Teresa's Recipes
Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum)
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this refreshing Thai Papaya Salad, known as Som Tum. This dish embodies a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet notes, featuring shredded green papaya, crunchy green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and roasted peanuts. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is sure to awaken your taste buds and transport you to the bustling streets of Thailand. Traditionally enjoyed during hot weather, it's a popular choice at street food stalls and family gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, shredded Green papaya
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces Green beans
- 1/2 cup, roughly chopped Roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2-3, finely chopped (adjust to taste) Thai chili peppers
- 3 tablespoons Lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 23g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, chopped roasted peanuts, cilantro, and mint leaves. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped Thai chili peppers until the sugar is dissolved, creating a zesty dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld together deliciously.
- Serve the papaya salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional peanuts and herbs if desired. Enjoy this delightful dish on its own or as a refreshing side to grilled meats or seafood.
Tips
- For added crunch, you can include shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
- Adjust the number of Thai chili peppers based on your heat preference; for a milder salad, use fewer peppers or remove the seeds.