Description
Thai Green Papaya Salad, or Som Tum, is a vibrant and tangy dish originating from Thailand. Known for its dynamic flavor profile that combines spicy, sour, salty, and sweet elements, Som Tum is beloved around the world. This dish features the crunchy texture of green papaya combined with fresh herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, and roasted peanuts. Som Tum can be enjoyed as a refreshing side dish, an appetizer, or even a light lunch.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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2 cups shredded green papaya (about 1 medium papaya)
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup long beans, cut into 1-2 inch pieces (or green beans as an alternative)
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1/4 cup roasted peanuts
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1-2 fresh red chili peppers (adjust based on your spice preference)
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2 cloves garlic
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1-2 tablespoons dried shrimp (optional, for authenticity)
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1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar as a substitute)
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1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
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1-2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or substitute with a bit more lime juice)
Optional Garnish:
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Fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
The first step in making Som Tum is to shred the green papaya. To do this, you can either use a julienne peeler, a sharp knife, or a food processor for ease. Green papaya is firm and not yet ripe, so it should have a crisp texture once shredded. Shredding the papaya thinly will help absorb the flavors of the dressing better.
Place the shredded papaya in a large bowl and set it aside.
Traditionally, Som Tum is made in a mortar and pestle, which gives the salad a rustic texture and melds the flavors together. Begin by placing the garlic and chili peppers in the mortar. Gently pound them until the garlic is crushed and the chili peppers are broken up. If you are using dried shrimp, add them at this stage and pound gently to release the flavors.
This process is key to releasing the essential oils from the garlic and chilies, which will enhance the depth of flavor in the salad.
Now, add the palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and tamarind paste to the mortar. Using the pestle, stir and press everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a smooth dressing. Taste and adjust the balance of sweetness, saltiness, and sourness according to your preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar; if you prefer more saltiness, add more fish sauce. A bit more lime juice will give you a tangier kick.
Add the shredded papaya, cherry tomatoes, and long beans (or green beans) to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the vegetables are coated well with the flavorful dressing. You can also return the mixture to the mortar and gently pound the ingredients together, especially breaking the tomatoes and beans to release some of their juices.
Once everything is well-mixed, sprinkle the salad with roasted peanuts for a satisfying crunch. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves for added fragrance and a burst of green color.
Som Tum is traditionally served immediately after it’s made to ensure the papaya stays crisp and fresh.
Notes
This Thai Green Papaya Salad is the perfect balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty—just like you’d find on the streets of Thailand. Serve it as a refreshing side or a light main dish. Enjoy it fresh for the best crunch and flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Thai
Keywords: Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum) Recipe