Goi Du Du

Name: Goi Du Du
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 green papaya; 1 handful herbs; 2 tbsp lime juice; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 50 g peanuts; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegan

Goi Du Du, the vibrant green papaya salad, is a staple in Southern Vietnamese home cooking. Known for its refreshing qualities, it is often enjoyed during the warmer months when the need for something light and crisp is most pressing. This dish captures the essence of home-style dining, where ingredients are seasoned by intuition and shared generously with loved ones.

The crunch of the green papaya mingles with the herbal freshness of mint and cilantro, all enlivened by a bright kick of lime juice and the savory depth of fish sauce. A scattering of crushed peanuts adds a satisfying texture, while a pinch of fine sea salt ties it all together. It's a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that invites everyone at the table to reach for more.

Ingredients

1green papaya
1 handfulherbs
2 tbsplime juice
2 tbspfish sauce
50 gpeanuts
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Begin by peeling the green papaya and removing the seeds. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to julienne the papaya into thin, even strips. This ensures the papaya absorbs the dressing well and has a pleasant crunch.
Chop a handful of fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, or Thai basil. These herbs will add a fresh aroma and vibrant flavor to the salad. Set them aside for later use.
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of lime juice and 2 tablespoons of fish sauce. Stir well until the mixture is uniform. This will be the dressing that brings all the flavors together.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 50 grams of peanuts until they are golden brown and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, let them cool slightly before roughly chopping them.
Place the julienned papaya in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped herbs and the dressing. Sprinkle with fine sea salt to taste, keeping in mind that the fish sauce is already salty.
Drizzle a generous amount of oil over the salad. This will help the dressing coat the papaya evenly and add a rich texture to the dish.
Gently toss the salad using your hands or salad tongs. Be careful not to bruise the papaya strips; they should remain crisp and intact.
Transfer the Goi Du Du to a serving platter. Scatter the chopped peanuts over the top for a crunchy finish. Serve immediately with bread, allowing the freshness of the salad to complement the meal.