Thai Green Papaya Salad Recipe

I absolutely love this Thai Green Papaya Salad because it packs such a refreshing and vibrant punch, with the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and makes me feel like I’m enjoying a little taste of Thailand right from my own kitchen!

I’m thrilled to share my Thai Green Papaya Salad recipe with you. I love how the crisp green papaya marries with the heat of Thai bird’s eye chilies and the umami of fish sauce.

The roasted peanuts add a delightful crunch, and fresh lime juice and cherry tomatoes puff the dish with a refreshing burst. The result is a dish that is vibrant, rich in vitamins, low in calories, and so full of flavor that you’d never guess it’s actually good for you.

Ingredients

• Green Papaya: A low-calorie fruit high in fiber, contributing to digestive health.
• Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies: Adds a spicy kick; rich in vitamins A and C.
• Garlic: Offers anti-inflammatory properties and adds depth of flavor.
• Roasted Peanuts: Provides protein and healthy fats with a satisfying crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, packed with vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
• Fish Sauce: Lends umami flavor and richness, essential in Thai cooking.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the dish with acidity and aids in vitamin C intake.
• Palm Sugar: Balances flavors with sweetness, often used in Asian desserts.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 small green papaya, peeled and julienned
• 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, to taste
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 long green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons palm sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons dried shrimp (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Get the green papaya ready by peeling it and cutting it into very thin strips that you then work together in a large mixing bowl.

2. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the garlic and Thai bird’s eye chilies into a coarse paste. Modify the quantity of chilies to suit your heat liking.

3. Put the palm sugar in the mortar and gently pound to mix it in with the chili and garlic paste. You want to make sure the sugar starts breaking down and combines with the paste.

4. Mix together fish sauce and lime juice in the mortar with the paste. Stir to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.

5. Add the roasted peanuts and lightly crush them with the pestle. Do this just enough to make them release their oils and aromas.

6. Combine the flavors by adding the dried shrimp, if using, and stirring everything gently.

7. Pour the liquid mixture from the mortar into the green papaya’s bowl. Thoroughly combine with two large spoons.

8. Combine the salad with the halved cherry tomatoes and green beans, mixing well to ensure even distribution of the dressing.

9. Savor the salad and modify the seasoning if needed, adding additional fish sauce, lime juice, or sugar to balance the flavors to your liking.

10. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top just before serving. The best experience of Thai Green Papaya Salad comes when it is freshly made. Heat is applied in the kitchen only to the grimy, disallowed sections of the dish, while the icon follows a raw, vegan, and mostly gluten-free diet.

Equipment Needed

1. Peeler
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Julienne peeler or mandoline
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Mortar and pestle
7. Two large spoons for mixing
8. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Can I use a substitute for green papaya?Indeed, shredded raw mango or a firm cucumber can serve as substitutes.
• What can I use instead of fish sauce for a vegetarian version?For a vegetarian option, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
• Are the dried shrimp necessary?No, they are not necessary, and the dish’s flavor won’t be adversely affected if they are left out.
• How can I reduce the spiciness of the salad?To decrease the heat level, use fewer Thai bird’s eye chilies or remove their seeds.
• Can I prepare this salad in advance?You can prepare the components ahead of time and then put them together just before serving. But for the best flavor experience, enjoy it fresh.
• Is there a way to make the salad less salty?Modify the quantity of fish sauce according to your taste. And if the fish sauce is throwing off the balance of flavors, adjust with lime juice and sugar.

Substitutions and Variations

In the absence of green papaya, substitute green mango or cucumber.
If Thai bird’s eye chilies are too spicy for you, you can substitute with a milder chili, such as jalapeño, to your taste.
If you cannot get palm sugar, use light brown sugar.
If soy sauce is not preferred, substitute with fish sauce for a vegetarian option.
In the event that dried shrimp cannot be found or are not desired, they can be replaced with small cooked shrimp or can be omitted altogether.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Papaya: For the best texture, ensure you use a green, unripe papaya. It should be firm to the touch. When peeling and julienning, aim for uniformly thin strips so they’ll absorb the dressing evenly.