Yum(Spicy Seafood Salad)
A vibrant spicy seafood salad featuring fresh oysters, shrimp, and squid, complemented by aromatic herbs and zesty lime juice, perfect for a light, flavorful appetizer or main.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean squid and slice into 1-inch wide strips.
- Remove oysters from shells if using fresh oysters.
- Clean and devein the shrimp.
- Slice lemon grass and green onions into very thin pieces.
- Cut tomatoes into 6 pieces each.
- Slice onion.
- Place water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add shrimp, oysters, and squid to the boiling water.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from stove and drain all water, leaving seafood in the pan.
- Add lemon grass, green onions, onion, fish sauce, sugar, optional m.s.g., lemon or lime juice, and sliced hot peppers to the pan.
- Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Place on a serving plate covered with lettuce leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors of this Spicy Seafood Salad, consider marinating the seafood in the fish sauce, sugar, and lemon juice for about 15 minutes before cooking. If you don't have fresh seafood, frozen can work in a pinch; just ensure it's thawed properly. You can substitute squid with scallops for a different texture and flavor. Fresh basil can also replace mint if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Seafood Salad is best served immediately, but can also be great for a picnic or outdoor gathering. Serve it on a bed of lettuce for a fresh presentation and pair it with crusty bread or a side of rice. It complements well with dishes like New Orleans Shrimp Creole for a delightful seafood spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the seafood on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking. This salad can also be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yum(Spicy Seafood Salad) contains roughly 1476 calories, with 82g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (177% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (170% of the Daily Value), and protein (164% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1812mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of seafood for this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite seafood. Options like crab, scallops, or even cooked fish can be great additions. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for larger pieces of seafood.
Is the use of m.s.g. necessary in this recipe?
The m.s.g. is optional and can enhance umami flavors, but if you prefer to avoid it, the salad will still be delicious without it. Adjust the seasoning with a little extra fish sauce or salt if needed.
What can I serve with this seafood salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with light dishes, such as a simple cucumber salad or grilled vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or a spicy noodle dish like Pad Thai (Stir-Fry Thai Noodles) to balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).