- Fresh green mangoes (for a healthier version, you can use shredded cabbage as a substitute)
- Thai cucumbers
- Green beans
- Red bell peppers
- Long beans
- Jicama
- Shrimp (optional)
- Dried shrimp (optional)
- Fresh Thai chili peppers
- Bird's eye chili peppers (for extra heat)
- Fish sauce
- Palm sugar or brown sugar
- Lime juice
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Shallots, thinly sliced
- Stevia (optional for a natural sweetener alternative to palm sugar)
- Salt
- Grated coconut (desiccated or flaked)
- **SEO-Friendly Tips:**
- Include "Thai cucumber salad recipe" and "som tam ingredients" in your meta descriptions.
- Use relevant hashtags like #ThaiFood, #SomTamRecipe, #ThaiCuisine on social media posts.
- Incorporate these keywords naturally into your blog or website content to improve search engine rankings.
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Steps
### Authentic Thai Cucumber Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction to Ajad (Achat)
Ajad is a popular Thai appetizer or snack known for its vibrant flavors and crunchy texture. This cucumber salad, also spelled *ajad* in some regions, is a delightful fusion of fresh ingredients and bold seasonings that perfectly capture the essence of Thai cuisine.
#### Ingredients Needed
- 2 medium-sized cucumbers
- 1 small red onion
- ½ cup roasted peanuts (optional)
- A handful of fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime juice from 1 lime
- Fish sauce (about 2 tablespoons, or to taste)
- Palm sugar (optional; can be substituted with brown sugar if unavailable)
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Cucumbers**
- Wash and thoroughly dry two medium-sized cucumbers.
- Using a spiralizer or slicing knife, thinly slice the cucumbers into long strips.
2. **Chop the Onion**
- Finely chop 1 small red onion. You can also slice it thinly if you prefer larger pieces.
3. **Toast Peanuts (Optional)**
- Spread ½ cup of roasted peanuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
- Once cool, roughly chop or leave whole as desired.
4. **Prepare the Dressing**
- In a small bowl, combine lime juice from one freshly squeezed lime with fish sauce (2 tablespoons).
- Add a teaspoon of palm sugar if using to sweeten the dressing slightly. Mix well.
5. **Combine Ingredients**
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices and chopped red onion.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and mix thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated.
6. **Add Peanuts and Cilantro**
- Fold in the chopped peanuts (if using) and roughly torn cilantro leaves into the salad.
- Gently combine everything to ensure a fresh, crisp texture.
7. **Serve Immediately**
- Serve the ajad immediately after preparation for optimal flavor and texture.
- It can also be chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving if you prefer it cooler.
#### Tips and Variations
- For an extra spicy kick, add a small amount of Thai chili paste or fresh bird's eye chilies to the dressing.
- Experiment with different types of cucumbers; English hothouse cucumbers can produce a more watery texture but still work well in this recipe.
#### SEO Optimization for Authentic Ajad
To ensure your content ranks well, incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout the text:
- Use headers (H1 and H2 tags) to structure your guide: `<h1>Authentic Thai Cucumber Salad</h1>` and `<h2>Ingredients Needed</h2>, <h2>Step-by-Step Instructions</h2>.`
- Include internal links like “Thai cuisine” or external ones if referencing other resources.
- Utilize descriptive alt text for images (if applicable), such as "Sliced cucumber and red onion in a Thai cucumber salad."
By following these detailed steps, you can create an authentic ajad that will impress your guests and bring the flavors of Thailand to your home kitchen. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish!