Prepare for a culinary adventure unlike any other with our Spicy Star Gooseberry Salad, a vibrant and surprisingly harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. This isn't your grandmother's fruit salad; we're elevating the humble gooseberry to new heights with the unexpected addition of succulent crab meat and a pungent fermented fish sauce. The unique combination of textures—the juicy gooseberries bursting with flavor against the delicate crab and the satisfying crunch of accompanying vegetables—creates a truly unforgettable sensory experience. Imagine the bright, acidic tang of the gooseberries perfectly balanced by the savory richness of the crab and the subtle, umami depth of the fermented fish.
The spicy kick, carefully calibrated to complement rather than overwhelm, adds an exhilarating dimension to this already captivating salad. This recipe is surprisingly simple to execute, even for novice cooks. Ready to embark on this exciting culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this extraordinary Spicy Star Gooseberry Salad together.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and Pestle
Ingredients
- Star Gooseberry
- Red Dried Chili: 4 cloves
- Chinese Garlic: 4 cloves
- Salted Crab: 1
- Fish Sauce (Pla ra)
- Sugar
- MSG
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Roughly Pound Ingredients
- star gooseberry, red dried chili, Chinese garlic, salted crab, fish sauce, sugar, and MSG (optional).
- Finely pound the garlic in a mortar and pestle.
- Add the red chilies to the pounded garlic and continue pounding.
- Add the star gooseberry and pound until crushed, but not completely pulverized. Leave some texture.
Step 2. Incorporate Crab and Seasoning
- Add the salted crab and pound to combine.
- Add fish sauce, sugar, and MSG (if using).
- Continue pounding until all ingredients are well blended and the desired level of spiciness is achieved.
Step 3. Adjust Seasoning and Taste
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Authentic Thai Bean Sprout Salad (Kerabu Tauge) Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred level of spiciness.
- The star gooseberry provides sourness, so lime juice is not needed.
- Palm sugar can be used instead of regular sugar.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 200-300
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the fermented fish sauce? I don't have any on hand.
Yes, you can try a fish sauce with a milder fermentation, or even a splash of soy sauce combined with a small amount of Worcestershire sauce to mimic the umami flavour. Adjust to taste.
2. Where can I find star gooseberries? Are they difficult to source?
Star gooseberries (or Phyllanthus acidus) are more common in Southeast Asian markets. If unavailable, you can substitute with regular gooseberries, though the flavour profile will differ slightly. Consider using a slightly higher ratio of other acidic ingredients like lime juice to compensate.
This Spicy Star Gooseberry Salad with Crab & Fermented Fish offers a unique and unforgettable culinary experience, showcasing the surprising versatility of gooseberries. The combination of sweet, tart, spicy, and savory flavors creates a complex and delicious dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a surprising weeknight meal. We hope you enjoy this adventurous recipe and encourage you to experiment with your own variations!