Thai Papaya Salad

Get ready to wow your taste buds with this amazingly refreshing and flavorful Thai Papaya Salad!

I love trying new foods from other cultures, and this recipe for Thai papaya salad is something I have never had before. Eating out at Thai restaurants is one of my favorites because I don’t make many Thai recipes, other than curries, at home. I tend to be more adventurous at restaurants, but I have not tried this dish until now. Wow, it was a big mistake not having it sooner.

You may see this dish listed on a menu as som tum, often under the appetizers or salads section. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course salad. The bright colors and array of textures, not to mention the vibrant flavors emanating from the chilies, garlic, lime juice, palm sugar, and fish sauce—it’s enough to boggle the mind and tantalize the taste buds.

Is Thai Papaya Salad Healthy?

I don’t know how much healthier you can get than with this Thai papaya salad. It is low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates, while providing protein, fiber, and a generous amount of vitamin A and potassium. The salad is naturally gluten- and dairy-free and packed full of nutritious vegetables.

Learn More About The Ingredients In Thai Papaya Salad

The first thing that struck me about this recipe was the variety of ingredients, including some I had never used before. Let’s look at some of the ones you may not be as familiar with.

Green papaya: This is an unripened papaya that is firm, with an interior texture similar to that of a potato but without the starch. Unlike a ripe papaya, it is not sweet, and its taste is bland and lightly astringent. It may be necessary to visit an Asian market to find a green papaya.

Thai bird’s eye chilies: This is another crucial ingredient. Omit it and you won’t have Thai papaya salad. However, if you can’t handle the heat (50,000-100,000 Scoville units), it’s ok to use only one, but you need at least that much. These are also known as small red Thai chilies.

Palm sugar: Derived from palm trees, this sugar is a prominent ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine. It imparts a delightful caramel flavor that is not matched by its nearest substitutes of coconut or brown sugar. You’ll find palm sugar in blocks or discs that require grating or finely chopping before use.

Long beans: Also known as snake beans, these are firmer, longer, and scragglier-looking than regular green beans. This recipe uses the beans raw. If you cannot find long beans, you can substitute French or regular green beans.

Dried shrimp: You may need to visit an Asian market to find little dried shrimp. This is a crucial ingredient in this salad, adding incredible umami to the dish.

Fish sauce: Most regular grocery stores carry fish sauce, an amber-colored, salty condiment made from fermenting fish (usually anchovies) with salt. If you find the flavor of the sauce too strong, you can substitute part of it with soy sauce, but the recipe will not have the same incredible taste.

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

This dish is best enjoyed immediately, as it will soften as it sits in the dressing. Although you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days, it is best to consume it sooner. Stir before serving.

How Do You Peel And Julienne The Papaya?

Because the papaya has soft skin, a vegetable peeler can be used to remove its peel. Wipe away any white liquid that may be weeping from the papaya. Cut the peeled papaya in half and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Then, use a julienne shredder to create matchstick shreds from the papaya.

Is There A Substitute For The Green Papaya?

Yes, you can use a green mango (which is also unripe) for this salad. Although it’s not the same, it will work. As with the papaya, you may need to source this from an Asian market.

Serving Suggestions

Take a visit to Thailand without leaving your home with a feast that begins with this Thai papaya salad and some delicious Thai Lettuce Wraps. Move on to a main course of Thai Basil Beef, Chicken Pad Thai, or Thai Shrimp Curry. Add some Thai Fried Rice and you have a delicious meal.

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