Green Papaya Salad Recipe (Som Tam) | The Classic Thai Salad You Must Try
Green Papaya Salad, known in Thai as Som Tam (ส้มตำ), is one of the most iconic Thai street food dishes. With its perfect balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors, this refreshing salad made with shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and chili is a must-try for anyone who loves authentic Thai food.
Whether you’re wandering the bustling streets of Bangkok, enjoying local markets in Chiang Mai, or relaxing in Phuket, you’ll almost always find Som Tam on the menu. Now, you can easily make this Thai classic at home with our step-by-step recipe!
🛒 Ingredients for Som Tam (2–3 servings)
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2 cups shredded green papaya (unripe)
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4 cherry tomatoes, halved
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50g long beans, cut into pieces
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2–3 red chilies (adjust to taste)
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2 garlic cloves
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3 tbsp roasted peanuts
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2 tbsp fish sauce
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2 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp palm sugar (or substitute with brown sugar)
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1 tbsp dried shrimp (optional)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the papaya
Peel the green papaya and shred into thin strips. Soak in ice water for 10 minutes for extra crispness.
Step 2: Pound garlic and chili
In a mortar and pestle, lightly crush garlic and chilies to release flavor.
Step 3: Add vegetables
Add long beans and cherry tomatoes, gently pounding to mix the flavors.
Step 4: Season the salad
Add fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
Step 5: Toss in papaya and peanuts
Add shredded papaya and peanuts, lightly pound and mix until evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve fresh
Plate the salad and enjoy immediately, often paired with sticky rice or grilled chicken.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Som Tam
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Choose the right papaya: Always use unripe green papaya for the best crunchy texture.
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Balance the flavors: Adjust lime, fish sauce, and sugar to your preferred taste.
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Adjust the spice level: Use fewer chilies for a mild version or extra for authentic Thai heat.
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Try regional variations: Add salted crab or salted egg for Isan or Northern Thai-style Som Tam.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I have to use green papaya?
A: Traditionally yes, but you can substitute with cucumber, carrot, or green mango.
Q2: Is Som Tam always spicy?
A: Not necessarily. The heat can be adjusted by reducing or adding chilies.
Q3: What goes well with Green Papaya Salad?
A: The classic pairing is Som Tam with sticky rice (Khao Niao) and Thai grilled chicken (Gai Yang).
Q4: Can I prepare Som Tam ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, as papaya releases water over time and may lose its crunch.
🏆 Why You’ll Love This Som Tam Recipe
✔ Perfect balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet
✔ Quick, easy, and healthy
✔ Refreshing and light – perfect for hot days
✔ Authentic Thai street food flavor at home
✨ Next time you’re craving something light, zesty, and full of Thai flavor, try this Green Papaya Salad recipe (Som Tam). It’s simple to make and guaranteed to impress!
