THAI GREEN PAPAYA NOODLES
Thai Green Papaya Noodles are a crisp, refreshing dish inspired by traditional Thai som tam, offering a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy and spicy flavours. Shredded green papaya serves as a crunchy, noodle-like base, absorbing the bright citrus of lime juice and the savoury depth of fish sauce. A touch of honey balances the chilli heat while the dish remains light, low in fat and gluten-free. This vibrant, uncooked recipe is ideal for warm weather and works well as a starter, side or light lunch. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled seafood, tofu or sticky rice. Requiring minimal ingredients and time, it captures the authentic taste of Thai street food with incredible ease. With its bold flavour profile and simple preparation, Thai Green Papaya Noodles are a delightful way to eat fresh and clean.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Appetisers
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Thai
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Salad
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup shredded green papaya
- ½ teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon chilli flakes
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Protein:6 g
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 11.3 g
- Sugars: 8.8 g
- Fibre: 1.4 g
- Sodium: 241.6 mg
- Potassium: 154.5 mg
- Calcium: 17 mg
- Iron: 0.3 mg
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Green Papaya: Peel and shred green papaya using a julienne peeler or box grater. Place in a mixing bowl.
- Make The Dressing: In a small bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, honey and chilli flakes. Stir well until the honey fully dissolves.
- Combine And Toss: Pour the dressing over the shredded papaya. Toss thoroughly to ensure all strands are coated evenly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the mixture to rest for 5–10 minutes at room temperature to absorb flavours.
- Serve Chilled Or Room Temperature: Transfer to a serving plate or bowl. Optionally, garnish with crushed peanuts or fresh coriander.
PREP TIME
8 minutes
COOKING TIME
0 minutes
TIPS
- Use Firm Green Papaya: Choose unripe papaya for the best crunchy texture.
- Shred Thinly: Thin, noodle-like strips absorb the dressing more effectively.
- Balance Flavours: Adjust lime, honey or fish sauce to suit your preference.
- Chill Before Serving: For a more fabulous dish, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish Last Minute: To retain texture, add garnishes like nuts or herbs just before eating.
VARIATIONS
- Vegan Option: Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or vegan fish sauce.
- Add Protein: Top with grilled shrimp, tofu or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
- Fruit Twist: Add julienned green mango or carrot for a sweet-savory blend.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in crushed roasted peanuts or cashews for texture and flavour.
- Spicy Boost: Add thinly sliced Thai chillies or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Herbal Finish: Include Thai basil or mint leaves for fresh, aromatic contrast.
- Sesame Infusion: Add a drizzle of sesame oil or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds.
- Wrap It Up: Use the salad as a filling for fresh lettuce or rice paper wraps.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Best eaten fresh for crunch.
- Avoid Freezing: Papaya loses texture and becomes watery when frozen and thawed.
- Meal Prep Tip: Prepare dressing and papaya separately. Mix just before serving to retain texture.
- Refresh With Lime: Add a fresh squeeze of lime juice before serving if made in advance.
- Batch Prep: Double or triple ingredients easily for larger gatherings or party servings.