Authentic Vietnamese Goi Du Du (Green Papaya Salad) Recipe

Ingredients

1 medium-sized green papaya
1/2 cup of carrot, julienned
2 cups of shrimp, peeled and boiled
1 cup of pork belly, boiled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup of roasted peanuts, crushed
1/2 cup of fried shallots
1 chili pepper, deseeded and sliced
4 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of sugar
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons of lime juice

Steps and instructions

Start by peeling the green papaya and then shredding it into thin matchsticks. Place them in a bowl and set aside.
Do the same for the carrot and add it to the bowl of shredded papaya.
In a separate bowl, combine the fish sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and lime juice to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the shredded papaya and carrot. Mix well and let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
While the papaya and carrot are marinating, slice the boiled pork belly into thin pieces and add it to the bowl along with the boiled shrimp.
Add fresh basil leaves, fresh mint leaves, sliced chili pepper to the salad and mix well.
Top the salad with crushed roasted peanuts and fried shallots just before serving.
Enjoy your Goi Du Du as a refreshing appetizer or a light main course.

Tools for making

Knife - For peeling and shredding the green papaya and carrot.
Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Mixing bowl - To combine the shredded papaya, carrot, and other ingredients.
Whisk - For mixing the dressing ingredients together.
Measuring cups and spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients for the dressing.
Serving plate or bowl - To present and serve the finished Goi Du Du.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Omit the shrimp and pork belly to make it a meat-free salad. You can add tofu or tempeh for protein.
Crunchy Addition: Add some crushed rice crackers or crispy fried onions on top for extra texture.
Spicy Twist: Increase the amount of chili pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to give the salad a spicier kick.
Fruit Infusion: Add some sliced mango or pineapple to the salad for a fruity twist.
Herb Substitution: Use cilantro instead of basil or a combination of both for a different flavor profile.
Nutty Flavor: Substitute roasted cashews or almonds for the crushed peanuts.
Sweet and Sour: Add a tablespoon of tamarind paste to the dressing for a tangy and slightly sweet taste.
Seafood Variation: Swap the shrimp for cooked crab meat or scallops for a different seafood experience.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.

Recipe overview

Goi Du Du is a Vietnamese green papaya salad known for its refreshing and vibrant taste. This salad is a beautiful mix of sour, sweet, and savory flavors - made from shredded green papaya, carrot, boiled shrimp, and pork belly, all tossed in a tangy and flavorful dressing. Fresh herbs like basil and mint add an aromatic touch, while crushed peanuts and fried shallots give it a wonderful crunch. This salad is not only delicious but also quite healthy. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a light main course, it's sure to delight your taste buds. Making it at home is simple and easy, taking only around 30 minutes from start to finish. Get ready to bring the flavors of Vietnam to your kitchen with this Goi Du Du recipe!

Common questions

Can I substitute the green papaya with another ingredient? No, green papaya is a key ingredient in this recipe and provides a unique texture and flavor. It cannot be easily substituted.
Can I omit the shrimp or pork belly? Yes, you can omit either the shrimp or pork belly if you prefer a vegetarian or a lighter version of the salad.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the salad? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili pepper according to your taste preferences.
Can I make the salad in advance? It is best to make the salad fresh and serve it immediately to maintain its crispness and flavors. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad just before serving.
Can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the shrimp and pork belly. You can add tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables for added flavor and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Vegetable peeler - Used to peel the green papaya and carrot.
Knife - Needed to julienne the carrot and thinly slice the pork belly.
Cutting board - Provides a surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Mixing bowl - Used to combine the shredded papaya, carrot, and other ingredients.
Small bowl - To prepare the dressing for the salad.
Whisk - Used to mix and emulsify the dressing ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons - Required to accurately measure the fish sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and lime juice.
Serving platter - Used to present and serve the Goi Du Du salad.
Tongs or salad servers - Helpful for mixing and serving the salad.

Origin stories

Goi Du Du, or Vietnamese green papaya salad, is a classic dish originating from the localities of Southern Vietnam. The salad beautifully captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine - a vibrant blend of flavors and textures, with a perfect balance between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. There's a lovely little anecdote about Goi Du Du - it is often referred to as the "farmer's dish" because it was commonly made by farmers who had easy access to all the ingredients. They would pick a green papaya right from the tree, add a bit of meat left from the previous meal, a handful of herbs from the garden, with a sprinkling of peanuts for a hearty crunch. The simple, humble origins of Goi Du Du reflect the Vietnamese philosophy of making do with what one has, and finding joy in the simplest of things. Today, this humble farmer's dish has found its way to gourmet restaurants worldwide, charming food lovers with its perfect symphony of flavors.

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.