Nam Pla Wan with a Chinese Twist

Ingredients

In this Chinese adaptation of Nam Pla Wan, we incorporate Chinese five-spice powder and soy sauce to infuse the dish with the distinct flavors of Chinese cuisine. Additionally, we use ingredients commonly found in Australian Chinese cuisine, such as pineapple and mango, to enhance the tropical sweetness of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Nam pla wan, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (235ml) pineapple chunks 1 cup (235ml) pineapple chunks
• 1 cup (235ml) mango chunks 1 cup (235ml) mango chunks
• 1 cup (235ml) cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cup (235ml) cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup (60ml) red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) roasted peanuts, crushed 1/4 cup (60ml) roasted peanuts, crushed
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fish sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (18g sugars)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, mango chunks, cucumber slices, red onion, and cilantro.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and chili flakes (if using).
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the fruit and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the top as a garnish.
5. 5.
   Allow the flavors to meld together by refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple — Choose ripe and sweet pineapple for the best flavor. If using canned pineapple, make sure to drain the juice before adding it to the salad.
• Mango — Select ripe mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch. Peel and cut the mango into chunks.
• Chinese five-spice powder — This aromatic spice blend typically includes star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Adjust the amount according to your preference for the Chinese flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
• Customize the salad by adding other fruits such as lychee or dragon fruit.
• To make it a heartier meal, serve the Nam Pla Wan over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing by adding more honey or lime juice, according to your taste preference.
• For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some crispy fried shallots on top before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-style Nam Pla Wan chilled as an appetizer or side dish. It pairs well with other Chinese-inspired dishes or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing salad.

Presentation advice

Present the Nam Pla Wan in a vibrant serving bowl or on a decorative platter. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for an appealing visual contrast.