Green papaya salad, also known as som tam or papaya pok pok, is a popular dish in Southeast Asian cuisine. Originating from Thailand, it has become a staple in the culinary traditions of countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This vibrant and flavorful salad is made with shredded green papaya, herbs, and a tangy dressing, and has become increasingly popular around the world for its unique taste and health benefits.
Green papaya salad is traditionally made with unripe, green papayas. These are papayas that have not yet ripened and are still firm and slightly underripe. The shredded papaya is then mixed with a variety of ingredients such as tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and chilies, and dressed with a combination of lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The result is a delicious and refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
Apart from its delicious taste, green papaya salad also holds cultural significance in Southeast Asian cuisine. In Thailand, it is considered a national dish and is often served as a side dish or appetizer in most restaurants. In Laos, it is a common street food and is often sold by vendors who specialize in making only this dish. In Vietnam, it is known as goi du du and is often served as a side dish or accompaniment to main meals.
One of the reasons for the popularity of green papaya salad is its numerous health benefits. Green papayas are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. They also contain high levels of antioxidants and enzymes that aid digestion and improve gut health.
Now, let’s take a look at how to make green papaya salad at home. Here is a simple and easy-to-follow recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 green papaya
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
– 2-3 red chilies, sliced (optional)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons palm sugar
Instructions:
1. Peel the green papaya and remove the seeds. Using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler, shred the papaya into thin strips.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, chilies, cilantro, and mint.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
While the basic ingredients for green papaya salad remain the same, there are variations of this dish in different countries. For example, the Thai version often includes dried shrimp and can be made spicy by adding more chilies. In Vietnam, the salad is often topped with shrimp or pork, while in Laos, it may include fermented fish sauce or fermented crab paste.
Apart from being a delicious and healthy dish, green papaya salad also has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes. In traditional medicine, it is believed to have healing properties for various ailments such as digestive issues, skin problems, and even cancer. The enzymes in green papaya are said to aid digestion and improve gut health, while the antioxidants help boost the immune system.
When choosing a green papaya for your salad, it is important to select one that is firm and not too ripe. A ripe papaya will be yellow-orange in color and will be too soft to shred. Look for a papaya that is still green with a slightly yellow tinge. You can also press the papaya with your fingers – if it gives in easily, it is too ripe.
12. Papaya Salad : Hot Thai Kitchen Click Here
This salad can certainly satisfy your cravings. When you are at the office, it is 11:52 am and you are hungry, it’s time to grab this. This calls for a cup and a half of sweet tasting green papaya.
11. Green Papaya Salad : Healthy Nibbles and Bits Click Here
This salad nothing but GREEN, WHITE AND ORANGE. The Ireland flag comes to mind. Green Papaya and carrots steal the show in this green papaya salad from Healthy Nibbles and Bits
Is Green Papaya Just Unripe Papaya ?
Yes and looks like a green football. The firm pale green flesh can be rendered into pickles because of it’s lack of taste.
10. Green Papaya Salad Som Tam : Inquiring Chef Click Here
Has anybody been to Northeast Thailand in recent years. Perhaps you came across this Green Papaya Salad. I like the illustrations for this salad. If you are feeding a mix-diet crew, this one is for you. Heyyyyyy It rhythms.
Is There A Difference Between Papaya and Green Papaya ?
Yes, Immature green papaya lacks the taste in comparison to its counterparts. Green and Orange Papaya are the same fruit picked.
9. Gai Du Du, Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp : Girl Cooks World Click Here
This Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad has mouthwatering tasting Islands of SHRIMP, relaxing on the shredded green papaya. By the way, that has to be the FLATTEST BOWL I have ever seen.
Fun Facts About Papayas ?
- Papayas are actual large berries
- Papaya trees grow anywhere between 5 to 10 meters
- Papaya trees don’t have branches
- The leaves of a Papaya tree grows on petioles that are nearly horizontal
- Every part of a papaya tree has latex
- The black seeds of a papaya has a sharp and spicy taste
8. Vegan Green Papaya and Green Mango Salad : Vidhya Home Cooking
Click Here
This is described as the vegan version of Thai Salad. The salted peanuts give this salad a nice crunchy taste. This is a salad or snack that you can have any time of the day.
7. Green Papaya Salad : Thai Table Click Here
Here is a mountain of Green Papayas just waiting for to arrive and your table. Cherry Tomatoes, chillies and dried shrimp is what you will find as you climb up this hill.
6. Vietnamese Papaya Salad with Beef Jerky Roasted Peanuts : Vicky Pham
Click Here
Chopsticks are used in this salad. The BRIGHT RED beef jerky gives this a unique taste. Basil Leaves, toasted peanuts, and an unripe papaya is what puts this salad together
More Fun Facts about Papaya’s
- The papaya fruit fly is a threat to the fruit
- The seeds of a papaya can be used and ground up as a substitute for black pepper
- The bark off of a papaya tree is often used to make rope
- September is National Papaya Month
Popular Foods With Green Papayas
- Raw Papaya Kebobs
- Green Papaya Fajitas
- Green Papaya Smoothies
- Green Papaya Soup
- Green Papaya Pad Thai
- Green Papaya Kimchi
5. Chicken and Green Papaya Salad : Epicurious Click Here
A delicious pound of chicken is what you get with this Chicken and Green Papaya Salad. The spice level is a factor here.
Non Edible Green Papaya Ideas
- Green Papaya Lotion
- Green Papaya Deordorant
- Green Papaya Soap
4. Shrimp & Papaya Salad : Food and Wine Click Here
This salad is a pretty sight. A pound of shrimp, one ripe papaya, onions, celery ribs, and of course the watercress makes this salad a must try.
3. Prawn and Papaya Salad : Jamie Oliver Click Here
What is Jamie Oliver cooking? Something good that’s for sure. Tomatoes, garlic cloves, fish sauce, groundnut oil, the list goes on. Prawn City USA.
2. Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp : Splendid Table Click Here
This one is my second favorite. It’s Shrimp again. It’s time to shred again. It’s like you need a shredding machine. Thin slices make the taste splendid.
1 Thai Green Papaya Salad : Epicurious Click Here
And now ladies and gentlemen. My favorite Papaya Salad of all time. Just look at all of the ingredients in this salad. I think I could have 2 or 3 of these.
One of the best things about green papaya salad is its versatility. It can be easily adapted for various dietary needs, making it suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. To make it a complete meal, you can add protein sources such as tofu, shrimp, or chicken. The salad can also be enjoyed as a side dish with rice or noodles, or as a light and refreshing main course.
In conclusion, green papaya salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that has become a favorite in Southeast Asian cuisine. Its origins, cultural significance, and health benefits make it a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons. So next time you’re in the mood for something flavorful and nutritious, why not give green papaya salad a try? Your taste buds and your body will thank you
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