Ever wondered how to turn your tea time into a taste adventure? This Burmese Tea Salad, or Lahpet Thoke, is your ticket to a unique culinary journey, blending textures and flavors in a way that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Why This Recipe Works
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of fermented tea leaves with crunchy nuts and fresh veggies creates a symphony of flavors that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
- Texture Galore: From the crispiness of the fried garlic to the chewiness of the tea leaves, every bite offers a new texture to explore.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with antioxidants from the tea leaves and vitamins from the fresh vegetables, this salad is as good for your body as it is for your palate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fermented tea leaves, drained
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fried garlic chips
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/2 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Salad tongs
- Small skillet
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by placing the fermented tea leaves in a large mixing bowl. Gently fluff them with your fingers to separate any clumps. This ensures every leaf gets evenly coated with the dressing later on. Tip: If your tea leaves are too salty, give them a quick rinse under cold water and pat dry.
Step 2: Add the Crunch
Add the chopped peanuts, fried garlic chips, and toasted sesame seeds to the bowl. These ingredients are key for adding that irresistible crunch to the salad. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Incorporate Freshness
Toss in the thinly sliced cabbage and halved cherry tomatoes. The cabbage adds a fresh crunch, while the tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness that balances the savory notes of the tea leaves. Tip: For extra freshness, you can also add some chopped cilantro or mint leaves.
Step 4: Dress to Impress
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, and peanut oil until well combined. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every ingredient evenly. The dressing should lightly coat the ingredients without drowning them.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve at room temperature for the best taste experience. This salad is perfect as a standalone dish or as a side to grilled meats.
Tips and Tricks
Fermented tea leaves can be found in Asian grocery stores or online. If you’re unable to find them, you can substitute with green tea leaves, though the flavor will be slightly different. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of shrimp paste to the dressing. If you prefer a less spicy salad, adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your taste. Lastly, this salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Extra Protein: Add boiled eggs or tofu cubes to make the salad more filling.
- Different Nuts: Swap peanuts with cashews or almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile.
- More Veggies: Incorporate shredded carrots or bean sprouts for added color and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular tea leaves instead of fermented ones?
While you can use regular green tea leaves in a pinch, the flavor won’t be the same as fermented tea leaves, which have a unique tangy and slightly bitter taste that’s central to this dish. Fermented tea leaves are traditional and recommended for authentic flavor.
How long can I store the salad?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the texture of the nuts and vegetables may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Is this salad spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference by reducing or increasing the amount of chili flakes. The recipe as written offers a mild to medium heat level.
Summary
This Burmese Tea Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, offering a unique way to enjoy tea leaves in a salad form. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
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