Authentic Thai Som Tam Boo Kem Recipe: A Spicy and Tangy Delight

Ingredients

2 Thai green papayas (approximately 2 pounds)
6 Thai bird chilies
4 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons dried shrimp
1 salted crab, cleaned and cut into 6-8 parts
1 cup long beans, cut into 2-inch lengths
3 tablespoons palm sugar, dissolved in 4 tablespoons water
4 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons tamarind juice
4 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 limes, cut into small wedges
1 handful of fresh Thai basil leaves
1 handful of fresh mint leaves

Steps and instructions

Peel the green papayas and rinse under cold water. Shred them into thin strips using a sharp knife or a shredder, then set them aside.
In a large mortar, add the Thai bird chilies and garlic. Pound them with the pestle until they form a paste.
Add the dried shrimp to the mortar and pound lightly to break them up.
Add the salted crab parts to the mixture and pound lightly, just enough to infuse the crab flavor into the mixture.
Add the long beans and lightly pound them until they are slightly bruised.
Add the dissolved palm sugar, fish sauce, and tamarind juice to the mortar. Stir well with a spoon to mix all the flavors together.
Add the shredded green papaya and halved cherry tomatoes to the mortar. Use the pestle and the spoon to mix and lightly pound the ingredients together, ensuring the flavors are well combined and the papaya is well coated with the dressing.
Add the lime wedges to the salad and mix well.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh Thai basil leaves and mint leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Mortar and pestle - Used to pound and mix the ingredients, creating a traditional texture and flavor.
Sharp knife - Used to peel and shred the green papaya.
Shredder - An alternative to a knife for shredding the green papaya into thin strips.
Spoon - Used to mix and stir the ingredients together in the mortar.
Serving dish - Used to present and serve the finished Som Tam Boo Kem salad.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian option: Omit the dried shrimp and salted crab to make it a vegetarian version. Substitute with soy sauce or vegetarian fish sauce for the umami flavor.
Spice level: Adjust the number of Thai bird chilies according to your desired level of spiciness.
Protein additions: Add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu to make it a more substantial meal.
Extra vegetables: Mix in other vegetables like shredded carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
Fruit twist: Add slices of ripe mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy variation.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle roasted peanuts or cashews on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro, lemongrass, or kaffir lime leaves to give the dish a unique twist.
Sweetness level: Adjust the amount of palm sugar or substitute with honey or brown sugar according to your preference.

Recipe overview

Som Tam Boo Kem is a delightful Thai salad known for its tantalizing mix of flavors - tangy, spicy, and sweet all at once. This salad is centered around its two main ingredients, green papaya and salted crab, accompanied by an array of other fresh ingredients like long beans, cherry tomatoes, and Thai basil leaves. To prepare this dish, a mortar and pestle are used to pound and bruise the ingredients, releasing their flavors and blending them harmoniously. The recipe involves a step-by-step guide to create the perfect dressing before adding the green papaya and other components. The resulting dish is a unique, refreshing salad with a crunch - a true taste of Thailand. Whether it's served as a light lunch or a side dish, Som Tam Boo Kem always promises a vibrant eating experience. Enjoy the process and the burst of flavors in each bite!

Common questions

Can I substitute green papaya with something else? No, green papaya is a key ingredient in Som Tam Boo Kem and there is no direct substitute for its crunchy texture and unique flavor.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer Thai bird chilies according to your preference. Keep in mind that this salad is traditionally spicy.
Can I omit the dried shrimp and salted crab? While the dried shrimp and salted crab add depth of flavor to the dish, you can omit them if you have dietary restrictions or personal preferences. The salad will still be tasty without them.
Can I make Som Tam Boo Kem in advance? It is best to make and serve Som Tam Boo Kem immediately after preparing. The freshness of the ingredients and the vibrant flavors are at their peak when served right away.
Can I store leftovers? The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly and the flavors may mellow.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large mortar and pestle - A sturdy mortar and pestle is essential for pounding the chili, garlic, dried shrimp, and salted crab to create the flavorful dressing.
Sharp knife - A sharp knife is needed for peeling and shredding the green papayas.
Shredder - A shredder can be used as an alternative to a knife for shredding the green papayas into thin strips.
Spoon - A spoon is used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the mortar.
Serving dish - A large serving dish is needed to present the Som Tam Boo Kem salad.

Origin stories

Som Tam Boo Kem hails from the enchanting land of Thailand, where the cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and unique combinations. It is essentially a variation of the popular Som Tam or Green Papaya Salad, distinguished by the addition of salted crab, or 'boo kem'. Just as Thailand's culture is steeped in harmony, balancing spiritual and material aspects, so too does Thai cuisine strive for the harmonious blend of flavors. Som Tam Boo Kem is no exception, offering a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. The dish is typically enjoyed in the Northeast regions of Thailand, but its popularity has seen it savored in bustling Bangkok streets, all the way to the distant shores across the globe. It's a testament to Thailand's culinary prowess, a humble salad that captures the essence of a nation's palate.

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.