Steamed Burmese Tea Leaf Salad with Crunchy Peanuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Burmese salad featuring fermented tea leaves combined with crispy peanuts and fresh vegetables, offering a unique tangy and savory bite. This asian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs fermented tea leaves (lahpet), roasted peanuts, fried yellow split peas into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup fermented tea leaves, 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, and 1/4 cup fried yellow split peas. Toss gently to mix.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp finely sliced green chilies to the bowl, mixing thoroughly for even distribution.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil over the salad mixture, then toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp cooked oil until shimmering and immediately pour over the salad to release fragrant aromas and add a warm crunch.
  5. Step 5: Top the salad with 2 tbsp fried garlic chips for extra texture and serve immediately for a fresh, tangy Burmese tea leaf salad experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Burmese Tea Leaf Salad with Crunchy Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Steamed Burmese Tea Leaf Salad with Crunchy Peanuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fermented tea leaves (lahpet) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Burmese Tea Leaf Salad with Crunchy Peanuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Burmese Tea Leaf Salad with Crunchy Peanuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Steamed Burmese Tea Leaf Salad with Crunchy Peanuts vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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