Are you ready to get creative with one of the most underrated fruits out there? Look no further! Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the pawpaw (also known as papaya or tropical melon), a versatile and delicious ingredient that’s just begging to be used in a variety of recipes. From sweet treats like banana bread and pancakes to savory dishes like grilled skewers and BBQ pulled pork sliders, we’ve got you covered with these 18 mouthwatering pawpaw recipes for every occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a show-stopping dessert, our collection has something for everyone. And the best part? Pawpaws are incredibly nutritious, packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants to boot. So go ahead, get inspired, and start cooking up some pawpaw magic!
Pawpaw Smoothie Bowl with Granola
Start your day off right with this creamy and crunchy pawpaw smoothie bowl, packed with nutritious ingredients and topped with a crunchy granola.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pawpaws
– 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Toppings: granola, sliced banana, shredded coconut
Instructions:
1. Peel and chop the pawpaws into chunks.
2. In a blender, combine the pawpaw chunks, pineapple, coconut milk, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
4. Top with granola, sliced banana, and shredded coconut.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Grilled Pawpaw and Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this sweet and savory twist on traditional skewers. The natural sweetness of pawpaws (also known as papayas) pairs perfectly with succulent shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pawpaw, diced
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread a shrimp, a few pieces of pawpaw, and a sprinkle of garlic onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Pawpaw Coconut Chia Pudding
This creamy pudding recipe combines the nutritious benefits of chia seeds with the rich flavor of coconut and a hint of pawpaw (also known as papaya). Perfect for a healthy dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pawpaw puree (or papaya)
– Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chia seeds and soak them in almond milk for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked chia seeds, shredded coconut, honey, coconut oil, salt, and pawpaw puree. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large bowl.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to set.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional shredded coconut and a drizzle of honey if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (soaking time) + refrigeration
Spicy Pawpaw Salsa with Tortilla Chips
Experience the bold flavors of West Africa with this unique salsa recipe that combines sweet pawpaws with spicy heat!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pawpaws (or papayas), diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt to taste
– 1 bag tortilla chips
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine pawpaw, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
3. Add honey and salt; mix well.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve with tortilla chips.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and chill.
Tips:
– Adjust heat level to your liking by using more or less jalapeño.
– Substitute other fruits, like mango or pineapple, for a different twist.
Pawpaw Banana Bread with Walnuts
This moist and flavorful bread combines the natural sweetness of pawpaws (also known as papayas) and ripe bananas, perfectly balanced by the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for a snack or dessert, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 large pawpaws, mashed
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine pawpaw-banana mixture, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract (if using).
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Pawpaw and Mango Tropical Salad
Pawpaw and Mango Tropical Salad Recipe
Summary: A sweet and tangy salad that combines the creamy flavor of pawpaws with the juicy sweetness of mangoes, perfect for a refreshing snack or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pawpaws, diced
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pawpaw and mango.
2. Sprinkle mint leaves and pecans over the fruit mixture.
3. Drizzle with honey and lime juice.
4. Toss gently to combine.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Creamy Pawpaw Avocado Toast
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this creamy and deliciously unique toast recipe, featuring pawpaws (also known as papayas) and avocados.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pawpaws, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 slices of whole grain bread
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Add diced pawpaw on top of the avocado.
4. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pawpaw Glazed Chicken Wings
Sweet and tangy, these pawpaw glazed chicken wings are a game-changer for any party or gathering. With the unique flavor of pawpaw (also known as papaya), you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1/4 cup pawpaw puree
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pawpaw puree, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add chicken wings to the bowl and toss until fully coated with the glaze.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the wings in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pawpaw Yogurt Parfait with Honey
This refreshing dessert combines the sweetness of pawpaw (also known as papaya) with the creaminess of yogurt and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for warm weather, this simple parfait is a delightful treat to cool down.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pawpaw, diced
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp pure honey
– 1/4 cup granola or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the diced pawpaw and yogurt until well combined.
