Thai Green Papaya Salad
Green Papaya Salad, or Som Tum, is a quintessential Thai dish that captures the vibrant and bold flavors of Thailand. This refreshing salad features crunchy green papaya, juicy tomatoes, and fiery chilies, all tossed in a zesty dressing made of lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar.
Balancing spicy, tangy, salty, and sweet notes, Som Tum is a light yet intensely flavorful dish, perfect as a side or standalone meal. It’s a true taste of Thailand’s street food culture, bringing energy and freshness to any table.
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Ingredients
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Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
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Peel and shred the green papaya using a grater or mandoline. Place the shredded papaya in a large mixing bowl.
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Add the cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots (if using), green beans, and dried shrimp (if using) to the bowl.
Make the Dressing:
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In a mortar and pestle, combine the minced garlic, chopped chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Gently pound the ingredients together to release their flavors. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can mix these ingredients in a small bowl using the back of a spoon to press the chilies and garlic.
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Taste the dressing and adjust the balance of flavors to your liking. It should be a harmonious blend of spicy, tangy, salty, and sweet.
Toss the Salad:
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Pour the dressing over the shredded green papaya mixture. Use your hands or salad tongs to gently toss everything together, ensuring the papaya and other ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Serve:
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Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle the roasted peanuts on top and garnish with fresh cilantro.
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Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this classic Thai salad.
Maricel's Tips
- If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the peanuts before adding them to the salad. This simple step enhances their nutty flavor and adds a lovely crunch to the dish.Â
- If you're not a fan of too much heat, you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds to tone down the spice while still enjoying the full flavor.
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