Burmese Lephet Thoke with Fermented Tea Leaves

Name: Burmese Lephet Thoke with Fermented Tea Leaves
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Fermented tea leaves; Thinly sliced cabbage; Tomato, diced; Garlic, minced; Ginger, grated; Roasted peanuts; Roasted chickpeas; Fried garlic chips; Sesame seeds, toasted; Fish sauce; Lime juice; Vegetable oil; Sugar; Fresh chili peppers, sliced; Fresh cilantro leaves; Lime wedges; Scallions, thinly sliced

Traditional Burmese Tea Leaf Salad

This vibrant and tangy salad is a signature dish in Burmese cuisine, combining the unique flavor of fermented tea leaves with an assortment of textures and tastes.

45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Salad Base

Fermented tea leaves

1 cup

Thinly sliced cabbage

2 cups

Tomato, diced

1 medium

Garlic, minced

1 clove

Ginger, grated

1 teaspoon

For the Crunchy Mix

Roasted peanuts

1/4 cup

Roasted chickpeas

1/4 cup

Fried garlic chips

1/4 cup

Sesame seeds, toasted

1/4 cup

For the Dressing

Fish sauce

2 tablespoons

Lime juice

1 tablespoon

Vegetable oil

1 tablespoon

Sugar

1 teaspoon

Fresh chili peppers, sliced

1-2

For Garnishing

Fresh cilantro leaves

Lime wedges

Scallions, thinly sliced

Preparation

Fermenting the Tea Leaves (skip if already prepared)

Rinse tea leaves

Rinse tea leaves thoroughly.

Blanch tea leaves

Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes and drain well.

Ferment tea leaves

Ferment in a cool, dry place for at least 48 hours.

Ensure tea leaves are well-drained to avoid sogginess in the salad.

Preparing the Salad Ingredients

Slice and dice vegetables

Thinly slice the cabbage and dice the tomato.

Prepare aromatics

Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.

Combine base ingredients

Mix the salad base ingredients in a large bowl.

Cooking Process

Mix the Salad

Gently toss the salad base with the crunchy mix and dressing until thoroughly combined.

Balance the Flavors

Adjust seasoning with extra lime juice or fish sauce to taste.

Serve Fresh

Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Plating & Serving