How to Make Authentic Thai Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)

Simple Summary

Som Tum is a vibrant Thai papaya salad that perfectly balances sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors. This refreshing dish is a delightful mix of crunchy green papaya, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a zesty chili-lime dressing.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded green papaya
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons dried shrimp (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 2 long beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons fresh Thai basil leaves

Instructions

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

2. Add the palm sugar, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and lime juice. Mix well to combine and dissolve the sugar.

3. Add the long beans and lightly bruise them with the pestle to soften slightly.

4. Add the shredded green papaya and carrot. Using a spoon and the pestle, gently bruise the vegetables while mixing to help them absorb the dressing.

5. Add the cherry tomatoes, dried shrimp (if using), and peanuts. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to mash the tomatoes.

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

7. Transfer the salad to a serving plate and garnish with Thai basil leaves.

8. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Chef's Notes

• To shred the green papaya, use a sharp knife or a specialized papaya shredder. Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler to create long strips.
• If you can't find green papaya, you can substitute with shredded cucumber or zucchini for a different but still delicious salad.
• Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the number of chilies used.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the dried shrimp and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative.
• Som Tum is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and mix them just before serving.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Vitamin C: 80% of daily value
• Vitamin A: 35% of daily value

Som Tum is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a nutritious choice. It's rich in vitamins A and C from the papaya and vegetables, which support immune function and skin health.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Som Tum as a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled chicken (Gai Yang) and sticky rice for a traditional Thai meal.
• Pair with a cold Thai iced tea or a light lager beer to balance the spiciness.
• For a beautiful presentation, serve in a banana leaf bowl or on a bed of lettuce leaves.
• Som Tum is perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing appetizer at Thai-themed dinner parties.