Lao Spicy Papaya Salad Recipe

Diving into this vibrant green papaya salad feels like embarking on a culinary adventure packed with tangy, spicy, and crunchy goodness. Let’s get those taste buds doing the happy dance!

I am in love with the vivacious flavors of Lao Spicy Papaya Salad, which is nothing short of a delightfully refreshing and healthy dish. The medley of shredded green papaya and fiery bird’s eye chilies, tart fresh lime juice, and savory fish sauce is a perfect harmony that my taste buds sing in unison over.

And the addition of palm sugar and roasted peanuts—it turns out, those ubiquitous salad accompaniments offer a perfect balance of sweet, delicious, crunchy goodness that makes the salad sing. Not only is this dish heavenly, but it’s also so good for you!

So, hold on to your horses because I’m about to introduce you to my beloved Lao Spicy Papaya Salad.

Ingredients

• Green Papaya: Rich in fiber; adds crunch and freshness.
• Bird’s Eye Chilies: Brings heat; high in Vitamin C.
• Fish Sauce: Provides umami flavor; adds depth.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Adds sourness; rich in Vitamin C.
• Palm Sugar: Adds sweetness; balances flavors.
• Roasted Peanuts: Source of protein; adds crunch.
• Dried Shrimp: Boosts umami; adds savory protein.
• Crab Paste: Intensifies umami; optional seafood flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium green papaya, peeled and shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar, grated
• 1 small tomato, sliced
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed
• 1 tablespoon dried shrimp (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh long beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon crab paste (optional)
• Fresh cilantro or mint leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Remove the skin of the green papaya, and then cut or tear the fruit into thin strips. If you have a box grater or a julienne peeler, you can use those to get a good amount of shreds. However, you can also cut up the papaya quite finely with a knife and end up with what you should have in a large mixing bowl. You want it to look and feel somewhat like coleslaw.

2. Garlic and bird’s eye chilies are crushed together in a mortar and pestle to form a rough paste.

3. Into the mortar with the garlic-chili paste, add fish sauce, lime juice, and shredded palm sugar. Mix it up, ensuring the sugar is dissolved.

4. Include the sliced tomato, stirring gently to mix with the paste.

5. Add the dried shrimp, if you are using them, and mix into the sauce.

6. In the large mixing bowl, add the shredded papaya and pour the sauce over it.

7. Include the roughly broken toasted peanuts and the long beans cut into pieces in the bowl.

8. Combine the ingredients and gently mash them together in a bowl with a pestle and spoon or spatula until the papaya is well coated with the sauce. If you don’t have a pestle, you can use the handle of a spoon instead.

9. Taste the seasoning, changing the proportion of fish sauce, lime juice, or chilies if necessary to suit your preferences.

10. Move to a plate from which to serve, and—as an optional flourish—spoon the crab paste over the top, sprinkle with a few cilantro or mint leaves, and serve.

Equipment Needed

1. Box grater or julienne peeler (optional)
2. Sharp knife
3. Peeler
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Mortar and pestle
6. Spoon or spatula
7. Cutting board
8. Plate for serving

FAQ

• What can I use if I don’t have green papaya?If you want something with a similar texture, but a different flavor, you can use green mango or cucumber.
• How can I adjust the spiciness?To make it milder, you can reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies; or you can remove the seeds from the chilies before chopping.
• What is a substitute for palm sugar?Brown sugar or sugar cane can serve as substitute for palm sugar.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?Fish sauce, shrimp, and crab paste can be omitted or replaced with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?The components should be prepared and stored separately in the refrigerator until just before serving for optimal freshness. Alternatively, you might consume it the day it was made.
• What if I can’t find long beans?You can use green beans or leave them out if you can’t find them.
• How should I serve this salad?It is frequently appreciated as a starter or accompaniment, and can be dished up with glutinous rice or crisp leaf lettuce.

Lao Spicy Papaya Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chilies: Use jalapeños for a milder heat or serrano peppers for spice levels that match the original recipe.
Fish sauce. Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
Brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used instead of palm sugar.
Shrimp that has been dried: Omit for a vegetarian version or use small quantities of anchovy paste for a similar flavor.
Long beans: Use green beans or sugar snap peas as alternatives.

Pro Tips

1. Use a Julienne Peeler or Mandoline For perfectly uniform papaya shreds, use a julienne peeler or mandoline. This not only speeds up the preparation but ensures the texture of your salad is consistent.

2. Crush Ingredients Freshly When using the mortar and pestle for the garlic and chilies, ensure they are crushed just before adding to the salad. This releases the essential oils and flavors, enhancing the aroma and taste of the dish.

3. Balance Flavors Before Serving After combining all the ingredients, let the salad sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust with extra lime juice or palm sugar if needed to balance the flavors before serving.

4. Roast Peanuts at Home Instead of using store-bought roasted peanuts, consider roasting them at home for a fresher, more aromatic crunch. Simply toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden.

5. Chill Before Serving For an extra refreshing salad, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20–30 minutes before serving. This helps intensify the flavors and gives a cool, crisp texture, making it more enjoyable, especially on a warm day.