Authentic Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tam) Recipe

Ingredients

2 cloves of garlic
2-5 bird's eye chilies (adjust based on your spice preference)
1 tablespoon of palm sugar
1.5 tablespoons of fish sauce
1.5 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
2 cups of shredded green papaya
2 Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
2 long string beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons of dried shrimp, roughly chopped
1/4 cup of roasted peanuts

Steps and instructions

Begin by making the dressing. In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies into a paste.
Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice to the mortar and mix until the sugar is fully dissolved.
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, chopped tomatoes, string beans, and dried shrimp.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Finally, sprinkle the roasted peanuts on top before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Tools for making

Mortar and pestle - Used to pound the garlic and chilies into a paste for the dressing.
Bowl - Used to combine the salad ingredients and mix them with the dressing.
Knife - Needed to slice and chop the ingredients like tomatoes, string beans, and dried shrimp.
Grater - Used to shred the green papaya.

Recipe variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed version.
Replace the green papaya with green mango for a tangy twist.
Include some sliced cucumber for added crunch.
For a vegetarian option, omit the dried shrimp and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Experiment with different types of chili peppers for varying levels of heat.
Add some fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for extra flavor.
Sprinkle some crushed roasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty taste.
For a sweeter flavor, substitute the palm sugar with honey or brown sugar.

Recipe overview

Som Tam, also known as Thai Green Papaya Salad, is a flavorful and refreshing dish that is a staple in Thai cuisine. This salad combines a variety of textures and flavors, from the crunchy green papaya and long beans, to the spicy chilies and tangy lime juice. The dish is also enhanced with a savory hint from the fish sauce and dried shrimp, while palm sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. Finished off with a sprinkle of roasted peanuts, this salad is a delightful medley that is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a side dish to complement your main meal, Som Tam is a delicious and healthy choice that takes you on a culinary journey to Thailand.

Common questions

Can I adjust the spiciness level of the Som Tam? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness level by adding more or fewer bird's eye chilies. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase according to your preference.
Can I substitute any ingredients? Yes, you can make a few substitutions based on availability and personal preference. For example, you can substitute green papaya with shredded carrots or green mango. If you don't have palm sugar, you can use brown sugar as a substitute.
Is it possible to make Som Tam vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by omitting the dried shrimp and using a vegetarian substitute like soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce.
How should I store leftovers? It is best to consume Som Tam immediately after preparing it. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Note that the vegetables may lose some of their crispness over time.
Can I make Som Tam in advance? While it is best to prepare Som Tam just before serving to maintain its freshness, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables in advance. Keep them separately refrigerated and combine them together right before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mortar and Pestle - Used for pounding garlic and chilies to make the dressing.
Bowl - For mixing the dressing with the salad ingredients.
Sharp Knife - To shred the green papaya and chop the tomatoes.
Cutting Board - To safely cut and prepare the ingredients.
Kitchen Tongs - Useful for mixing the salad and dressing together.
Roasting Pan - For roasting peanuts before sprinkling them on top of the salad.

Origin stories

Som Tam hails from northeastern Thailand, also known as Isaan. This region, known for its agriculture, is famous for its love of spicy and sour flavors, which are beautifully represented in Som Tam. This dish wasn't always recognized as the Thai food staple it is today. In fact, it was originally a local dish of the Lao people before gaining popularity across Thailand and eventually across the globe. It's said that the unique use of unripe papaya was due to the abundance of the fruit in the region, and its use in a salad was a creative and delicious means of preserving it. Interestingly, the name "Som Tam" literally translates to "sour pounded", which perfectly describes the preparation and flavor profile of this beloved dish.

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.