Green Papaya Salad Rolls with Spicy Tamarind Dipping Sauce

June 4, 2024

Ready to roll into something fresh and fabulous? These Green Papaya Salad Rolls are a crunchy, colorful explosion of flavor, paired with a tangy, spicy tamarind dipping sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance! Let’s get those hands rolling and bring this vibrant dish to life!

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Let me tell you about the perfect dish to add a burst of fresh, zesty excitement to your day: Green Papaya Salad Rolls with Spicy Tamarind Dipping Sauce. Picture this—crunchy green papaya, fragrant herbs, and bright veggies all snuggled up in delicate rice paper, like little bundles of tropical joy. These salad rolls are inspired by the vibrant street foods of Southeast Asia, where fresh flavors and bold spices collide in the most magical way. They’re portable, playful, and downright irresistible, whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party centerpiece, or just a satisfying snack for yourself.

Green Papaya Salad Rolls with Spicy Tamarind Dipping Sauce Recipe

What makes these salad rolls so captivating is their unique combination of textures and flavors. The star of the show is green papaya, which delivers a crisp, refreshing crunch and a slightly nutty flavor. Toss in some shredded carrots, fresh Thai basil, and mint leaves for a fragrant hit, and boom—you’ve got all the makings of edible happiness. And then there’s the spicy tamarind dipping sauce. Oh, don’t even get me started! It’s tangy, sweet, and spicy, with tamarind pulp, chili, garlic, and a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce for that umami punch. That sauce is basically the secret weapon you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Trust me, the interplay of the cool rolls and the fiery sauce will make your taste buds throw a party.

So why not give these a try? Green Papaya Salad Rolls are surprisingly easy to make once you get the hang of the rolling technique (yes, your first few might look quirky, but that just makes them charming). You can even customize them by adding shrimp, tofu, or grilled chicken if you're feeling fancy. Serve them with extra dipping sauce on the side, because one dunk is never enough. These are perfect for potlucks, casual dinners, or even a light lunch to brighten your day. Go ahead, roll into the kitchen, and let these vibrant, flavor-packed rolls win you over!

Keywords: green papaya salad rolls recipe, spicy tamarind dipping sauce, Southeast Asian salad rolls, green papaya appetizers, rice paper salad rolls ideas, fresh veggie rolls with tamarind sauce, tropical-inspired appetizers

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Thai

Ingredients

•1 medium green papaya, shredded
•1 medium carrot, shredded
•1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
•1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
•8 rice paper wrappers
•1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
•1/4 cup tamarind paste
•2 tablespoons fish sauce
•2 tablespoons lime juice
•2 teaspoons palm sugar
•1 red chili, minced (optional)
•3 tablespoons warm water

Instructions

1
Prepare the green papaya by peeling and shredding it into thin strips. Do the same with the carrot, and set both aside in a large bowl.
2
Add the fresh mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and crushed roasted peanuts to the bowl with the shredded papaya and carrot. Toss gently to combine.
3
In a small bowl, prepare the spicy tamarind dipping sauce by mixing the tamarind paste, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, minced red chili (if using), and warm water. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth, adjusting flavors to your taste.
4
Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10-15 seconds, until it softens and becomes pliable. Remove and place it on a clean, damp surface.
5
Place a small amount of the papaya-carrot mixture in the center of the rice paper wrapper. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom to form a secure roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6
Arrange the salad rolls on a serving plate and garnish with additional crushed peanuts or fresh herbs, if desired.
7
Serve immediately with the spicy tamarind dipping sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Information

Calories

220 calories

Protein

Carbs

38g

Fat

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute green papaya with another ingredient?

A: If green papaya is unavailable, you can use julienned cucumber, shredded green mango, or even zucchini as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly, as green papaya has a unique mild and crunchy texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by replacing the fish sauce with soy sauce, tamari, or a vegan fish sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.

Q: How can I prevent the rice paper wrappers from sticking together?

A: To prevent sticking, ensure that you work with one wrapper at a time and place the finished rolls on a plate that has been lightly greased with oil or lined with damp parchment paper. Avoid stacking the rolls, as they can stick to each other.

Q: Can I make the salad rolls ahead of time?

A: These salad rolls are best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the filling and the texture of the rice paper. However, you can prepare the filling and dipping sauce up to a day in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the rolls just before serving.

Q: How do I adjust the spiciness of the dipping sauce?

A: To reduce the heat, you can omit or reduce the amount of minced red chili. For a spicier sauce, add more chili or include a pinch of chili flakes. Adjust the flavors gradually and taste as you go.

Q: What is the best way to store leftovers?

A: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent the rice paper from drying out, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or damp paper towels. Consume within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor.

Q: Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?

A: You can customize the filling by adding cooked protein like shrimp, shredded chicken, or tofu for a heartier roll. For extra crunch, include thinly sliced cucumbers or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as Thai basil, to change the flavor profile.

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