Frisée Salad Recipe with Shrimp and Spicy Peanut Dressing

A Frisée salad is one of the liveliest and most exquisite salads that marries a distinctive frisée lettuce with some vegetables, protein, and a tangy peanut dressing. This recipe demonstrates the possibilities of frisée with a salad and how this seemingly simple ingredient can totally transform the ordinary into a fine dining experience. It is an excellent choice for anyone who likes their vegetables with crunchy bold salad leaves whether for a light lunch or a side dish in a hearty meal.

What is Frisée?

Frisée or curly endive is a variety of chicory featuring pale green leaves which are curled and are associated with a bitter taste. It’s commonly used in salads due to its unique texture and the way it holds up well with dressings. Frisée adds complexity to a salad, balancing out more mild greens with its subtle bitterness. Its delicate, curly leaves not only bring a pleasing visual contrast but also create a satisfying crunch, making it an ideal addition to a variety of dishes.

How to Make a Frisée Salad

Preparing frisée for a salad involves a few simple steps to ensure that the lettuce is clean and fresh for your dish. Because of its curly, frilly leaves, dirt and grit can easily get trapped in frisée, so washing it thoroughly is crucial.

Washing and Preparing Frisée Lettuce

1. Separate the leaves:
   

   First, chop off the root end of the frisée head to separate the leaves. You can also tear the leaves by hand if you prefer a more rustic appearance.

2. Wash the leaves:
   

   Place the frisée leaves in a large bowl of cold water. Swirl them around to remove any dirt. Drain the water and repeat this process if necessary to ensure the leaves are completely clean.

3. Dry the leaves

   After washing, dry the frisée using a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Drying the leaves is essential to avoid watering down your salad dressing.
   

4. Chop or tear:

   Finally, chop or tear the frisée into bite-sized pieces, making it easier to toss with other ingredients.Now that your frisée is ready, it’s time to move on to the other ingredients and bring this salad to life.

Frisée Salad Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need a combination of fresh vegetables, protein, and a flavorful peanut dressing to tie everything together:

Salad

• 1 head frisée, chopped
• 2 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 Persian (mini) cucumbers, sliced
• 2 cups frozen edamame, thawed
• 2 cups basil leaves, torn
• 6 green onions, chopped (green parts only)

Peanut Dressing

• 3 tablespoons warm water
• 5 tablespoons peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari)
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fried garlic in chili oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic red pepper sauce (like Sriracha)
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (alternatives: brown sugar, raw cane sugar, Stevia)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Protein Options

• 2 lb raw jumbo shrimp
• Lean chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon fresh cracked pepper

Garnish (optional)

• Fresh lime wedges
• Black sesame seeds
• Green onions

Different Frisée Salad Dressings

Although this recipe’s peanut dressing packs a punch, frisée can also be found with many other dressings quite effectively. A typical French dressing composed of olive oil, Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar is light and refreshing and complements the frisée’s mild bitterness nicely. For those who prefer something sweeter, a honey mustard dressing consisting of honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice goes well with the crunchy greens. If you’re a fan of richer flavors, blue cheese dressing offers a sharp, creamy counterbalance to frisée’s bitterness. Finally, lemon tahini is a mixture of tahini, lemon, garlic, and water providing the salad with a rich earthy citrusy touch. Don’t hesitate to use these cream dressings and find out which particular option you like best along with frisée.

Other Uses for Frisée Lettuce

Frisée’s versatility extends well beyond salads. One creative way to use frisée is as a topping for pizza; adding it after baking gives a crunchy, peppery finish. It also makes a great substitute for regular lettuce in sandwiches or wraps, adding an extra bite and texture. Frisée can be mixed into quiches or frittatas, offering a touch of bitterness and extra crunch to egg-based dishes. Additionally, it can be lightly sautéed with olive oil and garlic to serve as a warm, flavorful side dish that pairs well with meats or roasted vegetables. These options make frisée a highly adaptable ingredient in your kitchen.