International Cuisine > Vietnamese Cuisine > Salads (Vietnamese) > Green Papaya Salad (Goi Du Du) Recipe

Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad (Goi Du Du)

A refreshing and flavorful Vietnamese salad made with shredded green papaya, herbs, and a tangy dressing. This Goi Du Du recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes (for optional steps)
Servings
4-6
Ingredients
  • 500 g Green Papaya
  • 1 medium Carrot
  • 1/2 cup Vietnamese Mint (Rau Ram)
  • 1/4 cup Thai Basil
  • 1/4 cup Roasted Peanuts
  • 30 g Dried Shrimp
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1-2 pieces Bird's Eye Chili
  • 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam)
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar

Preparation of Ingredients

Peel the green papaya and carrot. Shred them using a julienne peeler or a mandoline. If using a knife, cut them into thin strips. Soak the shredded papaya and carrot in ice water for about 15 minutes to maintain their crispness. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels. Soak the dried shrimp in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain and roughly chop.

Making the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and finely chopped chili (adjust chili to your spice preference). Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assembling the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, carrot, Vietnamese mint, and Thai basil. Add the dressing and toss well to coat everything evenly. Add the chopped dried shrimp and toss again.

Final Touches

Transfer the salad to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with roasted peanuts. Serve immediately. For an enhanced flavor, some people lightly toast the dried shrimp in a dry pan before adding them to the salad.

Optional: Toasted Coconut Flakes

For added texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the salad before serving.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: Approximately 120-150 kcal
Protein: 3-5g
Fat: 6-8g
Carbohydrates: 12-15g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

This salad is relatively low in calories and high in vitamins due to the green papaya and herbs. The fish sauce contributes to the sodium content, so individuals watching their sodium intake should use it sparingly. Peanuts provide healthy fats and protein. Adjust the amount of sugar to control the sweetness and carbohydrate content. Consider using a low-sodium fish sauce alternative to reduce sodium content.

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FAQ

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    It's best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the papaya from becoming soggy. You can prepare the ingredients (shred papaya and carrot, make the dressing) in advance and store them separately.
  • What if I can't find Vietnamese Mint?

    If you can't find Vietnamese mint, you can substitute it with more Thai basil or a combination of mint and cilantro.
  • Can I make this vegetarian/vegan?

    To make it vegetarian/vegan, omit the dried shrimp and substitute the fish sauce with a vegetarian fish sauce alternative or a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of seaweed flakes for umami flavor. Be sure to check that the fish sauce substitute you use is vegan-friendly, as some may contain honey or other non-vegan ingredients.