Authentic Thai Som Tam Mu Yor Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 3 red bird's eye chillies
  • 1 tablespoon dried shrimps, soaked in warm water
  • 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 medium-sized green papaya, peeled and grated
  • 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 long bean, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 Mu Yor (Vietnamese pork sausage), sliced

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by pounding the garlic and chillies in a mortar until they form a paste.
  2. Add the dried shrimps and peanuts to the mortar and continue pounding until well mixed.
  3. Add the fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice to the mortar, then mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
  4. Add the grated papaya, cherry tomatoes, and long beans to the mortar. Use the pestle to lightly pound the ingredients while mixing them with a spoon. Be sure not to over-pound the ingredients, as they should remain crunchy.
  5. Add the sliced Mu Yor and mix well.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and serve immediately.

Tools for making

  • Mortar and Pestle - Used to pound and mix the ingredients.
  • Grater - To grate the green papaya.
  • Knife - For peeling the papaya, slicing the Mu Yor, and cutting the long beans.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for chopping and slicing.
  • Serving dish - To present and serve the Som Tam Mu Yor.

Recipe variations

  • Instead of green papaya, you can use shredded carrots or cucumber for a different twist.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the dried shrimps and Mu Yor, and add tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute.
  • If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the number of red chillies or replace them with milder peppers like bell peppers.
  • You can add additional vegetables like shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, or Thai eggplants to enhance the flavor and texture.
  • For a tangier taste, add a little tamarind paste or vinegar to the dressing.
  • To make it gluten-free, ensure the fish sauce you use is gluten-free or substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Add some fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil for added freshness and aroma.

Recipe overview

Som Tam Mu Yor is a delightful fusion of Thai and Vietnamese flavors that offers a burst of freshness in every bite. This spicy and tangy green papaya salad incorporates Mu Yor, a type of Vietnamese pork sausage, creating a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. Expect a balance of spicy, sweet, sour, and savory elements, common in Southeast Asian cuisine. This recipe is relatively easy to prepare and serves as a fantastic appetizer or side dish. Enjoy the crunch of fresh vegetables and the rich flavor of the sausage in this authentic and exciting dish.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute fresh shrimp for dried shrimps?
    No, dried shrimps are an essential ingredient in Som Tam Mu Yor and cannot be substituted with fresh shrimp. They contribute a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
  2. Is there a vegetarian alternative to Mu Yor?
    Yes, you can substitute Mu Yor with tofu or tempeh to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
  3. Can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?
    Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer bird's eye chillies according to your preference.
  4. Can I prepare the papaya salad in advance?
    It is best to prepare and serve the papaya salad fresh. The texture and flavors are at their best when the salad is made just before serving.
  5. Can I store leftovers?
    Due to the nature of the ingredients, it is recommended to consume the salad immediately. Leftovers may not retain their desired texture and freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mortar and Pestle - Used for pounding and mixing the ingredients to create the dressing.
  • Grater - Used to grate the green papaya.
  • Knife - Used to peel the green papaya and cut the long beans.
  • Cutting Board - Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients.
  • Serving Dish - Used to present and serve the Som Tam Mu Yor.

Origin stories

Som Tam Mu Yor, a fusion of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, stands as a testament to the exchange of cultures and flavors across Southeast Asia. The dish itself is a variation of the classic Thai green papaya salad, Som Tam, but with a twist – the addition of Mu Yor, a Vietnamese pork sausage. This delightful blend epitomizes the culinary cross-pollination in the region, where borders are porous not only to people but also to their diverse and delectable food traditions. The salad reflects the Thai's love for strong, vibrant flavors of garlic and chilies, balanced with tangy lime and fish sauce, while Mu Yor lends a hearty, meaty texture characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. The result? A culinary treat that's truly the best of both worlds!

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.