Appetizer · Salad · Asian · Vietnamese ·

Vietnamese Starfruit and Prawn Salad with Fresh Herbs

This Vietnamese-inspired salad features sweet and sour starfruit, succulent prawns, and fresh herbs for a light and tangy appetizer.

4.5(402 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Vietnamese Starfruit and Prawn Salad with Fresh Herbs — Appetizer served and photographed from above
Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Prawns

  1. 1

    Rinse and dry prawns

    Rinse the prawns under cold water and pat dry.

  2. 2

    Marinate prawns

    Place prawns in a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and let marinate while preparing other ingredients.

  3. 3

    Cook prawns

    Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook prawns for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

Preparing the Dressing

  1. 1

    Combine ingredients

    Whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili in a small bowl.

  2. 2

    Adjust seasoning

    Adjust seasoning to taste with additional lime juice or sugar if desired.

  3. 3

    Let flavors meld

    Let the dressing sit to meld the flavors.

How to Make Vietnamese Starfruit and Prawn Salad with Fresh Herbs

Total time: 1 h · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Cooking the Prawns

    Heat a nonstick pan over medium and cook prawns until they turn pink and slightly caramelize, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  2. 2

    Merging Flavors

    Toss prepared prawns and vegetables with the dressing in a large mixing bowl.

  3. 3

    Final Assembly

    Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with crushed peanuts and fried shallots.

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I store leftovers?

    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day to keep the ingredients fresh.

    Can I substitute the prawns?

    Yes, cooked chicken or fried tofu makes a good substitute for a vegetarian option.

    Can this be made ahead of time?

    You can prepare the components ahead, but combine and dress the salad just before serving for the best texture.

    What if I can't find starfruit?

    Pineapple or green apple can be used as a substitute for a similarly tangy flavor.

    Is the dressing customizable?

    Absolutely, adjust the ingredients to taste, or add more chili for extra heat.

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