Goi ngo sen (Lotus stem salad)

A refreshing dish perfect for warm days, “gỏi ngó sen” is not only healthy and vibrant but also delicious on its own with a satisfying crunch. The standout element of this dish is the pure flavor and crispy texture of pickled lotus stem. Additionally, it’s quite simple to prepare. The primary ingredients include lotus root, carrots, tender pork, shrimp, shallots, coriander, mint, onions, and roasted peanuts, with a delectable dressing that is essential to the overall taste.
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To begin, boil the pork shoulder and shrimp separately in a pot of water with a pinch of salt and sugar; allow them to cool before slicing the pork as thinly as you can, and then de-shell and de-vein the shrimp.

Next, rinse the pickled lotus stem and pickled carrots, cutting them into bite-sized pieces and draining them well. Coarsely chop the fresh coriander, mint, and cilantro, then gently toss these with the prepared ingredients. For the dressing, combine elements of heat, sourness, spiciness, saltiness, and sweetness to create the perfect balance. Finally, garnish the dish with crispy fried shallots and roasted peanuts, adding an appealing visual and nutty flavor. This dish is often served alongside prawn crackers. Enjoy, and you will surely remember its refreshing taste and delightful crunchy texture.