Authentic Som Tam Lao: A Traditional Laotian Spicy Papaya Salad Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of shredded green papaya
1 cup of shredded carrot
10 cherry tomatoes
2 long beans, cut into 1-inch segments
2 cloves of garlic
6-8 bird's eye chillies, depending on your heat preference
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of tamarind juice
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon of palm sugar
2 tablespoons of dried shrimp, optional
2 tablespoons of toasted peanuts, optional

Steps and instructions

Peel the green papaya and carrots, and shred them into long, thin strips. Set aside.
In a large mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chillies into a paste.
Add the long beans and cherry tomatoes to the mortar and lightly pound them until they are slightly bruised.
Add the shredded green papaya and carrot to the mortar. Pound lightly to bruise the vegetables so they can absorb the dressing.
In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, tamarind juice, lime juice, and palm sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Pour the dressing over the pounded vegetables and toss well to combine. If using, add the dried shrimp and toss again.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish, and if desired, garnish with toasted peanuts before serving.

Tools for making

Mortar and Pestle - Used to pound the garlic, chillies, and vegetables to create the salad.
Peeler - Used to peel the green papaya and carrots before shredding them.
Grater - Used to shred the green papaya and carrots into thin strips.
Bowl - Used to mix the dressing ingredients together.
Serving Dish - Used to present and serve the Som Tam Lao salad.

Recipe variations

Replace green papaya with mango for a different flavor profile.
Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein-packed version.
Include sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
Substitute palm sugar with brown sugar or honey for a different sweetness.
Try using different types of chili peppers like jalapenos or serranos for a milder or spicier taste.
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for additional freshness.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the fish sauce and use soy sauce or tamari instead.
Include crushed peanuts or cashews for added texture and nuttiness.
Experiment with different ratios of lime juice and tamarind juice to adjust the sourness level.
Add a sprinkle of dried chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.

Recipe overview

Som Tam Lao is a flavorful and refreshing salad originating from Laos that has gained popularity across Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. This dish features a unique blend of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it a vibrant accompaniment to any meal or a light stand-alone dish. The main ingredient is shredded green papaya, which provides a fresh and crunchy texture. Cherry tomatoes and long beans add color and variety to the salad, while a dressing of fish sauce, tamarind juice, lime, and palm sugar creates a delightful burst of flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, bird's eye chillies bring a heat level that you can adjust to taste. Optional ingredients like dried shrimp and toasted peanuts can add a further depth of flavor and texture. This recipe requires minimal cooking, making it a quick and easy meal to prepare. Enjoy a taste of Laos with this delectable Som Tam Lao recipe!

Common questions

Can I use a food processor instead of a mortar and pestle? Yes, you can use a food processor to pound the garlic, chillies, long beans, and cherry tomatoes. However, for the shredded papaya and carrots, it's best to use a large mortar and pestle or gently pound them with a rolling pin to maintain their texture.
What can I substitute for green papaya? If you can't find green papaya, you can use green mango as a substitute. It will still provide a similar crunchy texture and tart flavor.
Is there a vegetarian/vegan version of this recipe? Yes, you can make a vegetarian/vegan version by omitting the fish sauce and dried shrimp. Instead, use a combination of soy sauce or tamari, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to add the umami flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness level? The spiciness of Som Tam Lao can be adjusted by adding more or fewer bird's eye chillies. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the number of chillies or remove the seeds before pounding them.
Can I make Som Tam Lao ahead of time? It's best to make and serve Som Tam Lao immediately for the freshest flavors and textures. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Mix everything together just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mortar and Pestle - Used to pound and bruise the ingredients to release flavors and combine them.
Peeler - For peeling the green papaya and carrots before shredding.
Knife - Required for cutting the long beans and garlic.
Small Bowl - To mix and combine the dressing ingredients.
Serving Dish - For presenting and serving the Som Tam Lao.

Origin stories

Som Tam Lao hails from the rustic kitchens of Laos. Interestingly, despite its Laotian roots, this vibrant and flavorful dish is perhaps more widely known as a classic of Thai cuisine, particularly in the northeast region of Isaan. Yet, the two versions have noticeable differences; Som Tam Thai often includes peanuts and dried shrimp, while the Lao version, known as Tam Mak Hoong, is typically fermented with crab (pu) or fish sauce. The dish's humble beginning goes back to the local people making the most of their surroundings, creating a dish that could ignite all the taste buds - sweet, sour, spicy, and salty - using ingredients readily available in any Laotian household. The pounding technique used in preparing Som Tam not only blends the ingredients but also awakens the flavors, much like the people of Laos who, despite their humble lives, burst with richness of culture and tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.