2. Spoon the pawpaw-yogurt mixture into a glass or parfait dish.
3. Drizzle the honey over the top of the pawpaw mixture.
4. If using granola or chopped nuts, sprinkle them over the honey for added crunch.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assembled just before serving)
Pawpaw and Pineapple Sorbet
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of pawpaw and pineapple in this refreshing sorbet, perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pawpaws, pureed
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine pureed pawpaw, pineapple juice, sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
6. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
7. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Once frozen, scoop and serve.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pawpaw BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Get ready to sink your teeth into tender, juicy pulled pork slathered in a sweet and tangy Pawpaw BBQ sauce, all wrapped up in a soft slider bun.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup Pawpaw BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. Place the pork in the slow cooker and cook for 8-10 hours or until tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the pork with two forks, then stir in the Pawpaw BBQ sauce until well combined.
5. Split the hamburger buns in half and toast lightly.
6. Spoon the pulled pork onto the buns, followed by a dollop of coleslaw if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Serve: Immediately, garnished with additional Pawpaw BBQ sauce and coleslaw if desired.
Pawpaw Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these fluffy Pawpaw pancakes, infused with the natural sweetness of pawpaws (also known as papayas) and topped with a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pawpaw, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine mashed pawpaw, egg, milk, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
6. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Pawpaw and Lime Ceviche
This refreshing ceviche recipe combines the sweetness of pawpaws with the tanginess of lime, perfect for a light and flavorful snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pawpaw, diced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt to taste
– 6 ounces white fish (such as halibut or snapper), cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced pawpaw, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño.
2. Add the fish pieces to the bowl and stir gently to combine.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This ceviche is a raw dish that’s best served immediately after preparation.
Roasted Pawpaw and Sweet Potato Mash
This flavorful mash combines the natural sweetness of pawpaws with the comforting warmth of roasted sweet potatoes, perfect for a cozy evening or as a side dish for your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 large pawpaws, peeled and cubed
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the pawpaw and sweet potato cubes with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
5. Remove from the oven and mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
6. Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or your preferred spices.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pawpaw Coconut Curry with Rice
This flavorful curry recipe combines the warmth of spices with the richness of coconut milk, served over fluffy white rice. A perfect blend of East meets West, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Serve the curry over cooked rice and garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pawpaw and Berry Smoothie
Pawpaw and Berry Smoothie Recipe
A sweet and refreshing blend of pawpaw fruit and mixed berries, perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a post-workout treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pawpaw, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pawpaw, mixed berries, Greek yogurt, and honey.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
4. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired texture.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 5 minutes from start to finish.
Enjoy your delicious Pawpaw and Berry Smoothie!
Pawpaw Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the natural sweetness of pawpaws with the richness of chocolate chips, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy these delicious cookies in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pawpaw, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and mashed pawpaw.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the pawpaw mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pawpaw Infused Vodka Cocktail
Experience the unique flavor of pawpaw, a tropical fruit with hints of banana and mango, in this refreshing vodka cocktail. This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a twist on traditional cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pawpaw puree
– 1 bottle (750ml) vodka
– 1/2 cup simple syrup
– Juice of 1 lime
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a clean glass jar or container, combine pawpaw puree and vodka. Stir to combine.
2. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the solids.
4. Add simple syrup and lime juice to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Pawpaw Infused Vodka Cocktail over the ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 24 hours (infusion time) + serving time
Summary
Discover the versatility of pawpaws with these 18 delicious recipes, perfect for any occasion. From sweet treats like Pawpaw Banana Bread and Pawpaw Chocolate Chip Cookies to savory dishes like Grilled Pawpaw and Shrimp Skewers and Roasted Pawpaw and Sweet Potato Mash, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy refreshing smoothies like Pawpaw Smoothie Bowl or cool down with Pawpaw Yogurt Parfait on a hot summer day. Even cocktail lovers will appreciate the unique flavor of Pawpaw Infused Vodka Cocktail. Get creative in the kitchen with these pawpaw recipes and elevate your mealtime game!