Thai Green Papaya Salad, known as Som Tam, is a vibrant and tangy dish that combines the fresh crunch of unripe papaya with bold, zesty flavors of lime, chili, garlic, and fish sauce. This traditional Thai salad strikes the perfect balance between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, making it an irresistible side dish or light meal. It’s a refreshing, healthy choice that showcases the essence of Thai cuisine, with a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will wake up your taste buds. Som Tam is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your spice tolerance and is often enjoyed alongside grilled meats or sticky rice.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded green papaya
- 1 medium tomato (cut into wedges)
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts (crushed)
- 1 tablespoon dried shrimp (optional)
- 1/4 cup long beans (cut into 2-inch pieces) or green beans
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the papaya: Peel and seed the green papaya, then shred it into fine strips using a grater or mandolin. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies until they form a rough paste. Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar, then gently mix until the sugar dissolves. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed (more lime for sourness, fish sauce for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness).
- Mix the salad: Add the shredded papaya, tomato wedges, dried shrimp (if using), long beans, and crushed peanuts to the mortar (or in a large mixing bowl if using a spoon). Lightly pound or toss the ingredients with the dressing to combine well and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving plate, garnish with extra peanuts and cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.
Enjoy your crisp and flavorful Thai Green Papaya Salad!
