Burmese Shrimp Salad
Easy,  Recipes,  Soups, Salads, & Sandwiches

Burmese Shrimp Salad

I bookmarked this recipe from a beautiful Burmese cookbook a while back, and recently got around to making it. It was simple to prepare, and very light and refreshing.

I used cayenne pepper instead of a fresh chile, and didn’t find that it needed any more salt at the end. I loved the contrast of the crunchy cucumbers with the tender shrimp.

Burmese Shrimp Salad

I served it with some steamed jasmine rice, topped with toasted sesame seeds to make it a meal. It was just the right amount of food for the 2 of us.

Shrimp Salad
Burma: Rivers of Flavor – Naomi Duguid (via Asia Society)

This shrimp salad makes an enticing appetizer. The shrimp are briefly fried and then dressed with minced chiles, chopped scallions, and a blend of fish sauce and lime juice. Cucumber gives a refreshing crunch.

2 tablespoons peanut oil or Shallot Oil
About 1 pound medium to large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and rinsed
3 scallions, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/2 medium English cucumber
2 tablespoons chopped coriander
1 green or red cayenne chile, minced, or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Red Chile Powder
1 teaspoon fish sauce
About 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Salt (optional)

Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then toss in the shrimp and stir-fry just until they turn pink, a minute or two.

Transfer the shrimp to a cutting board. Slice on the diagonal and place in a shallow bowl. Add the scallions.

Cut the cucumber into 11/2-inch lengths and slice each length into julienne (you should have a scant cup). Add the cucumber, coriander, and chile to the shrimp and toss lightly. Add the fish sauce and lime juice and toss to mix well. Taste and add a little salt if you wish, then toss and serve immediately.

Big Flavors Rating: 4 Stars

Ashley Covelli is a food photographer, recipe developer, and culinary instructor based in Ossining, New York. She loves helping people become enthusiastic and adventurous in the kitchen so that they can build skills and confidence to cook for themselves and their loved ones. She can almost always be found with at least 3 different beverages within arm's reach.

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