Som Tum (Thai Green Papaya Salad)
Som Tum (Thai Green Papaya Salad)
Vitamin-Rich Green Papaya Salad: Som Tum, Great for Colds!
Let’s bring the taste of Thailand into your home today! If Korea has ‘Mu Saengchae’ (radish salad), Thailand has the beloved green papaya salad, ‘Som Tum’!!!!
Salad Ingredients- 1 Green Papaya
- 1 handful Dried Shrimp
- 1 Lime
- 2 Tomatoes
- 2 Thai Chili Peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 clove Garlic
Dressing Ingredients- 4 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Tamarind Sauce (optional)
- 2 pieces Palm Sugar (approx. 1 Tbsp, regular sugar can be used)
- A little Walnut or Peanut (for garnish)
- 4 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Tamarind Sauce (optional)
- 2 pieces Palm Sugar (approx. 1 Tbsp, regular sugar can be used)
- A little Walnut or Peanut (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The key to authentic Thai flavors lies in the tamarind sauce and palm sugar! If tamarind sauce is hard to find, feel free to omit it. You can substitute regular sugar for palm sugar, but adjust the amount accordingly.
Step 2
Juice one lime. Fresh lime juice will add a wonderful zestiness to your Som Tum.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the dressing. In a mortar and pestle or a small bowl, pound together one clove of garlic and two Thai chili peppers until finely minced. Feel free to add more chilies if you enjoy a spicier kick.
Step 4
Add the lime juice, 4 tablespoons of fish sauce, and 2 pieces (about 1 tablespoon) of palm sugar to the pounded garlic and chilies. Stir until the palm sugar is completely dissolved. If using regular sugar, start with a smaller amount as it can be sweeter, and adjust to taste.
Step 5
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tamarind sauce until all the dressing ingredients are well combined. This sauce is crucial for the savory depth of Som Tum.
Step 6
Prepare the green papaya by peeling off the skin, removing the seeds, and then thinly slicing it into julienne strips. Thicker strips will provide a more satisfying crunch.
Step 7
Dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and have your dried shrimp ready. (Lightly rinse the dried shrimp under running water and pat dry.)
Step 8
In a large bowl, combine the julienned green papaya, diced tomatoes, dried shrimp, and the prepared dressing. Gently toss everything together using a spoon or spatula, ensuring the ingredients are coated evenly and the papaya absorbs the flavors without becoming mushy.
Step 9
The Som Tum is now ready, with the flavors beautifully infused into the green papaya! You’ll see how the julienned papaya has softened slightly while holding its texture.
Step 10
Som Tum is delicious on its own, but it’s also a fantastic accompaniment to rice, making for a satisfying meal.
Step 11
It’s especially amazing paired with rice noodles! For a truly immersive experience, serve it alongside an iced coffee made with Maxim coffee mix.
Step 12
Portion the Som Tum and rice noodles onto individual serving plates.
Step 13
Mix and enjoy! The delightful balance of salty, spicy, sweet, and sour, with a hint of umami from the dried shrimp, creates a uniquely captivating flavor profile with the distinctive taste of green papaya. Let yourself be charmed by the exotic flavors of Thailand, right in your own kitchen!
