Lao Spicy Cucumber Salad (Thum Mak Thang)
What is Thum Mak Thang?
Thum mak thang is a Lao spicy cucumber salad pounded with garlic, Thai chilies, palm sugar, shrimp paste, fish sauce and lime. It's crunchy, funky, sweet and spicy, like a cucumber version of papaya salad.
Lao Spicy Cucumber Salad (Thum Mak Thang)
Ingredients
- 1 large english cucumber
- ½ head garlic
- 6 thai chili peppers
- 1 oz palm sugar block
- 1 tablespoon shrimp paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ lime juiced
Instructions
- Using a knife, slice the cucumber into thin strips. Set aside.
- In a mortar, add palm sugar, thai peppers, and garlic. Smash into paste. Add shrimp paste, fish sauce, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
- Slowly add the cucumber into the mortar and combine well with the sauce.
- Serve with a side of protein (e.g. steak, wings, sausauges) and serve cold.
