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Long Bean Salad

3.8

(1)

In this Thai-inspired salad, crisp long beans are dressed in a sauce that's bright with lime juice and  savory thanks to umami-rich fish sauce. The dish is topped with salty, crunchy peanuts and slightly-sweet coconut flakes.

Cooks' Note

Editor’s note: This headnote has been updated as a part of our archive repair project. An offensive alternative term for Makrut lime has been removed, and the recipe's influences and origins have been given context. 

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 bunch watercress, tough stems removed, cut into 2" lengths (about 5 cups)
Kosher salt
3/4 pound long beans or green beans, trimmed, cut into 1" pieces
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon thinly sliced Makrut lime leaves or 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
1/4 cup coarsely chopped roasted peanuts, preferably unsalted

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350° Toast coconut flakes on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Let cool.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, cook watercress in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until just wilted, about 10 seconds; using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander set in a large bowl of ice water. Drain, then gently squeeze out excess water.

    Step 3

    Return water in saucepan to a boil. Cook beans until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes; transfer to ice water. Drain, then pat dry.

    Step 4

    Whisk fish sauce, lime juice, and coconut sugar in a large bowl until sugar dissolves. Add watercress, beans, onion, and Makrut lime leaves and toss to coat. Serve topped with coconut and peanuts.

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