Laphet Thoke (Tea Leaf Salad)
A unique and iconic Burmese salad, Laphet Thoke is made from fermented tea leaves (laphet) mixed with an array of crunchy ingredients like fried soybeans, peanuts, sesame seeds, and crispy garlic and onions. It's a vibrant explosion of textures and flavors, offering a savory, slightly tangy, and deeply aromatic experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Fermented tea leaves (Laphet)(drained, available at Asian markets)
- 1/2 cup Fried soybeans
- 1/4 cup Roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup Fried garlic
- 1/4 cup Fried shallots
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh mint leaves(chopped)
- 1-2 Green chilies(thinly sliced (optional))
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 2 tbsp Peanut oil or neutral oil
- 1 tsp Fish sauce
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the tea leaves: If your fermented tea leaves are packed in oil, drain off excess oil. If they are dry, you may need to rinse them lightly and squeeze out excess moisture. Taste a small amount to gauge its saltiness and tanginess.
- 2
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained fermented tea leaves, fried soybeans, roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, fried garlic, and fried shallots. Add chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and sliced green chilies (if using).
- 3
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, peanut oil, and fish sauce. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- 4
Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Ensure all the crunchy elements are distributed evenly.
- 5
Serve immediately: Laphet Thoke is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the fried ingredients. It can be served as a side dish or a light meal.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Fermented tea leaves (laphet) can be found in specialty Asian grocery stores. Look for brands that are specifically for salad.
- ✓The quality and variety of the crunchy toppings are key to a great Laphet Thoke. Don't skimp on them!
- ✓You can adjust the amount of lime juice and fish sauce to achieve your desired balance of sourness and saltiness.
- ✓If you prefer a less oily salad, use less oil in the dressing and drain the tea leaves thoroughly.
🔄 Variations
- Some variations include adding chopped tomatoes or shredded cabbage.
- For a vegetarian/vegan version, ensure your fermented tea leaves do not contain any animal products and omit the fish sauce, using soy sauce or more salt instead.
- Different nuts and seeds like cashews or sunflower seeds can be used.