🇹🇭 Thai

Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)

Name: Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded green papaya; 1-2 Thai birds-eye chilies (adjust to taste); 2 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar; 1 medium tomato, sliced; 2 tbsp dried shrimp (optional); 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, crushed; 1-2 green beans, cut into small pieces; 1 tbsp salted crab (optional); Cilantro leaves for garnish; Fresh lettuce leaves (for serving)

Prep time15 min

Cook time0 min

Total time15 min

Som tam thai.JPG by Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0

Som Tam, the iconic Thai green papaya salad, is a symphony of flavors and textures that captivates food lovers worldwide. Its crisp, shredded green papaya serves as the perfect base, complemented by tangy lime, fiery chili, salty fish sauce, and sweet palm sugar, creating a beautifully balanced taste profile. This vibrant dish is often enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer or light meal, especially on warm days.

Originating from the northeastern region of Thailand, Som Tam translates to 'pounded salad,' reflecting its traditional preparation method using a mortar and pestle. Over the years, it has gained worldwide popularity, celebrated for its bold flavors and its ability to bring a touch of Thailand's street-food charm to any table. Perfect for sharing, this salad offers a delightful mix of crunch, zest, and spice that leaves a lasting impression.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded green papaya
1-2 Thai birds-eye chilies (adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
1 medium tomato, sliced
2 tbsp dried shrimp (optional)
2 tbsp roasted peanuts, crushed
1-2 green beans, cut into small pieces
1 tbsp salted crab (optional)
Cilantro leaves for garnish
Fresh lettuce leaves (for serving)

Instructions

1
Using a mortar and pestle, lightly pound the garlic and chilies together until fragrant.
2
Add the palm sugar and fish sauce, then continue pounding until the sugar dissolves and ingredients combine well.
3
Add the shredded green papaya to the mortar and gently pound to bruise and mix the flavors, but avoid turning it into a paste; keep some crunch.
4
Stir in lime juice, sliced tomatoes, dried shrimp (if using), and green beans. Mix gently to combine.
5
Taste and adjust with more fish sauce, lime, or sugar if needed.
6
Transfer the salad to a serving plate. Top with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and crab (if using).
7
Serve immediately with fresh lettuce leaves or sticky rice on the side.