**Discover the Enchanting World of Banana Blossom Salad: A Culinary Journey Through Unique Textures and Vibrant Flavors**
In the realm of culinary creations, the banana blossom salad stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and diverse flavors that the world of cooking has to offer. This tantalizing dish, crafted from the delicate petals of the banana flower, embarks on a sensory adventure, captivating taste buds with its unique textures and vibrant symphony of flavors. From the crisp crunch of the banana blossom to the tangy zest of lemongrass and the subtle heat of chili peppers, each bite promises an explosion of taste that leaves you yearning for more. Embark on a culinary journey with us as we delve into the secrets of this extraordinary salad, exploring variations that range from the traditional Vietnamese rendition to modern interpretations that incorporate a delightful fusion of global influences. Get ready to be amazed as we unlock the culinary secrets that make this dish a true masterpiece.
BANANA BLOSSOM SALAD
Unlike the purple bulb banana blossom from Hawaii, Mexico and South America that is available and used in the USA, Chef Khai remembers the lovely white, tender banana blossoms he enjoyed in Vietnam. To julienne the banana blossoms, Chef Khai uses the thinnest setting on a Japanese mandolin. It is important to soak the strips in a large bowl of cold water with white vinegar to prevent discoloration.
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Peel off and discard the tough, old outer layers (called bracts) of the banana blossom. Use a Japanese mandolin with the thinnest setting and cut into fine julienne strips; immediately plunge into large bowl of cold water and the white vinegar. When ready to prepare the salad, remove the julienne strips and shake off the tiny white buds (chopped up baby buds). Rinse and drain. Squeeze dry of the excess water. Place 4 cups well-packed strips into a bowl. Add the White Vinaigrette and toss for a few seconds. Pour off the excess liquid.
- In a separate bowl, toss the shredded chicken with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the grapefruit, rau rum, and chili fish sauce and mix together thoroughly.
- To serve, mound the salad equally onto 4 separate plates. Top each salad with 1 tablespoon crispy shallot flakes and 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts. Serve immediately.
- Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Set aside.
BANANA BLOSSOM SALAD WITH TOFU SKIN: GOI BAP CHUOI TAU HU KY
Provided by Food Network
Time 35m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- For the dressing: Combine the chile, sugar, water, and soy sauce and mix well. Set aside.
- Peel the outer purple layer of the banana blossom until you reach the heart of the blossom, which should be opaque in color. Reserve one purple leaf along with the small young undeveloped baby bananas.
- Begin to slice the opaque banana blossom transferring it into a bowl of water mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar to stop the sliced blossom from discoloring. Soak and drain.
- Add the deep-frying oil into a wok or deep fry pan and bring to 320 degrees F/ 160 degrees C.
- Dust each baby banana with potato starch and flash fry them until crisp. Transfer to a kitchen paper-lined tray.
- Once completed, flash fry the tofu skin until crisp and transfer to a kitchen paper-lined tray.
- In a mixing bowl, add the sliced banana blossom, bean sprout, fried baby banana, fried tofu skin, sesame seeds, fried shallots, Vietnamese mint, and 3 tablespoons soy dressing. Toss well.
- Place the reserved purple leaf into a serving bowl with the pointy end sticking out.
- Transfer the salad onto the leaf then garnish with more tofu skin and chile.
BANANA BLOSSOM SALAD
This is a unique Singaporean dish from chef Chris Yeo at Straits Restaurant in San Jose, California. Banana blossoms are on the end of the stem holding a cluster of bananas. You should be able to find it in your local Asian food markets.
Provided by Ambervim
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 25m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Place all salad dressing ingredients into a blender and mix until sugar is dissolved; set aside.
- Remove the 4 outer leaves of the banana blossom to use as a garnish; cut off the bottom core and the tip.
- Using a sharp knife, start at the top of the blossom and slice crosswise into the thinnest possible strips.
- As you move down, you will eventually encounter what looks like tiny bananas; remove all the leaves and discard the baby banana pieces.
- Stack the leaves, roll them into a cylinder, and continue slicing.
- Place the blossom shreds into a bowl of cold water and add the 2 Tbsp of lemon juice or white vinegar to prevent the leaves from turning brown.
- Use your fingers to separate the slices into rings and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Drain and rinse once, but keep in water until ready to use; drain again when ready to use.
- Once you have prepared the banana blossoms, place chicken in a bowl and add half the dressing; set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add the banana blossom shreds, chicken, and remaining salad ingredients, including the remaining salad dressing. Toss thoroughly and arrange on the reserved outer banana blossom leaves; garnish with ground peanuts and fried shallots; serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 391, Fat 9.6, SaturatedFat 2.1, Cholesterol 47.6, Sodium 1120.3, Carbohydrate 57.8, Fiber 4.9, Sugar 35.7, Protein 22
Tips:
- Choose the right banana blossom: Look for a banana blossom that is young and tender, with tightly closed bracts. Avoid blossoms that are too old or have opened up, as they will be tough and fibrous.
- Prepare the banana blossom properly: Before using, the banana blossom needs to be trimmed and cleaned. Remove the tough outer leaves and the stamen, and then slice the blossom into thin strips. Soak the strips in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove the bitterness.
- Use a variety of ingredients: Banana blossom salad is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Some popular additions include shredded chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and herbs. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures.
- Dress the salad with a flavorful dressing: A simple vinaigrette or a creamy dressing made with coconut milk or yogurt are both good options for dressing banana blossom salad. Be sure to taste the dressing before adding it to the salad, and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve the salad immediately: Banana blossom salad is best served fresh. The banana blossom will start to wilt and lose its crunch if it is left to sit for too long.
Conclusion:
Banana blossom salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make. It is a great way to use up leftover banana blossoms, and it is also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. With its unique flavor and texture, banana blossom salad is a dish that is sure to please everyone at your table.
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