Best 2 Spicy Lao Papaya Salad Recipes

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Southeast Asia, a dish that stands out with its unique blend of flavors and textures is the Spicy Lao papaya salad, known locally as tam mak hoong. Originating from Laos, this refreshing and tangy salad has gained immense popularity across the region and beyond. Made with shredded green papaya, a variety of herbs, vegetables, and a spicy dressing, tam mak hoong is a symphony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that tantalize the taste buds. This article presents two variations of this delectable dish: a classic Lao papaya salad recipe and a vegan version that caters to plant-based diets. Both recipes provide step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and cooking tips to help you recreate this authentic Laotian delicacy in your own kitchen. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey and savor the explosive flavors of tam mak hoong.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SPICY LAO PAPAYA SALAD

Spicy Lao Papaya Salad image

This is a Lao Papaya Salad Recipe. With this recipe, you can interchange the green papaya with cucumber, longbeans, mangos, etc. This dish goes great with grilled meat and sticky rice. Hope you enjoy.

Provided by vamphonephong

Categories Vegetable

Time 7m

Yield 2-3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups papayas (shredded)
5 -8 cherry tomatoes
2 lime wedges
5 -9 Thai chiles
2 garlic cloves
1/4 teaspoon shrimp paste
1/4 teaspoon crab, paste
1 -2 teaspoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon tamarind paste (optional)
1/8 teaspoon msg (optional) or 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 teaspoons fermented fish sauce (pa-dak -optional)

Steps:

Shred green papaya (it makes it really juicy!).
Using a large Mortar and Pestle, pound the garlic, peppers, shrimp paste, crab paste, and 1/2 tablespoon of sugar.
Half the tomatoes and add to the mortar and pestle along with the half of the cucumber.
Pound and mix the contents of the mortar and pestle.
Add the rest of the papaya, sugar, fish sauce, msg (optional), pa-dak (optional), and squeeze the lime juice in there.
Continue pounding and mixing the contents of the mortal and pestle.
Ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 149.6, Fat 1, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 730.5, Carbohydrate 35.8, Fiber 5, Sugar 25.2, Protein 3.9

LAO PAPAYA SALAD

Lao Papaya Salad image

Make and share this Lao Papaya Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by saolao

Categories Asian

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups shredded papayas
1 garlic clove
4 chilies
1 tablespoon shrimp paste
1/4 tablespoon crab, paste
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon msg (option)
1 tablespoon fermented fish (padek option)
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
6 cherry tomatoes, but in half

Steps:

Using a large mortar and pestle and pound garlic and chilies together.
Add shrimp and crab paste and continue pounding.
Add papaya than add the rest of the ingredients and use a spoon to help mix ingredients together.
Taste and adjust to your taste, its should be sweet, sour, salty and hot.
Enjoy.

Tips:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. This is especially important for the papaya, which should be firm and ripe.
Pound the garlic, chili peppers, and palm sugar together in a mortar and pestle until they are a smooth paste. This will help to release their flavors and make the salad more flavorful.
Use a sharp knife to slice the papaya into thin strips. This will help to ensure that they are evenly cooked and absorb the dressing well.
Stir the papaya salad gently so that the dressing coats all of the ingredients evenly.
Serve the papaya salad immediately, or chill it for later. It is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Conclusion:

Spicy Lao papaya salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover papaya. With its bright flavors and crunchy texture, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table.