Spicy Cambodian Papaya Salad

During a hot summer days, on of my favorite dishes to make for my family is Spicy Cambodian Papaya Salad, or "Bok Lahong" (បុកល្ហុង)in Khmer. Growing up in a Chinese Cambodian household, this vibrant salad was always a go-to for our family gatherings, bursting with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Served cold, and made with crisp green papaya, fresh herbs, and a tangy-sweet dressing, it’s a healthy summer salad that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re craving something light for lunch or a unique side dish, this Papaya Salad recipe is sure to hit the spot. Let’s explore this classic Cambodian recipe together—your taste buds are about to go on an unforgettable journey!

The Ingredients

• Green Papaya
• Long Yard Greens or just regular Green Beans
• Thai Chili Pepper
• Peanuts
• Dried Shrimp
• Lime
• Garlic
• Cherry Tomatos
• Cabbage
• Palm Sugar
• Tamarind Juice
• Fish Sauce

Preparing the Green Papaya for Spicy Cambodian Papaya Salad

The real star of this dish is the shredded green papaya. It gives the salad a noodle-like texture, with a refreshing, light taste that’s perfect for warm days. I’ve always loved how the shredded papaya creates this beautiful, vibrant base for the salad.

Start by peeling the papaya’s skin, then use a hand shredder to carefully shred it evenly over the entire fruit. Here’s a tip I picked up from my sisters: once you’ve shredded the papaya, pop it into a large bowl filled with iced water. This little trick keeps the papaya super crispy and fresh while you prepare the other ingredients, ensuring that every bite of your Spicy Cambodian Papaya Salad is as crunchy and satisfying as it should be.

This simple step really makes a difference and adds that extra bit of magic to this recipe.

Preparing the other Ingredients

Let’s get the other ingredients ready for our salad—trust me, these small details make all the difference! Start by slicing the cherry tomatoes in half; their juicy sweetness will add a burst of flavor to every bite. Next, cut the green beans into 1 ½ inch pieces—they add a nice crunch and balance to the salad. For the cabbage, I like to chop it into small to medium pieces so it adds a nice texture without overpowering the salad

Peel the garlic cloves, and don’t be shy about it; fresh garlic brings that essential kick to the dish. Halve the limes so they’re ready to squeeze while mixing the ingredients in the next step, adding that perfect tangy brightness. For a bit of texture, crush the peanuts—we'll use these as a garnish to give the salad gets its nutty depth.

The Art of Spicy Cambodian Papaya Salad: The Mortar and Pestle Technique

One of the secrets to a truly great Spicy Cambodian Papaya Salad is the way the ingredients are combined, using the traditional method of a mortar and pestle, the way my big sisters taught me. This technique creates an incredible texture and really brings out the flavors of the dish. You could toss these ingredients together, but the results are not going to be anywhere as good.

Start by adding the garlic and chili pepper to the mortar. Give them a good pound with the pestle to release their bold flavors. Next, toss in the dried shrimp, palm sugar, and green beans, pounding them just enough to mix everything together. Finally, lightly pound in the shredded papaya, cabbage, and tomatoes.

As you do this, gradually add in the lime juice and fish sauce, adjusting to taste. You don’t need to overdo it—just enough to coat everything just a bit

In the photos, I’m using a smaller mortar and pestle, which is perfect for making one serving at a time. My mortar bowl is about 8 inches in diameter and 4 inches deep. It might seem like a bit of a tight fit with all the ingredients, but trust me, the results are going to be great!

Plating and Garnishing Spicy Cambodian Papaya Salad

One of the things I love most about Spicy Cambodian Papaya Salad dish is how beautifully it plates. The vibrant colors and the incredible variety of textures come together to create a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

I like to lightly garnish the salad with crushed peanuts. Not only does this add a delicious crunch, but it also enhances the visual appeal.

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