How to Make Thai-Style Pickled Fish Salad

How to Make Thai-Style Pickled Fish Salad

Thai-style pickled fish salad, known as "Yam Pla Rah," is a delightful blend of flavors that showcases the unique tastes of Thai cuisine. This vibrant dish combines fermented fish with fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables, creating a savory yet refreshing meal perfect for hot weather. Follow these steps to make your own Thai-style pickled fish salad at home.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 300g of pickled fish (preferably mackerel or tilapia)
  • 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as cucumber, tomatoes, and carrots)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1-2 tablespoons of lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 2-3 fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh herbs (such as cilantro and mint) for garnish

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Thai-style pickled fish salad:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Begin by taking the pickled fish and removing any skin or bones. Flake the fish into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that it's easy to mix with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Next, wash and chop your mixed vegetables. The combination of vegetables adds freshness and texture to the dish. You can mix cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots, or any other vegetable of your choice. Slice the onion thinly to complement the salad's flavors.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a balanced dressing that harmonizes the salty, sour, and sweet flavors characteristic of Thai cuisine.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked fish, chopped vegetables, and sliced onions. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Add Spice

Mix in the chopped bird’s eye chilies, adjusting the quantity based on your spice preference. Toss gently again to ensure the chilies are distributed throughout the salad.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pickled fish salad to a serving dish and garnish it with fresh herbs such as cilantro and mint. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Thai-style pickled fish salad can be served as a refreshing appetizer or as a light main course. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or serve it alongside other Thai dishes for a complete meal experience.

Conclusion

Making Thai-style pickled fish salad at home is simple and rewarding. With its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. Enjoy this healthy, flavorful salad with family and friends, and embrace the beautiful blend of tastes that Thai food has to offer.