Gordon Ramsay Green Papaya Salad Recipe – A Refreshing Thai Delight

Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and slightly spicy dish inspired by Som Tam, a traditional Thai salad. Made with crisp green papaya, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dressing, this salad is bursting with bold flavors. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or as a light and healthy meal on its own.

What is Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad?

Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad is a Thai-inspired dish that combines shredded unripe papaya with chili, lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, peanuts, and fresh herbs. The result is a delicious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, making it a refreshing and addictive salad.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay Chicken Thigh
• Gordon Ramsay Chicken Curry
• Gordon Ramsay Lobster Salad

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad

• Fresh and Healthy – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Explosive Flavor Balance – A mix of sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy notes.
• Crunchy and Refreshing – Green papaya provides a crisp, refreshing texture.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal cooking.
• Perfect Side Dish – Complements grilled meats, seafood, or rice dishes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad

• For the salad:
  • 2 cups shredded green papaya
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup green beans, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, crushed
  • 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh Thai basil (optional)
• For the dressing:
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tamarind paste (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad

1. Prepare the papaya – Peel and shred the green papaya using a julienne peeler or grater.
2. Make the dressing – In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, rice vinegar, chilies, garlic, and tamarind paste. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Toss the vegetables – In a large bowl, combine shredded papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and carrots.
4. Mix in the dressing – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
5. Add peanuts and herbs – Sprinkle crushed peanuts, cilantro, and Thai basil on top.
6. Serve fresh – Enjoy immediately as a side dish or a light, refreshing meal.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad

• Pair with grilled chicken – Adds a light, fresh contrast to smoky grilled chicken.
• Serve alongside seafood – Complements shrimp, scallops, or grilled fish.
• Enjoy with jasmine rice – A perfect balance to the salad’s zesty flavors.
• Top with grilled tofu – A great vegetarian protein addition.
• Pair with a coconut-based curry – The fresh, tangy salad balances rich Thai curries.
• Serve with a refreshing drink – Coconut water or Thai iced tea enhances the meal.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad

• Use firm, unripe papaya – It should be bright green and firm to the touch.
• Shred the papaya evenly – This ensures the dressing coats all the strands.
• Adjust spice level to taste – Use fewer chilies for a milder version.
• Let the salad sit for 5 minutes – Helps the flavors blend together before serving.
• Crush the garlic and chilies together – This releases more aroma and spice into the dressing.
• Use fresh lime juice – Enhances the salad’s bright, tangy flavor.
• Toast the peanuts for extra crunch – Brings out their natural nutty flavor.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad

• Mango twist for sweetness – Add shredded green mango for a sweet-tart contrast.
• Avocado addition for creaminess – Mix in diced avocado for a rich texture.
• Cucumber and cabbage mix – Adds extra crunch and variety.
• Vegan-friendly with soy sauce – Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
• Extra protein with grilled shrimp – Makes it a heartier meal.
• Japanese-inspired with sesame oil – Add a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep dressing separate – Prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
• Do not freeze – The texture of papaya and fresh vegetables changes when frozen.

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad

• Serve chilled or at room temperature – No need to reheat, as the salad is best fresh.
• Revive with extra dressing – If stored, add a splash of fresh lime juice before serving.
• Toss again before eating – This helps redistribute the dressing and flavors.

FAQs

How do you choose the best green papaya for a salad?

To choose the best green papaya for salad, look for a firm, unripe papaya with smooth, bright green skin. It should feel heavy for its size and have no soft spots or blemishes. The firmer the papaya, the better it will shred and hold up in the salad.

What can I use instead of fish sauce in green papaya salad?

If you need a substitute for fish sauce, soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos work well for a vegetarian or vegan alternative. You can also mix soy sauce with a dash of lime juice and a pinch of salt to mimic the depth of fish sauce.

How do you shred green papaya for salad?

To shred green papaya for salad, peel the skin, then use a julienne peeler or a box grater to create thin strips. If using a knife, make shallow cuts along the papaya’s surface, then shave off thin strands with a sharp knife for the traditional Thai-style texture.

How long can green papaya salad be stored?

Green papaya salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the crisp texture of the papaya.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s Green Papaya Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer, a healthy side dish, or a bold, zesty salad, this Thai-inspired recipe will impress your taste buds. Try it today and bring a burst of fresh flavors to your table!

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