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Vietnamese Papaya Beef Jerky Salad

Vietnamese Papaya Beef Jerky Salad

Imagine a salad that's not just a boring mix of greens, but a vibrant explosion of Southeast Asian flavors that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Vietnam! This Vietnamese Papaya Beef Jerky Salad is a game-changing dish that combines the crunch of green papaya, the savory punch of beef jerky, and a zesty dressing that will make your mouth water. Perfect for those seeking a refreshing yet bold culinary experience, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups green papaya, shredded
  2. 1 cup beef jerky, sliced
  3. 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  4. 1/4 cup chopped mint
  5. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  6. 2 tbsp fish sauce
  7. 2 tbsp lime juice
  8. 1 tbsp sugar
  9. 1 chili pepper, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing the green papaya. Peel the papaya, cut it in half, and remove the seeds. Using a grater or a mandoline slicer, shred the papaya into thin strips. Place the shredded papaya in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Next, prepare the carrots. Peel the carrots and shred them using the same grater or mandoline slicer. Add the shredded carrots to the bowl with the papaya.
  3. Now, take the beef jerky and slice it into thin strips. You can use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife for this. Add the sliced beef jerky to the mixing bowl with the papaya and carrots.
  4. Chop the fresh mint and cilantro leaves finely. Add both herbs to the bowl, mixing them gently with the other ingredients to combine their flavors.
  5. In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved completely. If you like a bit of heat, add the sliced chili pepper to the dressing.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
  7. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps to slightly soften the papaya and carrots.
  8. After resting, give the salad one final toss before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice or fish sauce according to your preference.
  9. Serve the Vietnamese Papaya Beef Jerky Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish as a light meal or appetizer!

Tips

  1. Papaya Selection: Choose a green (unripe) papaya for the best texture. The firmer, the better! Look for papayas that are still hard and have a bright green color.
  2. Shredding Technique: Use a sharp mandoline or grater to create thin, uniform strips of papaya and carrots. This ensures even flavor distribution and the perfect crunchy texture.
  3. Jerky Matters: Opt for a high-quality beef jerky with a robust flavor. If possible, choose a Vietnamese-style jerky for an authentic touch.
  4. Dressing Tip: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld. This resting time is crucial for developing a deep, complex taste.
  5. Herb Fresh Factor: Chop mint and cilantro just before adding to the salad to preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma.
  6. Spice Adjustment: Add the chili pepper gradually. You can always add more heat, but you can't take it away!
  7. Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of authenticity, serve the salad slightly chilled or at room temperature to maximize the flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 180kcal

Carbohydrates: 15g

Protein: 12g

Fat: 8g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 25mg

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