Thai Green Mango Salad Recipe

by Darlene Schmidt
(Thaifood.about.com)

If you are a Thai fan, you may well have eaten this salad without knowing you're eating under-ripe mangos. To be honest, most mangoes you buy in supermarkets are generally rock hard and perfect for the job if you can't find the little green mangoes from Asian supermarkets.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes


Thai Green Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

2 firm unripe mangoes (mangoes may be green or red-orange in color)

1/4 cup dry shredded unsweetend coconut (the kind you use for baking)

2 cups bean sprouts

1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander

3-4 spring onions, sliced

Handful of peanuts or cashews, left whole or roughly chopped

1/3 cup fresh basil

Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken (sliced), cooked shrimp, or fried tofu if vegetarian (cut into small cubes)

Optional: 1 fresh-cut red chili


Salad Dressing:

3 Tbsp. fish sauce, OR vegetarian fish sauce, OR 4 Tbsp.soy sauce

3-4 Tbsp. freshly-squeezed lime juice

2 Tbsp. (or more) brown sugar (to taste)

1-2 tsp. Thai chili sauce


Preparation:

Place coconut in a frying pan or wok (no oil required). "Dry-fry" the coconut as if you were stir-frying it 2-3 minutes over medium heat, or until it turns a light golden-brown and is fragrant. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Mix together all the salad dressing ingredients in a bowl or cup. The dressing should be a mingling of sweet, sour, spicy and salty, but more sweet than sour. Set aside.

Using a sharp pairing knife, peel skin from mangoes. The flesh of the mango should be firm and light yellow-orange (note: the photo above was taken in direct sunlight and is brighter than usual).

Using a medium to large-size grater (the kind you would use for cabbage salad), grate the flesh of the mangoes into a mixing bowl.

Keep in mind there is a large flat stone at the mango's center.

Add the bean sprouts, coriander, spring onions, cooked chicken, shrimp or tofu (if using), the fresh-cut chili, plus half the toasted coconut. Toss well to combine.

Add the dressing and toss again. Do a taste-test. Add more fish sauce or soy sauce instead of salt. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar (honey works too). If you prefer more spice, add more chili sauce. If too salty or sweet, add more lime juice.

Place on a serving platter. Sprinkle the nuts over top plus the basil and remaining toasted coconut. Enjoy!

Make Ahead Tip: To make this salad for a party, grate the mango ahead of time and place in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Also toast the coconut, prepare the dressing, and have the rest of the ingredients close at hand.

Then when your guests arrive, simply put together, toss, and serve!


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Original Green Mango Salad Recipe