inspired Gỏi Xoài:
- Green Mango: The star of the show! Choose firm, unripe mangoes for the perfect tartness.
- Carrots: Julienned carrots add a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Shrimp (optional): Dried shrimp adds a savory umami depth. We recommend using the highest quality you can find.
- Fresh Herbs: Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil provide an aromatic lift.
- Peanuts: Roasted and crushed peanuts add a satisfying nutty crunch.
- Fried Shallots: These crispy golden shallots add a delicate sweetness and texture. You can find them pre-made or make your own.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the essential sour element.
- Fish Sauce: A staple in Vietnamese cuisine, fish sauce adds a savory, salty kick.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the tartness of the mango.
- Chili: Fresh chilies or chili flakes add the desired level of heat.
Crafting Your Masterpiece: A Step-by-Step Guide to Goi Xoài
Ready to create your own Gỏi Xoài? Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Mango: Peel and julienne the green mango. This is where a good peeler and mandoline come in handy!
- Prepare the Vegetables: Julienne the carrots and any other vegetables you’d like to add.
- Toast the Peanuts and Shallots: Toast the peanuts in a dry pan until fragrant. Fry the shallots until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili to your desired level of spiciness.
- Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine the mango, carrots, shrimp (if using), herbs, peanuts, and fried shallots. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Whisking the Dressing for Vietnamese Mango Salad
Tips and Variations: Make it Your Own!
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are delicious additions to Gỏi Xoài. At Com Com Restaurant, we offer Gỏi Xoài with your choice of chicken, beef, or king prawn.
- Adjust the spice: Add more or less chili to suit your preference.
- Get creative with vegetables: Try adding shredded daikon radish or bell peppers.
- Toast the shrimp: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the dried shrimp before adding it to the salad.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Health Benefits of Goi Xoài
Gỏi Xoài is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Green mangoes are rich in vitamin C, while carrots provide beta-carotene. The fresh herbs offer antioxidants, and the peanuts contribute healthy fats.
Pairing Your Goi Xoài: A Com Com Restaurant Experience at Home
At Com Com Restaurant, we recommend pairing Gỏi Xoài with other classic Vietnamese dishes like Phở or Bún Chả. The refreshing salad complements the rich flavors of these dishes perfectly. Why not try recreating a full Vietnamese feast at home?
Frequently Asked Questions about Goi Xoài
Q: Can I use ripe mango instead of green mango?
A: While you can use ripe mango, the traditional Gỏi Xoài uses green mango for its tartness. Ripe mango will result in a sweeter salad.
Q: Where can I find dried shrimp?
A: You can find dried shrimp at Asian grocery stores or online.
Q: How long can I store Gỏi Xoài?
A: It’s best to enjoy Gỏi Xoài immediately after preparing it, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Q: What other herbs can I use in Gỏi Xoài?
A: Vietnamese coriander or perilla leaves are great additions.
The Taste of Vietnam Awaits: Come to Com Com!
Gỏi Xoài is just a taste of the vibrant flavors that await you at Com Com Restaurant. We invite you to join us and experience the true essence of Vietnamese street food in the heart of London. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or new to Vietnamese cuisine, we’re confident you’ll find something to love at Com Com. So, what are you waiting for? Book your table today or order delivery and bring the taste of Vietnam straight to your door! Contact us at [email protected] or 020 7720 9928. We’re located at 183-185 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LB, UK, and open from 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM every day. We can’t wait to share our passion for Vietnamese Mango Salad and more with you!
