Green Papaya Salad Recipe

Creating this green papaya salad is like crafting a melody where each note brings a burst of tangy, spicy, and sweet harmony. As I crush the peanuts and mix the flavors, I’m reminded of the vibrant street markets of Thailand, where every bite invites a new adventure.

Papaya green salad is a dish that I love for its vibrant flavors and perfect balance of textures. The salad brings together the crunch of unripe papaya (which, by the way, is in the same family as the sweet tropical fruit) with the snap of fresh green beans.

These two ingredients make up the bulk of the dish. Then there are the essential seasonings that give the dish its delightful complexity and nutritional value.

The salad is dressed with a mixture of lime juice and fish sauce, and you will find cherry tomatoes, roasted peanuts, and other ingredients mixed through it.

Green Papaya Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Green Papaya: Low calorie, high in fiber; adds crisp texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene; adds sweetness and acidity.
• Thai Bird Chilies: High in vitamin C; provides spicy heat.
• Dried Shrimp: High in protein; provides umami and saltiness.
• Roasted Peanuts: Good source of healthy fats; adds crunch.
• Lime Juice: High in vitamin C; brings bright, tart flavor.
• Fish Sauce: Rich in minerals; adds savory depth.

Green Papaya Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 small green papaya, peeled and julienned (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons dried shrimp, rinsed and soaked
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed
• 2-3 Thai bird chilies, to taste, thinly sliced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon tamarind juice (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Green Papaya Salad Recipe

1. Julienne and peel the green papaya and place it in a large mixing bowl.

2. In the bowl with the papaya, add halved cherry tomatoes and the cut green beans.

3. Soak the dried shrimp in warm water for about 10 minutes, and then drain and transfer it to the bowl.

4. Use a mortar and pestle to carefully crush the roasted peanuts, and then set them aside.

5. In the identical mortar, put the chopped garlic and Thai bird chilies, and gently pound them until they coalesce into a lumpy amalgamation.

6. In the mortar, add the lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind juice (if using) and mix well until the sugar dissolves.

7. Dress the papaya and vegetable mixture in the bowl with the dressing.

8. Combine all the ingredients except the peanuts, the dressing, and any garnishes you’re using in a medium bowl. Use half of the tongs, a fork, or a spoon to hold the salad in place while you add the crushed peanuts. After the peanuts are added, toss the salad again, this time with more vigor. Peanuts are added to a tossed salad. A chopped salad can be garnished with crushed peanuts. Peanuts are a good source of protein and can make salad more filling.

9. Adjust the taste and seasoning by adding more fish sauce, lime juice, or sugar as needed.

10. If desired, fresh cilantro leaves may be used to garnish the salad before it is then transferred to a serving platter. The freshly plated salad is ready to be served.

Green Papaya Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Julienne peeler or knife
2. Cutting board
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl for soaking shrimp
5. Mortar and pestle
6. Measuring spoons
7. Tongs or fork and spoon for tossing
8. Serving platter

FAQ

• What is green papaya?Papaya, in its unripe form, is known as green papaya. It is less sweet and has a milder flavor. Fresh, firm green papaya is perfect for slaws and salads.
• Can I substitute dried shrimp?Certainly! If you have a seafood allergy or just want to enjoy a vegetarian version, leave out the dried shrimp. You can use a small amount of finely diced shiitake mushrooms to get the umami flavor that the dried shrimp would normally provide.
• What if I can’t find Thai bird chilies?Another variety of hot chili pepper can be substituted in its place, or the amount can be adjusted to better match your spice preference.
• Is palm sugar necessary?If you can’t find palm sugar, you can use brown sugar or honey to achieve a similar effect. But really, bring back palm sugar.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?To achieve the ideal texture, it is best to make and season the salad seconds before serving. Left too long with the dressing, the fresh ingredients can become limp and lose their crispness.
• How can I make it vegan?Fish sauce can be swapped for soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce and still yield a delicious dish that is friendly to those who eat a vegan diet.
• What does tamarind juice add to the dish?The dressing’s tangy depth comes from tamarind juice; it’s fine to leave it out, though, if you can’t find it. We think it’s way better with it.

Green Papaya Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute with sign language used in other parts of the world for different dialects. Use cucumbers or green mangoes julienned in the same way to make the same salad with slightly different ingredients. Textures and flavors will vary. There are no rules.
Substitute grape tomatoes for cherry tomatoes or replace them with quartered Roma tomatoes, if needed.
Replace the dried shrimp with a tablespoon of fish sauce for a flavor that’s almost identical. Or, for a vegetarian alternative, just omit the shrimp.
For a version that does not include nuts, try using sunflower or pumpkin seeds in place of the peanuts.
In the absence of Thai bird chilies, use serrano or jalapeño peppers for a milder heat.

Pro Tips

1. Balance the Flavors Taste the dressing as you make it to ensure a balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Adjust the lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, or chilies according to your preference. The perfect harmony of these elements is key to an authentic Thai papaya salad.

2. Textural Contrast Ensure the green papaya is julienned finely and consistently for the best crunch. The peanut crushing should be coarse enough to provide a satisfying crunch but fine enough to easily mix through the salad.

3. Freshness of Ingredients Use the freshest possible ingredients, especially for the papaya and vegetables. The crispness of the papaya and beans and the juiciness of the cherry tomatoes make a significant impact on the salad’s overall texture.

4. Soaking the Shrimp Make sure the dried shrimp is adequately soaked to remove excess saltiness and soften it for a more pleasant texture. This step can make a difference in how the shrimp blends into the salad.

5. Temperature and Serving For best results, chill the salad slightly before serving, but avoid letting it sit too long as it can become soggy. Serve immediately after combining all ingredients for a fresh, vibrant taste.