Are you ready to ignite your taste buds with a flavorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than the iconic Spicy Green Papaya Salad! This beloved recipe has gained popularity worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of crunchy green papaya, spicy chilies, tangy dressing, and savory protein sources is a match made in heaven.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 18 authentic Spicy Green Papaya Salad recipes from various countries around the world. From the bold flavors of Thailand to the vibrant culture of Vietnam and Laos, each recipe offers a unique twist on the classic dish. Whether you’re a foodie looking for new inspiration or just a lover of spicy and sour flavors, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.
So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Spicy Green Papaya Salads!
Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum)
This spicy and sour Thai salad is a classic street food dish that’s perfect for hot summer days. With its combination of crunchy green papaya, juicy tomatoes, and savory peanuts, Som Tum is a must-try for any Thai food enthusiast.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya (about 2 lbs), peeled and grated
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bean sprouts, long beans, cherry tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup peanuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon palm sugar
– 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, seeded and chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mortar and pestle, combine grated papaya, mixed vegetables, peanuts, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and chilies.
2. Pound the ingredients together until they form a coarse paste.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional chilies if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp
A refreshing and spicy salad that combines the crunch of green papaya with the sweetness of shrimp, this dish is a perfect representation of Vietnamese cuisine. This recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded green papaya
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Cook the shrimp in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until pink. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded green papaya, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and cilantro.
3. Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle with vegetable oil and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Laotian Green Papaya Salad (Tam Mak Hoong)
A refreshing and spicy salad that combines the crunch of green papaya with the savory flavors of herbs, chilies, and peanuts. This classic Laotian dish is a staple in many households and is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and shredded
– 2 cups mixed herbs (such as mint, basil, and cilantro)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chilies
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, mixed herbs, and chopped chilies.
2. Add the roasted peanuts, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice to the bowl.
3. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None required!
Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Peanuts
This refreshing salad is a popular Thai dish that combines the crunch of peanuts, the spiciness of chilies, and the tanginess of green papaya. A perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as long beans, carrots, and Thai basil)
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
– 1/2 cup diced fresh chilies (such as bird’s eye or jalapeño)
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the grated papaya and mixed greens.
2. Add the roasted peanuts and diced chilies on top.
3. Drizzle with fish sauce and lime juice.
4. Toss to combine and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Chicken
This refreshing salad combines the tanginess of green papaya with the smokiness of grilled chicken, all wrapped up in a spicy and sour dressing. Perfect for a light and flavorful meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 medium green papaya, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar
– 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, seeded and minced
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. In a large bowl, combine green papaya, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and chilies. Toss to combine.
3. Slice grilled chicken into strips and add to the papaya mixture. Toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle with cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Crispy Pork Belly
A refreshing Thai-inspired salad that pairs the crunch of crispy pork belly with the tangy sweetness of green papaya, all wrapped up in a spicy and sour flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded green papaya
– 1/2 cup crispy fried pork belly, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– 1/4 cup grated carrot
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar
– 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, seeded and minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine green papaya, pork belly, peanuts, and carrot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and chilies.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Dried Shrimp
This classic Southeast Asian salad is a refreshing twist on traditional papaya dishes, with the added crunch and flavor of dried shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and shredded
– 1/4 cup dried shrimp, chopped
– 2 tablespoons palm sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine papaya, dried shrimp, palm sugar, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes.
