Green Papaya Salad with Lemongrass Shrimp
For the Dressing:
1 tsp. Garlic, minced
2-3 ea. Thai bird chili (or ½ Serrano), chopped
4 tsp. Sugar
2 tsp. Fish sauce
2 tsp. Fresh lime juice
2 tsp. Water
For the Shrimp:
Sugar 1 tsp.
1 ½ tsp. Minced lemongrass
1 tsp. Minced shallots
2 ea. Thai bird chilies, minced
2 tsp. Fish sauce
1 tsp. Vegetable oil
2/3 lb. (21-25 count) Medium-size raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
For the Salad:
1 ea. Medium green papaya, peeled, seeded and shredded into thin, long strands
2 carrots, shredded thinly
2/3 C. Thai basil leaves, cut in thirds
¼ C. Fried shallots
¼ C. Coarsely chopped roasted peanuts
8 sprigs Cilantro
For the dressing: For the dressing, combine the garlic, chilies, 4 tsp. sugar, fish sauce, lime juice in a small bowl and set aside. For the Marinade: Place 1 tsp. sugar, lemongrass, shallots, chilies, fish sauce and oil in a medium-size bowl and mix well. Add the shrimp. Toss gently to coat and marinate for 20 minutes. Grill or sear the shrimp in an oiled skillet over high heat until just done, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside to cool. Slightly bruise the papaya strands in a mortar and pestle. Put the cooked shrimp, papaya, basil, carrots and fried shallots in a mixing bowl. Add the dressing and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Sprinkle the peanuts into the bowl, then toss and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with cilantro and serve.