Ingredients:

  • 1 medium green papaya (approx. 500g / 1.1 lbs), peeled, seeded, and shredded or julienned (about 4 cups)
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1-3 Thai chilies, depending on your spice preference (adjust to taste), roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried shrimp (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1-2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla)
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar), packed

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Papaya: Peel, seed, and shred or julienne the green papaya. Set aside.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies into a paste. Add palm sugar and pound until dissolved. Add fish sauce and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  3. Pound the Green Beans and Tomatoes: Add the green beans to the mortar and pestle and lightly bruise them. Add the tomatoes and lightly crush them, releasing some of their juices.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded papaya, green bean mixture, tomatoes, dried shrimp (if using), and peanuts.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated. This is a delicious green papaya salad recipe.
  6. Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to a serving platter and garnish with lime wedges, extra peanuts, and fresh cilantro, if desired.