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A bowl of Spicy Green Papaya Salad with green beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and peanuts. Garnished with lime, chili peppers, and cilantro for that authentic Som Tum flavor. A glass of water and napkin are nearby.

Som Tum Spicy Green Papaya Salad

A woman with shoulder-length wavy hair is smiling, standing indoors with greenery in the background. She is wearing a white V-neck shirt and a necklace.Jasmine Ito
Som Tum is a classic Thai dish that perfectly balances spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. This green papaya salad is crunchy, refreshing, and an explosion of vibrant tastes, capturing the essence of Thai street food.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Meal Type Salads, Side Dishes
Cuisine Asian, Thai
Servings 2
Calories 232 kcal
Difficulty Easy
Ingredient Cost $5
Shopping Cost$27

Equipment

  • Mortar and pestle (or large mixing bowl)
  • Peeler and julienne peeler (or knife)
  • Mixing spoon
  • Large bowl

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups green papaya shredded
  • 1 medium carrot julienned
  • 6 cherry tomatoes halved
  • 7 green beans cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 3 bird's eye chilies adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce for vegan/vegetarian
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts crushed
  • 2 tablespoons dried shrimp optional
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Papaya and Vegetables:

  • Peel the green papaya and julienne it using a julienne peeler or a knife. Julienne the carrot as well. Set aside the papaya and carrots in a large bowl.
    2 cups green papaya, 1 medium carrot

Make the Dressing:

  • In a mortar and pestle (or mixing bowl), crush the garlic and chilies together until roughly mashed. Add the palm sugar, fish sauce (or soy sauce), and lime juice. Continue pounding or mixing until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined.
    3 cloves garlic, 3 bird's eye chilies, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon palm sugar, 2 tablespoons lime juice

Toss the Salad:

  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes, green beans, and dried shrimp (if using) to the mortar. Lightly pound them to release their juices. Then, pour the dressing over the shredded green papaya and carrots in the large bowl. Toss everything together using a spoon or your hands.
    6 cherry tomatoes, 7 green beans, 2 tablespoons dried shrimp

Serve:

  • Transfer the salad to a serving plate. Top with crushed roasted peanuts and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
    2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, Fresh cilantro

Notes

Adjust the spice level: Som Tum can be quite spicy, so adjust the number of chilies to your preferred heat level.
Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegan version.
Add-ons: You can add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu for extra protein if desired.
Freshness: For the best flavor, enjoy the salad immediately. The crispness of the papaya and veggies is key to its appeal.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 17gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 171mgSodium: 1342mgPotassium: 660mgFiber: 5gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 6892IUVitamin C: 112mgCalcium: 137mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Green Papaya Salad, Som Tum, Spicy Thai Salad, Thai Street Food, Vegan Thai Salad

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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