Thai Watermelon Chaat
Thai-Inspired Watermelon Chaat 🍉✨A fresh and unexpected take on chaat, with juicy watermelon at the center and a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy and spicy flavors inspired by Miang Kham.
I’ve given it my own little twist with paneer, Thai chilies, crispy air-fried noodles and a few vibrant toppings that make every bite so interesting.
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon , cut into cubes and kept chilled
Miang Kham Sauce:
- 3 tbsp shredded coconut , toasted
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts , finely chopped
- 1 inch lemongrass , blended to a paste with 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 2 tbsp shallots (onions) , finely chopped
- 2 tsp ginger and garlic , minced
- 2 tbsp tamarind pulp
- 3 tbsp brown sugar , or palm sugar, packed
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt , to taste
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp thai chilies , finely chopped
Toppings:
- 1 cup paneer , cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
- 1/4 shallots (onions) , finely chopped
- 1 tbsp thai chilies , finely chopped
- 1 lemon , finely chopped
- shredded coconut , toasted
- garlic , fried
- sesame seeds
- 1 cup noodles , air fried
Instructions
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To make the Miang Kham sauce, add all of the ingredients to a saucepan and mix well. Let simmer over medium heat for 7-8 minutes until reduced by half, stirring occasionally. Discard the lemon grass then transfer to a separate bowl and set aside.
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Sauté the paneer cubes with a little turmeric and salt until lightly golden. Keep aside.
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Toss boiled noodles with a little oil and air-fry until golden and crisp.Let them cool, then lightly crush before using.
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To assemble, arrange a banana leaf or any serving leaf on a platter. Spread a little Miang Kham sauce on the leaf and layer the chilled watermelon pieces over it.
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Add the sautéed paneer, roasted peanuts, fried garlic, shallots, chopped Thai chilies, finely chopped lemon, and toasted coconut.
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Top with the lightly crushed air-fried noodles.
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Drizzle a little more Miang Kham sauce over the top and finish with microgreens and sesame seeds.
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Serve immediately and enjoy the Thai Watermelon Chaat bites.