Soy-Free Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke)

Discover the vibrant flavors of Burma with this *Soy-Free Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke)*—a refreshing and texturally rich dish that celebrates tangy, savory, and nutty notes. Made with bold pickled tea leaves, crisp green cabbage, juicy tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, this soy-free version of Myanmar's iconic salad hits all the right notes without the need for soy-based ingredients. A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, and optional crispy rice adds irresistible crunch, while fried garlic chips and chili flakes (if desired) elevate the aroma and spice. Easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, this nutrient-packed salad is perfect as a light, flavorful main or a unique side dish served alongside rice. Whether you're exploring new global cuisines or catering to dietary restrictions, this Lahpet Thoke recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Fermented tea leaves (pickled)
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice
• 4 cloves Garlic (sliced thinly)
• 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil (neutral, such as sunflower or avocado)
• 2 cups Shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup Tomatoes (sliced thinly)
• 0.5 cup Cilantro (chopped)
• 0.5 teaspoons Chili flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup Fried garlic chips
• 0.25 cup Roasted peanuts (unsalted, roughly chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds (toasted)
• 0.5 cup Crispy rice (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

In a small pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the garlic chips and let them drain on a paper towel. Save the oil for later use.

Step 2

In a separate small bowl, combine the fermented tea leaves with lime juice and mix well to form a smooth paste. Set aside.

Step 3

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Blanch the shredded cabbage for 1 minute, then drain and place the cabbage in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking. Drain well and pat dry.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, tomato slices, and cilantro.

Step 5

Add the prepared tea leaf paste to the bowl and toss until the ingredients are evenly coated. Add the fried garlic oil, salt, and chili flakes (if using) and mix well.

Step 6

Gently fold in the roasted peanuts, fried garlic chips, toasted sesame seeds, and crispy rice (if using) just before serving to maintain the crunchiness.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt, if needed.

Step 8

Serve immediately as a light main dish or alongside rice for a flavorful side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1517.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1545.5

Total Fat 84.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4019.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 181.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.7g	0%
Total Sugars 28.8g
Protein 34.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 482.2mg	0%
Iron 15.2mg	0%
Potassium 1881.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.9%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 44.7%