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Som Tum (Thai Green Papaya Salad)
Som Tum is a flavorful explosion of taste and texture that embodies the essence of Thai cuisine. This vibrant green papaya salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a refreshing and zesty delight for the palate. Featuring crunchy strips of green papaya, juicy cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and crisp green beans, this salad is elevated by a tangy dressing that harmonizes the umami of fish sauce, the brightness of lime juice, and the caramel notes from palm sugar. A kick from fiery Thai bird's eye chilies and the rich crunch of roasted peanuts make every bite an adventure. Traditionally served in Thailand, Som Tum is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats and sticky rice.
Ingredients
- Green papaya
- 2 cups, shredded
- Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup, halved
- Green beans
- 1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Garlic
- 2 cloves
- Thai bird's eye chilies
- 2-3, or to taste
- Fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons
- Lime juice
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon, grated
- Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup, crushed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, halved cherry tomatoes, and cut green beans. Toss gently to mix and set aside.
- In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic cloves and Thai bird's eye chilies together until they form a rough paste, releasing their aromatic oils.
- To the mortar, add the fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, grated palm sugar, and salt. Mix well until the palm sugar dissolves completely, creating a balanced dressing that is both tangy and savory.
- Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish the salad with the crushed roasted peanuts, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste, ideally alongside grilled meats or sticky rice.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of bird's eye chilies to suit your spice preference. You can also add sliced cucumber for extra crunch.
- If you can't find green papaya, you can substitute with shredded carrots for a similar texture.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Salad Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Calories: 150 Fat: 7g Carbs: 20g Protein: 5g Sodium: 800mg Sugar: 4g
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