Salad · Dinner · Asian ·

Exotic Burmese Ngapi Salad

Dive into the vibrant, tangy world of Burmese cuisine with this exotic salad, featuring a unique blend of fermented fish paste and fresh, crunchy vegetables.

4.8(0 reviews)
·By Troy·
Exotic Burmese Ngapi Salad
Prep
13 min
Cook
40 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Salad

  1. 1

    Wash Vegetables

    Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold water.

  2. 2

    Combine Vegetables

    In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, cucumber, and tomato.

  3. 3

    Add Cilantro

    Toss with fresh cilantro until well mixed.

Preparing the Dressing

  1. 1

    Mix Base

    In a small bowl, combine ngapi, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.

    Tip: Use ngapi sparingly if you're unfamiliar with its strong flavor.

  2. 2

    Add Chili

    Stir in the chopped chili, adjusting the amount for desired spice level.

  3. 3

    Ensure Smooth

    Mix well until sugar is dissolved and the dressing is smooth.

    Tip: Allow the salad to rest in the fridge for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

How to Make Exotic Burmese Ngapi Salad

Total time: 53 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Tossing the Salad

    Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently mix until all ingredients are well-coated.

  2. 2

    Final Garnish Addition

    Sprinkle with peanuts, fried garlic, and sesame seeds just before serving.

  3. 3

    Chilling

    Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for 10 minutes for a well-blended flavor.

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    How long can I store leftovers?

    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; note that vegetables may lose some crunch over time.

    Can I use a substitute for ngapi?

    You can substitute with anchovy paste or shrimp paste but be aware that this will alter the taste.

    Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prep the vegetables and dressing separately a day before and combine them just before serving.

    Can I make this salad vegan?

    Use a vegan fish sauce alternative and omit the ngapi for a vegan-friendly version.

    What can I use instead of peanuts as a garnish?

    You can use toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

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