Description
Thai Papaya Salad with Grilled Chicken, also known as Som Tam Gai Yang, is an incredible dish that fuses the bold flavors of Thailand into a vibrant and delicious meal. This salad features the zesty, spicy flavors of green papaya, paired with smoky, grilled chicken for a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The grilled chicken adds a satisfying smokiness, while the som tam brings a burst of freshness, heat, and tang. It’s a perfect dish for those who enjoy a balance of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour flavors.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground white pepper
- 1 tsp turmeric (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro stems or roots
For the Papaya Salad (Som Tam):
- 2 cups shredded green papaya (firm, unripe)
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 long beans or green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1½ tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 tbsp dried shrimp (optional)
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
Instructions
1. Marinate & Grill the Chicken
- Mix all marinade ingredients and coat chicken thoroughly.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred.
2. Prepare the Salad Dressing
- In a mortar and pestle, pound garlic and chilies into a rough paste.
- Add fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Mix until sugar dissolves.
- Taste and adjust: more lime for sourness, more fish sauce for saltiness.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine shredded papaya, tomatoes, beans, and dried shrimp.
- Pour dressing over and gently toss, rubbing the dressing into the papaya.
- Add peanuts and mix again.
4. Serve
- Plate the salad and top with sliced grilled chicken.
- Garnish with extra peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like mint or cilantro.
Notes
This vibrant salad combines the crisp freshness of green papaya with juicy grilled chicken and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side, you can also adjust the chili and herbs to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad / Main Course
- Method: Grilling & Tossing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Som Tam Gai Yang, Thai Grilled Chicken Papaya Salad, Grilled Chicken Som Tam, Thai Salad with Grilled Chicken, Som Tam with Gai Yang