Som Tum Spicy Green Papaya Salad
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.
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.
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
Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements
Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases
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