How to Make Vietnamese Papaya Salad with Fish Sauce

Vietnamese papaya salad, known as "Gỏi Đu Đủ," offers a refreshing crunch that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors. This delightful dish is often paired with fish sauce, elevating its taste and aroma. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a fresh salad at home, follow this easy recipe to make authentic Vietnamese papaya salad.

Ingredients

To prepare Vietnamese papaya salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 small green papaya, peeled and shredded
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 1/2 cup green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
  • 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and Thai basil)

For the Dressing

The key to a delicious papaya salad lies in its dressing. Combine the following ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Vietnamese papaya salad:

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by peeling the green papaya and carrot. Use a shredder or julienne slicer to create thin strips of papaya and carrot. If you don’t have a shredder, you can use a knife to cut them into thin slices.

2. Blanch the Green Beans

To maintain a crunchy texture, blanch the green beans in boiling water for about two minutes. Once done, transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference, balancing the salty, sour, and sweet elements.

4. Mix the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the shredded papaya, carrot, blanched green beans, and sliced chili. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add the crushed peanuts and fresh herbs, mixing just until everything is well integrated.

5. Serve

Transfer the papaya salad onto a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with additional herbs and peanuts if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Vietnamese Papaya Salad

  • For added protein, consider adding grilled shrimp or chicken.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili pepper or add chili flakes.
  • Using a green papaya is essential for achieving the right texture; avoid ripe papayas.
  • Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients per your taste preference.

Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese papaya salad as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. Its unique flavors and crunch will surely tantalize your taste buds!