Recipe

Spicy Green Papaya Salad

Zesty Delight: Spicy Green Papaya Salad

4.8 out of 5

Spicy Green Papaya Salad is a traditional dish from Lao cuisine that showcases the vibrant flavors and textures of Southeast Asia. This refreshing salad combines the crispness of green papaya with the heat of chili peppers, tanginess of lime, and the umami of fish sauce.

Salad› Tam maak hoong

Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Lao cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

N/A

Total time

15 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low calorie, Vegan (if fish sauce is substituted with soy sauce)

Allergens

Peanuts, Fish (if using fish sauce)

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, High protein, Low carb, High fat

Ingredients

1 green papaya, shredded (about 4 cups / 500g) 1 green papaya, shredded (about 4 cups / 500g)
2-3 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped 2-3 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, sliced 2 tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup (60ml) fish sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) fish sauce
2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
2 tablespoons (30g) palm sugar or brown sugar 2 tablespoons (30g) palm sugar or brown sugar
1/4 cup (30g) roasted peanuts, crushed 1/4 cup (30g) roasted peanuts, crushed
Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 10g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 2g

Preparation

1.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, chopped chili peppers, minced garlic, and sliced tomatoes.
2.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
3.
Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss well to combine.
4.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5.
Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the salad and garnish with fresh cilantro.
6.
Serve the Spicy Green Papaya Salad chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Green papaya — Choose a green papaya that is firm and unripe for the best texture. If green papaya is not available, you can substitute it with green mango.
Thai chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds before chopping.
Fish sauce — If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For a more vibrant presentation, use a julienne peeler to create thin, uniform strips of green papaya.
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers.
Letting the salad sit for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste.
For added crunch, you can sprinkle some fried shallots on top of the salad.
Serve the Spicy Green Papaya Salad as a refreshing side dish to grilled meats or as a light and healthy main course.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Green Papaya Salad chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities. It pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the Spicy Green Papaya Salad in a vibrant bowl or on a platter to showcase its colorful ingredients. Arrange the shredded papaya and sliced tomatoes attractively, and sprinkle the crushed peanuts and cilantro on top for an appealing finishing touch.