Wholesome Cook
Asian

Prawn and Pomelo Salad with Caramelised Coconut

A modern take on the traditional prawn cocktail, this Prawn and Pomelo Salad with Caramelised Coconut bursts with summery flavours! 

When I saw a stack of pomelos at the local grocer’s the other day I got excited, because as much as I love grapefruit (a hybrid of pomelo and an orange), I absolutely adore the milder flavour and slightly more grainy texture of this fruit.

Known as Chinese grapefruit, the fruit is used in a lot of South East Asian cuisines, especially in salads, because the seeds don’t burst as easily as the case may be in other citrus, which means the juices don’t go spilling everywhere making a soggy mess. Perfect for a crab salad or a cooked prawn cocktail Asian-style!

And what better way to spruce up a tangy Asian seafood and citrus salad than with a touch of crunchy, caramelised coconut?

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Prawn and Pomelo Salad with Caramelised Coconut

Pomelos can be found at many Western and Asian grocers. The fruit has a thick skin and pith which can be cut off with a knife. Wedges are peeled more easily by hand. Lefotver pomelo wedges can be eaten on their own, but they also make a great addition to fruit salads or an Asian slaw.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time12 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

For the Prawn and Pomelo Salad:

  • 12 large cooked peeled prawns tails removed
  • 3 pomelo wedges
  • 1 tsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp lime juice

For the Caramelised Coconut:

  • 2 tbsp moist coconut flakes
  • 1 tsp brown sugar

Instructions

To make the Prawn and Pomelo Salad:

  • Chop prawns into 1cm pieces.
  • Peel the pith off the pomelo wedges, break pieces into loose chunks.
  • Combine fish sauce and lime juice in a bowl. Add prawns and pomelo seeds. Mix well. Set aside.

To make Caramelised Coconut:

  • preheat oven grill to hot.
  • Mix coconut and brown sugar in a bowl.
  • Spread sugared coconut on a baking tray lined with some non-stick baking paper.
  • Place under the grill for 1-2 minutes or until the coconut starts to become golden brown.
  • Remove from grill and allow to cool before handling.

To serve:

  • Divide prawn and pomelo mixture between your serving bowls. Top with some crunchy caramelised coconut.
Tried this recipe?Mention @wholesomecook or tag #wholesomecook

 

19 comments

Danny April 6, 2012 at 1:15 pm

Sounds delicious and the photos are beautiful!

Reply
Julie @ happygoodtime April 6, 2012 at 3:20 pm

I’ve never had a pomelo, but from your description – I think I would love them. I’ll be on the lookout at my grocery store.

This dish looks delicious, and I absolutely love your photos.

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frugalfeeding April 6, 2012 at 6:11 pm

That looks really delicious, beautifully presented. Caramelised coconut sounds fantastic – never seen it done before.

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john@heneedsfood April 6, 2012 at 6:47 pm

Pomelo’s are the best and I just can’t get enough of them, especially now that I’m visiting Vietnam where they are in abundance. Love your take on this classic!

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thelifeshemade April 6, 2012 at 10:14 pm

Never tried a pomelo before, but I think I’ll keep my eye out for one just so I can try it. I’m curious now.

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Just A Smidgen April 7, 2012 at 12:09 am

I love this!! I’ve wondered what to do with a pomelo.. thanks for sharing this today!

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Courtney April 7, 2012 at 2:14 am

Yum! Love the combination of flavors here – sounds fantastic.

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Crissouli April 7, 2012 at 8:15 am

I can’t wait to try this… I’ve made a similar dish with shredded coconut, steeped in lime juice, but have never thought of caramelised coconut.. what a great flavour that would be…

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essentjewels April 7, 2012 at 8:41 am

This is making my mouth water.

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Michelle April 7, 2012 at 11:20 am

Incredible!

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Bam's Kitchen April 7, 2012 at 3:52 pm

The caramelized coconut brings this dish over the top. I love pomelos too.
The very first time I tried a pomelo was on the river boat in Thailand scourging through the orient to find some spices in the wet market.
I just dislike carrying a whole pomelo home in HK as they are so heavy- I am like a sherpa. Today I bought some pre-peeled so I can try your recipe. I’m having some guests…Take care, BAM

Reply
Wholesome Cook April 7, 2012 at 5:28 pm

Ooh hope you enjoy!

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Sara (@bellyrumbles) April 8, 2012 at 1:38 am

What a gorgeous dish. All my fave flavours, but the caramelised coconut just makes it shine. I actually have coconut sugar, wonder how that would go instead of brown??

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Wholesome Cook April 8, 2012 at 6:09 pm

I like the richness and smokiness of brown sugar, I’ve never tried coconut sugar but you could probably use that instead…

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Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide April 8, 2012 at 4:13 am

I love this whole dish, but the caramelized coconut really seals the deal.

Reply
Prawn and pomelo salad with caramelised coconut | The Asian Food Gazette. | Scoop.it April 8, 2012 at 6:38 pm

[…] background-position: 50% 0px; background-color:#222222; background-repeat : no-repeat; } wholesomecook.wordpress.com – Today, 3:37 […]

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Sissi April 9, 2012 at 1:44 am

Fantastic and simple salad! I have always preferred the tangy grapefruits, but I have never thought of salads… Pomelo makes more sense here.

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rsmacaalay April 9, 2012 at 6:22 pm

This would be the perfect salad for me!

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Abel Sowder April 22, 2012 at 7:26 am

A big thank you for your post. Keep writing.

Reply

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