Goi Du Du Kho Bo (Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad with Beef Jerky)

1 small papaya, about 1 to 1 1/2 lbs., or 1 lb. pre-shredded papaya
Thai basil
Vietnamese beef

For the dressing, you'll need:
1/4 cup soy sauce, or fish sauce if you prefer
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water

1 tblsp sugar
2 tsp chili sauce

shredd green papaya, prepare that first and set aside in a bowl of salty water.

Prepare the dressing by mixing 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tblsp sugar, and 2 tsp chili sauce. Taste. Adjust if necessary but you want a slightly sweet sauce. Set aside.

Grill the beef jerky. Tear into small strips. Set aside.

Drain papaya into a colander and lightly press to remove excess moisture. Leave the papaya in the colander to continue draining while you prepare the Thai basil leaves. Remove the basil leaves from the stem. The leaves can remain whole or chiffonade if you wish.


In a bowl, add in the drained papaya and basil leaves. Give the dressing a quick stir and pour in about half of it. Toss. Taste. Add more dressing if necessary but you don't want it too wet.

To serve, arrange the salad on a plate. Add the beef jerky strips on top.