2. Mix well until the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with cilantro or scallions.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including preparation time)
Green Papaya Salad with Mango and Lime Dressing
A refreshing twist on traditional Thai salads, this Green Papaya Salad combines the crunch of green papaya, the sweetness of mango, and a zesty lime dressing for a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium green papaya, peeled and grated
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
– Salt to taste
– Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated papaya, mango, cilantro, and peanuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar until dissolved.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of green papaya with the creaminess of avocado, sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for hot summer days or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated green papaya, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and palm sugar.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Herbs
A refreshing twist on traditional Thai cuisine, this Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Herbs combines the crunch of green papaya with succulent grilled shrimp, all tied together with a zesty dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and shredded
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tsp palm sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped mint
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded papaya, grilled shrimp, cilantro, mint, garlic, fish sauce, palm sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Tofu and Sesame Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of green papaya with the creaminess of sesame dressing and crispy tofu, making it a perfect side dish or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded green papaya
– 1/2 cup cubed firm tofu
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Cut the tofu into small cubes and pan-fry until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded green papaya, toasted tofu, and sesame dressing. Toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Spicy Fish Sauce Dressing
This classic Thai salad combines the crunch of green papaya, the sweetness of tomatoes and chilies, and the savory umami flavor of fish sauce. Perfect for a quick and refreshing meal or as an accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and chilies)
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar
– 1 teaspoon Thai chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped peanuts or cashews for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the grated green papaya and mixed vegetables.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and Thai chili flakes until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None (prepare in 15 minutes)
Green Papaya Salad with Cucumber and Mint
This vibrant salad is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and cooling flavors, making it an ideal side dish or light lunch for warm days. With the crunch of green papaya, the freshness of mint, and the juiciness of cucumber, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or to taste)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated green papaya, sliced cucumber, and chopped mint.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Coconut and Lime
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of green papaya with the creaminess of coconut, all tied together with a squeeze of lime juice. Perfect for hot summer days or as a light and spicy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, seeded and minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced green papaya, shredded coconut, and chopped cilantro.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to combine.
3. Add fish sauce (if using) and stir well.
4. Add minced chilies and toss gently to distribute heat evenly.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a raw salad.
Green Papaya Salad with Crispy Shallots
This refreshing salad is a popular Thai dish made with unripe green papayas, crunchy vegetables, and savory flavors. The addition of crispy shallots adds a satisfying textural contrast to the dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium green papaya
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, and shredded carrot)
– 1/4 cup dried shrimp, soaked in water and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Peel the green papaya and remove seeds and pith. Shred the papaya into thin strips.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, dried shrimp, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice. Toss to combine.
3. Add the shredded papaya to the bowl and toss again.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry shallots until crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Drain fried shallots on paper towels. Sprinkle salt to taste.
6. Combine the salad and crispy shallots in a serving bowl. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Lemongrass and Chili
This spicy and sour salad is a staple of Thai cuisine, made with shredded green papaya, lemongrass, chilies, and other flavorful ingredients. A refreshing twist on traditional papaya salads, this recipe adds a burst of citrus flavor from the lemongrass.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya (about 2 lbs), peeled and shredded
– 4-6 stalks of lemongrass, bruised and chopped
– 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, seeded and minced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon of lime juice
– Salt to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mortar and pestle, combine lemongrass, chilies, and garlic. Pound until well combined.
2. Add fish sauce, lime juice, and shredded papaya. Mix until the papaya is well coated.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Basil
This Thai-inspired salad is a perfect blend of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. Crunchy roasted peanuts and fragrant basil add depth to this refreshing dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers)
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar
– 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, seeded and minced (depending on desired spiciness)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine papaya, mixed vegetables, roasted peanuts, and basil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and chili peppers.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Tamarind Dressing
This refreshing Thai-inspired salad combines the crunch of green papaya, the spiciness of chili peppers, and the tanginess of tamarind dressing. A perfect blend of flavors and textures to brighten up any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya (about 2 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as Thai basil, mint, and cilantro)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chili peppers (Thai bird’s eye or jalapeño)
– 1/4 cup toasted peanuts or cashews
– 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced green papaya, mixed greens, chili peppers, and nuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, and lime juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these 18 authentic green papaya salad recipes from Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos! From classic Som Tum to modern twists with grilled chicken or crispy pork belly, each recipe features the star ingredient – the slightly sweet and tangy green papaya. Discover a range of flavors and textures, including spicy fish sauce dressings, creamy avocado, and crunchy peanuts. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a new culinary adventure, these recipes will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia.
