Recipe

Homemade Sweet and Tangy Vietnamese Ô Mai

Tropical Delight: Sweet and Tangy Vietnamese Ô Mai

4.7 out of 5

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this homemade Sweet and Tangy Ô Mai recipe. Ô Mai is a traditional Vietnamese snack made from preserved fruits that are sweet, tangy, and bursting with tropical flavors.

Snack› Ô mai

Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Vietnamese cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

25 minutes (plus 24 hours for refrigeration)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Atkins

Ingredients

2 cups (400g) mixed dried fruits (apricots, plums, mangos, pineapples) 2 cups (400g) mixed dried fruits (apricots, plums, mangos, pineapples)
1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
2 star anise 2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves 4 cloves
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 40g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1.
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
2.
Add the dried fruits to the syrup mixture and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the fruits have softened slightly and absorbed the flavors.
3.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the fruits cool in the syrup for 30 minutes.
4.
Transfer the fruits and syrup to a sterilized jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
5.
Serve the Sweet and Tangy Ô Mai as a snack or alongside a cup of tea. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Dried fruits — Ensure that the dried fruits are of good quality and not overly dry. Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using to soften them slightly.

Tips & Tricks

Experiment with different combinations of dried fruits to create your own unique blend of flavors.
Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the syrup by adding more or less sugar and vinegar, respectively.
For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of lime juice to the syrup mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Sweet and Tangy Ô Mai in small bowls or on a platter, allowing guests to help themselves. Pair it with a pot of hot green tea for a truly authentic Vietnamese experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful preserved fruits in an aesthetically pleasing pattern on the serving dish. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.