Rau Răm | Vietnamese Coriander
Rau Răm | Vietnamese Coriander
WHAT IS IT?
Rau răm, Vietnamese coriander, Laksa leaf, is similar to cilantro in that it smells bright and citrusy with a bit of a kick.
It’s a pointed, long, slender, leaf. Roughly about 1 to 1 ½ inches in length. The top of the leaf is more matte than shiny. On the center backside, it’s more of a chestnut color.
The stems are jointed at each leaf, making it a little more fragile to handle than other herbs. It looks like little knees or knots, which is why the English name is knotweed and in Greek - Polygonum translates to ‘many knees.’
CILANTRO OR MINT?
Don’t let the name coriander fool you. It’s neither. This herb is sometimes confused with mint due to its shape. Rau Răm is actually related to the buckwheat family.
WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?
Vietnamese Coriander tastes like a punched up cilantro. It’s a strong citrus taste similar to lemon with notes of pepper, but sharper.
HOW TO SELECT IT?
The younger leaves are more fragrant and tender. When selecting these make sure to check the leaves for green tips and smaller leaves if possible.
HOW TO USE IT?
Rau Răm is best eaten raw. The tender leaves make it ideal for the compilation of fresh herbs served at a typical Vietnamese table.
It’s used with a meal unless it’s called for in a salad. Due to how fragrant this herb is sometimes it will be utilized in a recipe towards the end of cooking.
Wash when you’re ready to use it. The stems are inedible, pluck the leaves after rinsing gently. The leaves are really tender so it’s best to eat them whole.
WHAT VIETNAMESE RECIPE IS IT MOST COMMONLY USED IN?
You can find rau răm in Gỏi Gà Bắp Cải (Chicken Cabbage Salad).
Vietnamese Coriander is typically found in recipes like Hột Vịt Lộn (Balut), Gỏi Gà Bắp Cải (Chicken Cabbage Salad), Bún Cà ri (Vietnamese curry with rice noodles), and Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup).
WHERE TO FIND IT?
All Asian markets are not alike. I know. Go figure. Really though, you’ll rarely find this in a Korean market. I’ve yet to see it in an Hmart.
If you have a Chinese grocer that really caters to a Vietnamese market you might find it. But I live next to several of both and the only way I find this herb is making a trek into the heart of highly populated Vietnamese areas.
I’m giving it a 0% chance you’ll find it in an American market. If you happen to find one that does, snap a picture of it, tell me where you’re at and tag me. I’ll celebrate with you.
HOW TO STORE IT?
There are a few easy tricks to keep life into Vietnamese Coriander. Don’t squish it, this herb bruises easily.
One of my little tricks is to wet a paper towel, squeeze out the water and gently wrap it around the stems. Place it back in the bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
