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How to Make Authentic Thai Chicken Som Tam with Dried Shrimp

Discover the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in this traditional Thai Chicken Som Tam. This refreshing salad features crisp green papaya, juicy chicken, and savory dried shrimp, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. It's a light yet satisfying meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Thailand to your table.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)

Servings

2-3

Difficulty

Intermediate

Simple Summary

This vibrant Thai Chicken Som Tam with Dried Shrimp is a tangy, spicy, and refreshing salad that combines shredded green papaya, tender chicken, and umami-rich dried shrimp for an authentic taste of Thailand.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 2-3
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded green papaya
  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons dried shrimp, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
  • 1/4 cup long beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 carrot, julienned

Instructions

  1. In a large mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies into a rough paste.

  2. Add the dried shrimp and pound lightly to break them up.

  3. Add the long beans and lightly bruise them to release their flavors.

  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, and tamarind paste until the sugar dissolves.

  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, carrot, cherry tomatoes, and shredded chicken.

  6. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and add the contents from the mortar.

  7. Using your hands (wear gloves if desired), gently massage the ingredients together to ensure even distribution of flavors.

  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more fish sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or lime juice for sourness.

  9. Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

  10. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Chef's Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a mortar and pestle to bruise the ingredients, as this releases their essential oils.
  • If green papaya is unavailable, you can substitute with shredded cucumber or zucchini, though the texture will be different.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the number of chilies used.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and dried shrimp, and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
  • This salad is best eaten fresh, as the papaya can become soggy if left too long.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (based on 3 servings):

  • Calories: Approximately 250
  • Protein: 20g
  • Healthy Fats: 10g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Vitamin C: 80% of daily value
  • Rich in antioxidants from papaya and tomatoes

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with sticky rice on the side for an authentic Thai meal experience.
  • Pair with a cold Thai iced tea or a light lager beer to balance the spice.
  • For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled lemongrass chicken skewers.
  • Garnish with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness.
  • This dish is perfect for hot summer days or as a light, refreshing dinner option.