Tamarind-Cabbage Salad with Crispy Peanuts

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

A vibrant Burmese-inspired salad featuring shredded cabbage in a tangy tamarind dressing, topped with roasted peanuts and fresh herbs for a refreshing crunch. This asian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs tamarind paste, rice vinegar, palm sugar 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 250 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: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup tamarind paste, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup palm sugar, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until the sugar dissolves completely. Add 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then let sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/4 cup chopped mint. If using dried shrimp, add 1/4 cup crushed dried shrimp to the bowl.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the prepared tamarind dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently with clean hands until all cabbage is evenly coated. Let rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate, then serve chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Cabbage Salad with Crispy Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 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 Tamarind-Cabbage Salad with Crispy 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 tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Cabbage Salad with Crispy 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 Tamarind-Cabbage Salad with Crispy 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 Tamarind-Cabbage Salad with Crispy 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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