Dive into the vibrant world of Vietnamese cuisine with this refreshing Green Papaya Salad that will tantalize your taste buds and awaken your senses! Bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful crunch, this salad is not just a dish; it's an experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a healthy, colorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your friends and family with this irresistible recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups green papaya, shredded
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/2 cup green beans, blanched
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Start by peeling the green papaya and cutting it in half. Remove the seeds and then shred the flesh using a grater or a mandoline slicer into thin strips. Place the shredded papaya in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, peel the carrot and shred it in the same manner as the papaya. Add the shredded carrot to the bowl with the green papaya.
- For the green beans, trim the ends and cut them into 1-2 inch pieces. Blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and cool them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Add the blanched green beans to the mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Whisk together until the sugar is completely dissolved. Adjust the taste if necessary, adding more lime juice or fish sauce according to your preference.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture of green papaya, carrot, and green beans. Toss everything together gently to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chop the fresh cilantro and sprinkle it over the salad. If you like some heat, add the sliced red chili at this stage. Toss the salad again to incorporate the cilantro and chili.
- Finally, transfer the salad to a serving dish and top it with the crushed roasted peanuts for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad!
Tips
- Choose the Right Papaya: Look for firm, green papayas that are not too ripe. They should be easy to shred and have a mild taste that complements the other ingredients.
- Shredding Techniques: If you have a mandoline slicer, it can make shredding the papaya and carrot quicker and more uniform. Alternatively, a box grater works just as well!
- Blanching Green Beans: Make sure to cool the blanched green beans quickly under cold running water to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Adjusting the Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. You can customize the balance of lime juice and fish sauce to suit your personal preference for tanginess and saltiness.
- Serving Fresh: This salad is best served immediately after tossing to keep the vegetables crisp. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the crushed roasted peanuts—they add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish. For an extra kick, consider adding more sliced chili according to your heat preference!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
