Lao-Style Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Pork

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and spicy salad of shredded green papaya, grilled pork, and fresh herbs, balanced with a tangy lime dressing for authentic Lao flavor. This lao-inspired asian ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork tenderloin, fish sauce, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Lao cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp palm sugar, 1 red chili minced, and 1 garlic clove minced until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1/2 lb pork tenderloin slices with 2 tbsp fish sauce (from dressing) and 1 tbsp lime juice. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add pork and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green papaya, 1/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, and 1/4 cup dried shrimp (optional). Add dressing and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately with grilled pork slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lao-Style Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lao-Style Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Pork?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lao-Style Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Pork?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lao-Style Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Pork for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lao-Style Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Pork?

Lao asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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