Authentic Thai Som Tam Pla Haeng Recipe: A Traditional Dried Shrimp Salad Adventure

Ingredients

5 Small dried shrimps
2 Thai bird chilies
2 Cloves of garlic
2 Tablespoons of palm sugar
2 Tablespoons of lime juice
2 Tablespoons of fish sauce
1 Medium-sized green papaya, peeled and shredded
5 Cherry tomatoes, halved
2 Long green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 Tablespoons of roasted peanuts
1 Salted crab, cleaned and chopped
7 oz. of dried fish

Steps and instructions

Start by rehydrating the dried shrimps in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
In a mortar and pestle, pound the Thai bird chilies and garlic until well crushed.
Add palm sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce to the mortar. Mix well until the palm sugar is completely dissolved.
Add in the rehydrated dried shrimps and salted crab. Muddle them with the rest of the ingredients in the mortar.
Add the shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, and cut green beans into the mortar. Pound lightly with the pestle while simultaneously stirring with a spoon. Continue until all the ingredients are well mixed and the papaya is slightly bruised.
Add in the roasted peanuts and mix well.
Finally, plate up the salad and top it with the dried fish. Serve immediately.

Tools for making

Mortar and pestle - Used for pounding and mixing the ingredients together.
Knife - Needed to peel and shred the green papaya.
Bowl - Used for soaking the dried shrimps and for serving the salad.
Spoon - Essential for mixing and stirring the ingredients in the mortar.
Plates - For plating and serving the Som Tam Pla Haeng.
Chopping board - Used for cutting and preparing the ingredients.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian option: Omit the dried shrimps, salted crab, and dried fish. Add extra vegetables like shredded carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
Spicy variation: Increase the number of Thai bird chilies for a spicier kick.
Sweet and sour twist: Add a tablespoon of tamarind paste to the dressing for a tangy and sweet flavor.
Seafood addition: Include cooked shrimp, squid, or crab meat to make it a seafood-packed salad.
Crunchy texture: Add some crispy fried shallots or fried garlic as a topping for extra crunch.
Herb infusion: Mix in some fresh chopped cilantro, mint, or Thai basil leaves to add a burst of herbal freshness.
Fruity touch: Introduce some ripe mango slices or pomelo segments to the salad to add a hint of sweetness.
Extra nuttiness: Replace roasted peanuts with roasted cashews or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Gluten-free option: Substitute the fish sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Recipe overview

This recipe is for a classic Thai dish called Som Tam Pla Haeng, a spicy and tangy green papaya salad topped with dried fish. In this recipe, we combine the fresh crunch of green papaya with the salty umami of dried shrimp and salted crab, the heat of Thai bird chilies, the tang of lime juice, and the sweetness of palm sugar. This dish is a balance of flavors that will transport you to the streets of Thailand. Preparation is straightforward and requires a mortar and pestle to achieve the desired combination of flavors and texture. Enjoy this salad on its own or as a refreshing side dish with grilled meat or sticky rice. Get ready for an explosion of flavors and textures that make this dish a must-try for anyone interested in authentic Thai cuisine.

Common questions

Can I use fresh shrimps instead of dried shrimps? No, the recipe specifically calls for dried shrimps as they have a unique flavor that adds depth to the dish.
Is it necessary to use Thai bird chilies? Yes, Thai bird chilies are an essential ingredient in Som Tam Pla Haeng as they provide the dish with its signature spicy kick. However, you can adjust the amount according to your preference for spice.
Can I substitute palm sugar with regular sugar? While palm sugar is traditionally used in this recipe for its distinct flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of regular sugar if palm sugar is not available.
Can I omit the salted crab? The salted crab adds a unique umami flavor to the dish, but if you cannot find it or prefer not to use it, you can omit it and still enjoy a delicious Som Tam Pla Haeng.
Can I use a food processor instead of a mortar and pestle? Using a mortar and pestle is recommended to achieve the authentic texture and flavors of Som Tam Pla Haeng. However, if you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can use a food processor on a low setting, being careful not to overprocess the ingredients.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mortar and Pestle - A traditional Thai kitchen tool used for pounding and grinding ingredients.
Spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the mortar.
Knife - Needed for peeling and shredding the green papaya.
Cutting Board - Provides a safe surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Strainer - Useful for draining the rehydrated dried shrimps.
Plates - Used for serving the Som Tam Pla Haeng.

Origin stories

Som Tam Pla Haeng, also known as Thai green papaya salad with dried fish, is a delicious testament to the intricate balance of flavors central to Thai cuisine. It hails from Northeastern Thailand, a region known as Isaan. This area is celebrated for its unique culinary contribution to the broader Thai gastronomy, with its cuisine heavily influenced by neighboring Laos. The Isaan people are predominantly farmers, and their cuisine is characterized by simple, fresh ingredients. Som Tam Pla Haeng epitomizes the spirit of Isaan food, with its unripe papaya that farmers could easily pluck from trees, coupled with locally caught and dried fish. The presence of both fiery chilies and cooling green papaya in the dish is typical of Thai dishes, illustrating their knack for balancing contrasting flavors. Interestingly, despite its rural origins, this salad has found its way into the hearts of city dwellers too, becoming a beloved street food in bustling cities like Bangkok. The dish's delightful combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty will make your taste buds dance and remind you of Thailand's vibrant street food scene.

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.