Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand with this incredible Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad! This isn't just another boring salad – it's a symphony of fresh, zesty flavors that will make your palate dance with excitement. Imagine crisp, julienned green papaya mingling with succulent shrimp, dressed in a tantalizing blend of fish sauce, lime, and a hint of sweetness that will have you craving more with every single bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium green papaya, shredded
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the green papaya. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, peel the green papaya and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon, then shred the flesh into thin strips. You should have about 2 cups of shredded papaya. Set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, prepare the shrimp. Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring they cook properly.
- In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Once cooked, drain the shrimp and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Whisk the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will create a tangy and savory dressing that complements the salad.
- Once the shrimp have cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the shredded papaya.
- Pour the dressing over the papaya and shrimp mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the shrimp and papaya are evenly coated with the dressing.
- To serve, transfer the salad to a serving plate or bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle chili flakes on top to taste, adding a bit of heat if desired.
- Enjoy your refreshing Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad as a light meal or appetizer!
Tips
- Papaya Selection: Choose a firm, unripe green papaya for the best texture. The greener and harder it is, the crunchier your salad will be.
- Shrimp Cooking Hack: To prevent rubbery shrimp, remove them from boiling water the moment they turn pink. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy.
- Dressing Tip: Taste and adjust your dressing before adding it to the salad. The perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty is key to an authentic Thai flavor.
- Prep Ahead: You can shred the papaya and prepare the dressing in advance, making this a quick and easy meal for busy days.
- Spice Level Control: Add chili flakes gradually to control the heat. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh cilantro and squeeze the lime juice just before mixing to maximize flavor and brightness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
