Goi Du Du - Green Papaya Salad

It has to be a green papaya in order to make this salad. It doesn’t taste like an orange papaya, and taste a bit more like cucumber with a firmer texture. Green papaya is sold in most Chinese or Southeast Asian markets, although, I’ve been seeing it around more in major grocery stores and farmers markets. Find a nice shiny one that is firm with smooth outer skin. Using a mandoline is very helpful when you prep the papaya and carrot. Goi Du Du is seasoned with fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar–playing off salty and sweet flavors. There’s no oil in this salad, so it’s light and refreshing. I often add a protein like shrimp, chicken, or fried tofu, and enjoy it as a meal by itself.

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: N/A

INGREDIENTS

1 to 1 ½ pound green papaya, peeled, seeded, and julienned

1 carrot,  julienned

¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

1-2 red chiles, thinly sliced

¼ cup fish sauce

¼ cup white vinegar

3 TB sugar

½ cup water

¼ cup fried shallots (optional)

¼ cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped

1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

METHOD

1. In a large bowl, toss together the papaya, carrot, mint, cilantro, and chile.
2. In a separate bowl, combine fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Spoon about half of the dressing over the salad and toss to evenly coat. Add more dressing if needed.
4. Add shallots, if using, and peanuts, and lightly toss. Serve with lime wedges.