Escape to the vibrant streets of Thailand with this refreshing and incredibly flavorful raw mango salad. This isn't your average salad; it's a symphony of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty notes, perfectly balanced to tantalize your taste buds. The crisp, unripe mangoes provide a delightful tartness that's beautifully complemented by the aromatic herbs, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty lime dressing. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, using readily available ingredients to create an authentic Thai taste sensation right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats or a light lunch on a hot day.
Prepare to be amazed as we guide you through each step of creating this delicious Thai raw mango salad. From expertly prepping the mango to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in the dressing, we'll ensure you produce a dish that rivals even the best street food stalls in Thailand. Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Slicing peeler
- Pestle and mortar
- Salad bowl
Ingredients
- Raw Mango
- Cucumber
- Bell Pepper (red and/or yellow)
- Red Onion
- Thai Red Chili
- Garlic
- Sesame Seeds
- Sesame Oil
- Soy Sauce
- Lime Juice
- Salt
- Sugar
- Roasted Peanuts (crushed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Thinly slice all the vegetables (mango, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion). A slicing peeler helps achieve even slivers.
Step 2. Make the Dressing
- Chop Thai red chili and garlic. Crush them into a fragrant paste using a pestle and mortar.
- Add sesame seeds, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a splash of lime juice to the chili-garlic paste and mix well.
Step 3. Combine and Season
- Combine the sliced vegetables in a salad bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Season with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of sugar.
- Gently toss the salad, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Top with roasted and crushed peanuts.
Read more: Authentic Thai Bean Sprout Salad (Kerabu Tauge) Recipe
Tips
- Raw mango is packed with Vitamin C and aids digestion.
- The combination of cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion offers a vibrant mix of textures.
- The dressing is salty, tangy, spicy, and nutty.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 25-30g
- Protein: 2-3g
FAQs
1. Can I use ripe mangoes instead of raw mangoes?
No, ripe mangoes are too sweet for this salad. The tartness of raw mangoes is crucial to the recipe's balance of flavors.
2. What can I substitute for fish sauce if I don't have any?
Soy sauce can be a decent substitute, but it won't give the exact same umami flavor. You could also try a vegetarian fish sauce alternative.
This vibrant Thai raw mango salad is a testament to the power of simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. Enjoy the refreshing burst of tastes and textures, and don't hesitate to adjust the spice level to your preference. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!