Thai Green Papaya Salad

Also called Som Tam, A Delicious Spicy Sweet n Sour Salad!
Make it a meal by adding on some pan seared Tofu or Shrimp….with this you can easily say adieu to starchy noodles without even missing them!!
This Crrruncy salad is sure to have you begging for more…..

Here you see it topped with shrimp or you could even use Tofu!

Method:

Grate coarsely 1 small green papaya or use a peeler to make ribbon like strips
Cut 2 tomatoes or 1 red bell pepper (seeds removed) into thin long strips.
Cut spring onions, length wise into matchsticks
Wash and drain 2 cups bean sprouts in cold water

For the Dressing use…
1/2 tsp shrimp paste/ 1 tbsp fish sauce/ 1 tsp Thai chilli paste (vegetarian….I used one from Trader joes)
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp soy sauce
3 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp honey
If you like spicy add 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
Whisk all ingredients of the dressing together.
Pour the dressing over the the salad Add some hand torn fresh basil/cilantro to the salad mix.
Toss lightly to combine all ingredients.
Sprinkle liberally with 1/2 cup roasted and coarsely pounded peanuts or cashews and serve immediately!

Note: If you like you can top salad with pan seared d shrimp or tofu too. Here I’ve used Shrimp.

For the shrimp/Tofu…
Sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, lemon juice and 1/2 a tsp of sriracha sauce and 1/2 tsp sugar.
Sear on a hot pan for 2-3 minutes, flip and cook for another minute till the shrimp is cooked through
Toss with the same dressing as used in the salad (make extra dressing for this)
Recipe: Courtesy Sid Khullar
Suggested Recipe
Thai Sriracha Sauce (PIC ABOVE)