Authentic Malaysian Kerabu Salad: A Fresh and Tangy Delight

Ingredients

200g of grated green papaya
1 medium-sized carrot, grated
4 long beans, chopped into 1 inch pieces
5 bird's eye chillies, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 tablespoons of dried shrimp, soaked and drained
1 handful of chopped mint leaves
1 handful of chopped coriander leaves
2 tablespoons of crushed roasted peanuts

Steps and instructions

Prepare your ingredients. Grate the green papaya and carrot, chop the long beans, bird's eye chillies, and garlic, and soak the dried shrimp.
In a large bowl, combine the grated green papaya, carrot, chopped long beans, and dried shrimp.
To make the dressing, combine the finely chopped bird's eye chillies, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar in a separate bowl. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss well to ensure that all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
Add the chopped mint leaves and coriander leaves to the salad and toss again.
Before serving, sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts over the top of the salad.
Enjoy your Kerabu immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavours develop.

Tools for making

Grater - To grate the green papaya and carrot.
Knife - To chop the long beans, bird's eye chillies, and garlic.
Bowl - For mixing the salad ingredients and dressing.
Spoon - To mix the salad ingredients and dressing.
Citrus Juicer - To extract the juice from the lime.
Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the fish sauce and sugar.
Colander - To drain the soaked dried shrimp.
Chopping Board - To provide a sturdy surface for chopping and grating.
Kitchen Towel - To dry the soaked dried shrimp.

Recipe variations

Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a protein boost.
Replace green papaya with unripe mango for a different flavor profile.
Include thinly sliced red onions for added crunch and flavor.
Add chopped tomatoes for a refreshing twist.
For a vegetarian version, omit the dried shrimp and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
Add sliced red or green bell peppers for a pop of color and extra crunch.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty taste.
For a spicier version, add sliced Thai red chillies or crushed red pepper flakes.
Include roasted coconut flakes for a hint of sweetness and texture.

Recipe overview

Kerabu is a vibrant and refreshing Southeast Asian salad, packed full of incredible flavours and textures. Originating from Malaysia, this dish is characterized by its unique combination of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. This recipe calls for a medley of fresh ingredients such as green papaya, long beans, and carrot, enriched with a spicy chilli-lime dressing. A sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts just before serving adds an extra layer of crunch. It's a remarkably versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, an appetizer, or as a side dish to complement your main meal. Making Kerabu is simple and straightforward, and can easily be done in under 30 minutes. Get ready to be transported to a tropical paradise with each bite!

Common questions

Can I substitute the green papaya?
Yes, you can use green mango as a substitute for green papaya in this recipe. The taste and texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can omit the dried shrimp and fish sauce to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly. You can also add some tofu or tempeh for added protein if desired.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While it is best to enjoy Kerabu immediately after preparing, you can refrigerate it for an hour to let the flavors develop if needed.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of Kerabu by adding more or fewer bird's eye chillies according to your preference. Keep in mind that bird's eye chillies are very spicy, so adjust accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
Absolutely! Kerabu is a versatile salad, and you can add other vegetables or herbs like cucumber, tomatoes, Thai basil, or lemongrass to customize it to your liking.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grater - Used to grate the green papaya and carrot.
Chopping board - Provides a surface for chopping the long beans, bird's eye chillies, and garlic.
Knife - Essential for chopping the long beans, bird's eye chillies, and garlic.
Large bowl - Used for mixing the salad ingredients together.
Small bowl - Used for mixing the dressing ingredients.
Measuring spoons - Required for accurately measuring the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
Spoon or whisk - Used to stir and mix the dressing ingredients.
Colander - Used to drain and rinse the soaked dried shrimp.
Plate or serving bowl - For presenting and serving the Kerabu.
Chopper or mortar and pestle - Optional, can be used to crush the roasted peanuts.

Origin stories

Kerabu is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Malaysia, where diverse cultures have converged and intermingled over centuries. Originating from the Malay community, this dish embodies the essence of Malaysia's traditional "kampung" or village style of cooking. Kerabu is not just one dish, but a variety of salads incorporating a riot of textures and flavors - crunchy, sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once. One interesting aspect of Kerabu is its use of ingredients that are often found growing freely in the rural landscapes of Malaysia, such as long beans, and wild herbs. This makes Kerabu not just a dish, but a beautiful reflection of the land and culture from which it originates.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.