Authentic Thai Green Papaya Salad: Som Tam Malakor Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of fresh green papaya
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 cloves of garlic
5 bird's eye chillies (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon of dried shrimp
1 lime, juiced
2 long beans or green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths
1 small tomato, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons of crushed peanuts

Steps and instructions

Peel the green papaya and rinse under cold water. Shred it into thin strips with a grater or a mandoline slicer.
Place the garlic and chillies in a mortar and pound with a pestle until they form a paste.
Add the dried shrimp to the mortar and pound until coarsely crushed.
Add the cut green beans to the mortar and lightly pound to slightly bruise them.
Next, add the shredded papaya, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and tomato wedges into the mortar. Mix and gently pound the ingredients together until well combined and the papaya is slightly softened.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish, garnish with crushed peanuts and serve immediately.

Tools for making

Grater or Mandoline Slicer - Used to shred the green papaya into thin strips.
Mortar and Pestle - Used to pound and crush the garlic, chillies, dried shrimp, and green beans to make the dressing for the salad.
Serving Dish - Used to present and serve the Som Tam Malakor salad.

Recipe variations

Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a protein-packed variation.
Replace the green papaya with shredded carrots or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Include sliced bell peppers or Thai basil leaves for added flavor and color.
For a vegetarian option, omit the fish sauce and use soy sauce or tamari instead.
Add a touch of sweetness by tossing in some diced pineapple or mango.
Experiment with different levels of spiciness by adjusting the amount of bird's eye chillies.
For a crunchy texture, add crushed roasted peanuts or cashews to the salad.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Thailand with our authentic Som Tam Malakor recipe. A staple in Thai cuisine, this refreshing salad combines the crunch of fresh, green papaya with the spice of bird's eye chillies and the umami of fish sauce. Sweetness from the sugar and sourness from the lime juice bring balance to the dish, while the crushed peanuts add an appetizing crunch. This simple recipe brings the streets of Thailand right to your home kitchen. Perfect as a light lunch or a dinner side dish, it's sure to satisfy your craving for a refreshing and zingy salad. Enjoy the process of making it as much as eating it, as you pound and mix the ingredients to release their full flavors. Get ready to experience an explosion of taste with every bite!

Common questions

Can I substitute green papaya with something else? - Green papaya is the traditional ingredient for Som Tam, but if you can't find it, you can use green mango or cucumber as a substitute.
How spicy is this dish? - The spiciness level of Som Tam can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer it less spicy, you can reduce the amount of bird's eye chillies used in the recipe.
Can I make Som Tam in advance? - It is best to prepare and serve Som Tam immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors and crispness. However, if you need to make it in advance, you can prepare the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving.
Is it necessary to use a mortar and pestle? - Using a mortar and pestle helps to release the flavors of the ingredients and creates a desired texture for the salad. However, if you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can use a food processor or blender as an alternative.
Can I omit the dried shrimp? - Dried shrimp adds a unique umami flavor to the dish, but if you prefer a vegetarian version or have an allergy, you can omit it from the recipe.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grater or Mandoline Slicer - Used to shred the green papaya into thin strips.
Mortar and Pestle - Used to pound the garlic, chillies, dried shrimp, and green beans to create a paste and crush the ingredients for the salad dressing.
Serving Dish - Used to serve the Som Tam Malakor salad.

Origin stories

Som Tam Malakor, fondly known as the "queen of Thai street food," is a testament to the culinary ingenuity of Thailand's Northeastern region, Isaan. The dish emerged from the necessity of using available local ingredients, which resulted in a vibrant fusion of flavors that perfectly represents Thai cuisine: sweet, sour, spicy, and salty. Interestingly, the primary ingredient, green papaya, is not native to Thailand. It was introduced from Central America during the 16th and 17th centuries. The locals, true to their adaptable spirit, embraced this foreign fruit and transformed it into a staple ingredient of their cuisine. Today, Som Tam Malakor is an iconic dish, savored not just in its homeland, but all around the world, a delightful reminder of how cuisine transcends borders and time.

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.