Papaya Salad with Shrimp and Peppers

STORY

I’m often inspired by Saigon Cafe. I’ve featured at least two recipes inspired by them (my Pork with Rice Vermicelli and Chicken and Mint Salad). I’ve waxed poetically about why you should go there (Go there now!). But I understand that there are reasons you might not be able to get to Saigon Cafe. On the nights you can’t get there, you should try this salad. This salad is a twist on the traditional Goi Du Du salad, which often uses green papaya. This papaya salad recipe calls for a ripe, juicy papaya.

The special thing about this recipes is that it’s a fantastic choice for entertaining a guest (the papaya boat is quite dramatic!), as well as being a perfect light lunch (remove the papaya boat and it packs well).

RECIPE

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~15- 20 minutes

TOOLS

• Chef’s Knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Large spoon

INGREDIENTS

1 papaya (cut in half with seeds scooped out)
1/4 cup chopped steamed shrimp
2 tbsp chopped red bell peppers
2 tbsp chopped red onion
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
fresh ground black pepper to taste
For Dressing
1/8 cup fresh lime juice
1 tbsp of fish sauce (nước mắm)
2 tbsp of Demerara sugar

METHOD

For Papaya Boat

1. Mix fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and Demerara sugar in a bowl until combined.
2. Add chopped steamed shrimp, red bell peppers, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro to dressing and coat.
3. Spoon into papaya until it’s full and sprinkle with black pepper.

For Chopped Salad

1. Chop up one half papaya, and place in a bowl
2. Add chopped steamed shrimp, red bell peppers, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro to the bowl.
3. In a small mixing bowl mix fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and Demerara sugar until combined.
4. Pour dressing over salad and coat.
5. Sprinkle with black pepper and enjoy!

Photo Credit: Lance Madson