Authentic Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum): A Refreshing Recipe
40 minutes
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About Authentic Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum): A Refreshing Recipe
Discover the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this authentic Green Papaya Salad recipe! This Som Tum recipe is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty, featuring crisp green papaya, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy peanuts. It's a quick and easy recipe perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a flavorful appetizer.Learn how to make this healthy and incredibly satisfying salad with our step-by-step guide. From preparing the papaya to perfectly balancing the flavors, we'll walk you through each stage. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this taste of Thailand!This low-fat, nutrient-rich salad is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a delicious and healthy addition to your diet. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Papaya & Vegetables:
- 1 Papaya about 1 pound, green, young and firm
- 1 Carrot medium, optional
- 1 Tomato chopped, medium
- 5-6 Long Beans optional, trimmed and blanched
For the Dressing:
- 4 clove Garlic
- 1-2 Thai Chili adjust to your spice preference; red chilies can also be used
- 1 tbsp Palm Sugar or brown sugar, or honey to taste
- 3 tbsp Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp Fish Sauce or light soy sauce if preferred
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup Peanuts coarsely chopped, roasted
Instructions
Prepare the Papaya and Vegetables
- Finely shred the green papaya using a grater or mandoline slicer. If using, shred the carrot as well. Soak the shredded papaya and carrot in ice water for 10-15 minutes to make them more tender and easier to pound.
Make the Dressing
- In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies until finely minced. Add the palm sugar and pound until it dissolves. Stir in the lime juice, fish sauce, and rice vinegar, mixing well.
Combine and Serve
- Add the roasted peanuts to the dressing and lightly pound to combine. Drain the papaya and carrot and add them to the mortar. Gently pound and mix the dressing and vegetables until well combined. Be careful not to over-pound, as you want to maintain some texture. Add the chopped tomatoes and long beans (if using) and lightly toss to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with extra chopped peanuts.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Som Tum
- For a truly authentic taste, use a mortar and pestle. This helps to release the flavors and create a more nuanced texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili to your liking. Start with less and add more as needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the process.
- The quality of your ingredients matters! Use fresh, ripe green papaya for the best flavor and texture. Freshly squeezed lime juice also makes a difference.
- If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can finely chop the garlic and chilies and whisk the dressing together in a bowl. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.2gFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
4 Comments
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Looks so wonderful! Thanks for posting.
This is perfect! Can’t wait to taste it.
What a delicious idea! Thanks for sharing.
This is amazing! Excited to make it.