Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand! These Thai Peanut Salad Cups are not just a recipe—they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine crisp, fresh lettuce cradling a medley of crunchy vegetables, drizzled with a mouthwatering Thai peanut sauce that will make your palate dance with delight. Perfect for a quick lunch, appetizer, or light dinner, these salad cups are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup Thai peanut sauce
- 8 small lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping them thoroughly. Shred the cabbage and carrots using a sharp knife or grater, ensuring uniform, thin cuts.
- Rinse the lettuce leaves carefully and pat them dry with clean paper towels. Select the most intact and cup-shaped leaves for serving.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro. Toss the vegetables gently to create an even mixture.
- Drizzle Thai peanut sauce over the vegetable mixture, ensuring all ingredients are lightly and evenly coated. Mix thoroughly but gently to prevent breaking down the vegetable texture.
- Carefully arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter, creating individual cup-like bases for the salad.
- Spoon the dressed vegetable mixture into each lettuce cup, distributing the filling evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top of each salad cup as a final garnish, adding crunch and additional flavor.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce and vegetables. Optional: Provide extra Thai peanut sauce on the side for additional dressing.
Tips
- Knife Skills Matter: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure uniform, thin cuts of cabbage and carrots for the best texture and even flavor distribution.
- Lettuce Selection: Choose sturdy, cup-shaped lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine hearts that can hold the salad mixture without falling apart.
- Sauce Technique: When adding the Thai peanut sauce, drizzle slowly and mix gently to coat the vegetables evenly without making them soggy.
- Fresh is Best: Serve immediately after preparing to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables and the integrity of the lettuce cups.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or tofu to make these cups a more substantial meal.
- Make-Ahead Hack: Prepare the vegetable mixture and sauce separately, and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
