Authentic Thai Yam Som-O Recipe: A Refreshing Pomelo Salad Experience

Ingredients

  • 1 large pomelo (about 2 pounds), peeled and segmented
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 small red Thai chillies, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup palm sugar, grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Begin by preparing the dressing. In a bowl, combine the lime juice, fish sauce, grated palm sugar, and vegetable oil. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Peel the pomelo, removing all the pith. Break into segments, then peel off the membrane and divide into bite-sized pieces. Put these pieces in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the pomelo.
  4. Add the chopped shallots and Thai chillies to the bowl. Mix well with the pomelo and shrimp.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pomelo mixture in the bowl. Toss well to ensure that everything is evenly coated.
  6. Add the chopped peanuts, cilantro, and mint leaves to the bowl. Toss again to mix.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together more effectively.
  8. Before serving, give the salad one more good toss. Then, transfer it to a serving platter and serve chilled.

Tools for making

  • Large mixing bowl - A bowl large enough to hold all the ingredients and toss them together.
  • Bowl for dressing - A separate bowl to combine the lime juice, fish sauce, grated palm sugar, and vegetable oil for the dressing.
  • Knife - To peel and segment the pomelo, chop the peanuts, and slice the shallots.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting and chopping.
  • Citrus peeler or knife - To easily peel the pomelo without damaging the fruit.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and vegetable oil.
  • Whisk or spoon - To mix the dressing ingredients together until fully combined.
  • Serving platter - To present and serve the Yam Som-O salad.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the shrimp with cooked chicken or tofu for a meat-free option.
  • Add sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and crunch.
  • Include some diced avocado for a creamy texture.
  • Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added nuttiness.
  • For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the dressing.
  • Substitute the palm sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different level of sweetness.
  • Experiment with different herbs like Thai basil or lemongrass to add unique flavors.
  • Try using grapefruit or orange segments instead of pomelo for a citrus twist.
  • For added protein, toss in some cooked edamame beans or sliced grilled steak.
  • Add a handful of shredded cabbage or lettuce for extra crunch and volume.

Recipe overview

Yam Som-O, also known as Thai Pomelo Salad, is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of pomelo with the savory touch of shrimp. This salad also features the crunchy texture of peanuts and the fresh notes of mint and cilantro. With a spicy kick from Thai chillies and a dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and vegetable oil, this salad is a flavorful and well-balanced dish. In this recipe, you'll start by making the dressing and prepping your pomelo and shrimp. Mix everything together with shallots and chillies, then add the dressing. A sprinkle of peanuts, cilantro, and mint leaves gives our salad a punch of flavor and texture. After a brief chill in the refrigerator, your Yam Som-O is ready to be served. This dish is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even as an appetizer for a Thai feast. Enjoy the delightful symphony of flavors and textures in this classic Thai salad!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of pomelo? Yes, you can substitute pomelo with grapefruit or even a combination of grapefruit and orange for a similar flavor profile.
  2. Can I use other types of protein instead of shrimp? Certainly! You can use cooked chicken, tofu, or even grilled beef as an alternative to shrimp.
  3. Is there a substitute for fish sauce? If you don't have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute. However, the flavor will be slightly different.
  4. How spicy is this salad? The spiciness of the salad can be adjusted by adding more or less Thai chillies. You can also remove the seeds from the chillies to reduce the heat.
  5. Can I prepare this salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. However, it is recommended to add the dressing and herbs just before serving to maintain their freshness.
  6. Can I omit any of the ingredients? You can customize the salad by omitting certain ingredients based on your preferences. For example, if you don't like peanuts, you can leave them out.
  7. How long does this salad stay fresh? The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture and flavors may slightly change over time.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining and tossing the salad ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for peeling the pomelo, deveining the shrimp, and slicing the shallots.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for safely cutting and preparing the ingredients.
  • Citrus Juicer - A tool for extracting juice from the lime.
  • Grater - Used to grate the palm sugar.
  • Measuring Cups - For accurately measuring the lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and vegetable oil.
  • Serving Platter - A decorative dish or platter for presenting the salad.

Origin stories

Yam Som-O, this refreshing and tangy salad, hails from the heart of Thailand. The star of the dish is the pomelo, a close cousin of the grapefruit, which is native to Southeast Asia. The Thai people have a deep connection with this juicy and aromatic fruit, and it plays a significant role in their traditional ceremonies. During the Lunar New Year, Thai households will display pomelos as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. It's quite fitting, then, that the fruit has found its way into a salad that's a medley of rich flavors and textures. Each spoonful of Yam Som-O is a celebration of the vibrant culinary culture of Thailand, echoing the country's knack for balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements on a single plate. It's a feast not just for the palate, but also the eyes, with the diverse ingredients coming together in a burst of colors.

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.