Authentic Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum) Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of shredded unripe green papaya
2 small tomatoes, cut into wedges
6 green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 cloves of garlic
2 red bird's eye chillies
1 tablespoon of dried shrimp
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons of palm sugar
2 tablespoons of chopped roasted peanuts

Steps and instructions

Peel the green papaya and rinse under cold water. Shred the papaya into thin strips using a grater or a mandolin.
Place the garlic and chillies in a mortar and pound them with a pestle until crushed.
Add the green beans to the mortar and lightly pound them until they are slightly bruised.
Add the dried shrimp, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar to the mortar. Mix well to combine all ingredients and dissolve the sugar.
Add the shredded papaya and tomatoes to the mortar. Pound lightly while tossing the mixture to combine everything well.
Transfer the salad to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts before serving.

Tools for making

Grater - Used to shred the green papaya into thin strips.
Mandolin - An alternative tool for shredding the green papaya into thin strips.
Mortar and pestle - Used to crush the garlic and chillies, and lightly pound the green beans.
Serving plate - Used to present and serve the Som Tum salad.

Recipe variations

Replace the green papaya with shredded carrots for a carrot salad version.
Add grilled shrimp or chicken to make it a protein-packed meal.
Substitute the dried shrimp with dried anchovies or leave them out for a vegetarian option.
Add sliced cucumber or jicama for extra crunch.
For a spicy twist, add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili paste to the dressing.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for added flavor.
Experiment with different types of nuts like cashews or almonds instead of peanuts.

Recipe overview

Som Tum, a classic Thai salad, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that features the unique combination of shredded unripe green papaya, bird's eye chillies, fish sauce, and lime juice. This salad is a wonderful balance of spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavors, making it a true delight for the senses. You will also enjoy the added texture and crunch from the green beans and roasted peanuts. Making Som Tum at home is straightforward - just gather your ingredients and prepare to pound your way to a deliciously refreshing salad. Whether you're new to Thai food or a seasoned foodie, this recipe is one that's sure to impress.

Common questions

Can I use ripe papaya instead of unripe green papaya?
It is recommended to use unripe green papaya for authentic Som Tum. Ripe papaya is sweeter and has a different texture, which may affect the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Can I skip the dried shrimp?
Yes, you can omit the dried shrimp if you prefer a vegetarian version of Som Tum. The dish will still be flavorful without it.
What can I substitute for palm sugar?
If palm sugar is not available, you can use brown sugar or granulated sugar as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
How spicy is Som Tum?
Som Tum can be quite spicy due to the use of bird's eye chillies. The heat level can be adjusted by adding more or less chillies according to your preference.
What can I serve with Som Tum?
Som Tum is often served with sticky rice (known as "khao niew" in Thai) and grilled chicken or seafood. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grater or Mandolin - A grater or mandolin is useful for shredding the green papaya into thin strips.
Mortar and Pestle - A mortar and pestle is used for pounding the garlic, chillies, and green beans to release their flavors.
Serving Plate - A serving plate is needed to present the Som Tum salad.

Origin stories

Som Tum hails from the Northeast region of Thailand, known as Isan. It's one of the most famous dishes from this region and has spread throughout Thailand and beyond. Isan's culinary culture is heavily influenced by Laos, and as a result, the dish is also popular there. Interestingly, what sets Som Tum apart is its unique preparation method. Traditionally, it's made using a mortar and pestle, which not only combines the ingredients but also extracts their flavors, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. It's commonly enjoyed with sticky rice and serves as a staple for many Thais. It's a testament to how a simple dish can contain so much flavor and complexity, a true embodiment of Thai cuisine's essence.

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.