Draft:Phla Kung

Phla Kung (Thai: พล่ากุ้ง), a traditional Thai spicy salad, is made by mixing prawns or shrimp with various herbs and ingredients. This dish comes from the northeastern part of Thailand and is known for its careful preparation to ensure a smooth and delicious texture.[1] What makes Phla Kung special is its combination of flavors, with a sauce that has a bit of spiciness, tanginess, and a touch of sweetness, creating a delightful taste. The uniqueness about Phla Kung is that it includes various herbs, making it a healthy choice for those who appreciate wholesome food. It's typically enjoyed with rice and appeals to both those who love flavorful dishes and those who seek out nutritious options. Phla Kung represents a beautiful fusion of taste and well-being, deeply rooted in Thai culinary tradition.

Phla Kung

Thai shrimp salad with chili-lime dressing, kaffir lime, and various herbs
Type	Thai salad
Place of origin	Thailand
Associated cuisine	Thai cuisine, Thai salad,Thai
Main ingredients	Shrimps
Ingredients generally used	Chili-lime dressing, Fish sauce, Kaffir lime leaves, Mint, Cilanto, Lemongrass, Shallots, and Lettuce.

History

Phla Kung has a rich history deeply rooted in Thailand. This dish seamlessly blends tradition, both old and new, with its unique flavor profile, the dish has long been associated with the countryside and coastal communities of Thailand, particularly among seafaring populations. Crafted using freshly caught shrimp, this dish undergoes meticulous preparation, combining these succulent crustaceans with a symphony of herbs and ingredients that elevate its flavors and imbue it with captivating aromas.

Phla Kung's journey to widespread recognition can be traced back to the era of King Rama 4 of Thailand, a period marked by the flourishing international trade that facilitated the exchange of ingredients and culinary techniques. This exchange gave rise to a fusion of Thai and foreign cuisines, and Phla Kung stood as a testament to this culinary crossroads.

In the modern era, Phla Kung has transcended its origins to achieve global acclaim. Mentioned even in a famous Thai poem, "กาพ์ยเห่ชมเครื่องคาวหวาน," or The Verse of Food, the verse poetically extols the dish, noting that its delightful aroma evokes memories of shared moments. Today, Phla Kung enjoys popularity not only within Thailand but also in various other countries, where innovative chefs and enthusiasts continue to preserve its authentic essence while also embracing contemporary approaches to its preparation. Their dedicated efforts have ensured that Phla Kung remains a cherished culinary choice, bridging the past and the present with its enduring appeal.

Ingredient

• Chili-lime dressing (Thai-chili, lime juice, water and sugar)
• Fish sauce
• Shrimps
• Kaffir lime leaves
  • Kaffir lime leaves, used in Southeast Asian cuisine, have a unique citrusy aroma and enhance dishes with their essential oils. They are popular in curries and soups and may have health benefits. These leaves aid digestion and add fragrance to various culinary creations.
• Mint
  • Mint is a versatile herb with a refreshing flavor and potential health benefits, including aiding digestion, soothing the respiratory system, and providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It's commonly used in food and drinks but should be used in moderation. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on its use.
• Cilanto
  • Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, has a citrusy, slightly peppery flavor. It's rich in antioxidants and essential oils that may have digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Thai dishes for flavor and freshness, cilantro may offer potential health benefits, though further research is required for confirmation.
• Lemongrass
  • Lemongrass is an herb with a lemony aroma and citrusy flavor. It has potential antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in cooking for flavor, it's also employed in
  • herbal teas for relaxation and aromatherapy for stress reduction. Additionally, it serves as a natural insect repellent.
• Shallots
  • Shallots are a herb with a mild onion flavor and possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. They provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber and have traditional medicinal uses for heart health, immunity, and digestion support.
• Lettuce
  • Lettuce is an excellent source of beta-carotene (vitamin A), which is needed for healthy skin, bones, and eyes. It is a fair source of folate (which helps make healthy blood that keeps us from being tired), which is needed for healthy cells and the healthy growth of babies during pregnancy in order to prevent neural tube defects.

Preparation

In order to prepare this delicious shrimp dish, follow these steps by combining information from these articles

1. Start by taking the shrimp and washing them thoroughly. Remove the shells, discard the heads, and keep the tails. Butterfly the shrimp by cutting along the back and removing the black vein. Set them aside.
2. Heat water until it's boiling vigorously. Once boiling, add the shrimp for a quick blanch. Cook them just until they turn partially pink and are semi-cooked; this should take only about a minute. Be cautious not to overcook them, as it can make the meat tough and less appetizing.
3. Remove the shrimp when it turns pink, and place them in ice water or very cold water. Let them set for a while, then drain. This will give the shrimp a crispy and enjoyable texture.
4. Prepare the shrimp dipping sauce. Combine roasted chili paste, sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and water. Stir well to blend the ingredients. Then add the chopped chilies and mix again. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors to your preference.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine thinly sliced lemongrass, sliced shallots, coarsely chopped cilantro, and mint leaves. This will be the herb mixture.
6. After draining the shrimp, toss them with the herb mixture. Ensure that the shrimp are well-coated with the herb mixture.
7. Pour the prepared shrimp dipping sauce over the shrimp and herb mixture into the bowl. Mix everything to combine all the flavors.
8. Transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish it with mint sprigs and kaffir lime leaves for added aroma and presentation.
9. Serve and enjoy your delicious Thai-style shrimp dish! You can customize the taste to your preference using the dipping sauce provided in the recipe.

Variation

The variations of Phla Kung are various depending on the primary (main) and secondary ingredients added to the food. If the ingredients are changed, then the variation of Phla will be changed. There are ways to add more varieties of the food. As an example, add noodles or rice when eating this food. Either changing or adding the main ingredient (shrimp or prawn) with other types such as salmon, chicken, meat or scallops to make it more varied. Cook the prawns or shrimp before adding them to the salad, since mostly Phla Kung is served with fresh prawns.

Reception

Phla Kung, a traditional Thai spicy shrimp salad originating from Northeast Thailand, has garnered recognition on the global culinary stage. It earned the ninth spot on TasteAtlas' list of top salads, underscoring its status as a notable dish within Thai cuisine.