Vietnamese-style Green Papaya Salad

Among a plenty of dishes of Vietnamese culinary traditions, the green papaya salad stands out as a as a unique dish but also requires your patience.

Vegetables and Meat

• 1 papaya, around 500g (17 oz)
• 2 medium carrots, around 300g (10 oz)
• 150-200g (6-8 oz) proteins (boiled chicken, pork, dry shrimp, etc.)

Dressing

• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 red chilli
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp lime/lemon juice

Full instruction: Making Vietnamese green papaya salad

Green Papaya & Carrots: peeling the outer skin. Once peeled, carefully shred them into thin julienne strips with your mandoline slicer or knife. Transfer them to a bowl of cold water with a pinch of salt. This helps in retaining the crispness and reduce the bitterness.

Chicken/pork/shrimp: Soak dry shrimp in water in 15 minutes. Boil or bake chicken breast /pork while you grate green papaya and carrots.

Full instruction: Making Vietnamese green papaya salad

- Starting with the Aromatics: Using the mortar and pestle, crush the garlic and chili with sugar to release their flavors.

- Combining the Basics: Add warm water, then fish sauce. The ratio of fish sauce for making salad is 1 water:2 fish sauce. Then, squeeze lime/lemon juice into the sauce and stir evenly to combine.

- Adjusting to Taste: Depending on your preference, you might want it sweeter, tangier, or spicier. Adjust the quantities of sugar, lime juice, or chili accordingly. If it becomes too salty, add more lime juice or a touch of water to dilute.

Full instruction: Making Vietnamese green papaya salad

Step 3. Assembly

- Mixing the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, carrots and chicken/shirmp together. Toss them gently, ensuring they’re well-mixed.

- Adding the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the mix. Using your hands or salad utensils, gently mix everything, ensuring every strand is coated with the dressing. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld.

Full instruction: Making Vietnamese green papaya salad