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Umami Thai Green Papaya Salad

A vibrant Thai salad featuring crunchy green papaya, long beans, and tomatoes, tossed with a savory dressing made from fish sauce and fermented fish sauce for an authentic umami experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced For that aromatic punch.
  • 1-3 pieces 1-3 Thai chilies Adjust according to your heat preference, fresh or dried.
  • 1.5 tablespoons 1 1/2 tablespoon palm sugar, finely chopped Packed for unbeatable sweetness.
  • 2 pieces 2 long beans, cut into 2-inch pieces For a nice crunch.
  • 1 medium 1 medium tomato, cut into wedges Or substitute with 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
  • 1.5 tablespoons 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice For the tang you crave.
  • 1 tablespoon 1 Tablespoons tamarind paste Adds depth; you can use 1/2 more tablespoon of lime juice if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon 1 Tablespoons fish sauce Regular variety for essential flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon 1 Tablespoons pla ra fermented fish sauce The secret ingredient for a true umami boost.
  • 1/8 teaspoon 1/8 teaspoon MSG Optional, but it adds a savory richness.
  • 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups julienned green papaya The star of the show!
  • 1/3 cup 1/3 cup julienned carrots For vibrant color and sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons 2 Tablespoons pumpkin seeds Toasted for added crunch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pound the garlic and chilies in a mortar and pestle into a paste until fragrant.
  2. Add palm sugar to the mixture and pound until it dissolves.
  3. Cut long beans into 2-inch pieces, add to mortar, and pound gently to break them up.
  4. Add tomato wedges to the mortar and gently pound to release their juices.
  5. Mix everything, then add lime juice, tamarind paste, fish sauce, pla ra, and MSG (if using) and combine well.
  6. Introduce the julienned green papaya and carrots, pound a few times, and mix until the papaya is slightly wilted.
  7. Transfer salad to a serving plate, sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top, and serve with sticky rice and crispy pork rind.

Notes

For a hand massage method, finely chop palm sugar and mix it with fish sauce and lime juice, then combine all ingredients without a mortar and pestle. Freshness is key for the best flavor.