Green Papaya Salad Recipe (Som Tam) | The Classic Thai Salad You Must Try

🛒 Ingredients for Som Tam (2–3 servings)

• 2 cups shredded green papaya (unripe)

• 4 cherry tomatoes, halved

• 50g long beans, cut into pieces

• 2–3 red chilies (adjust to taste)

• 2 garlic cloves

• 3 tbsp roasted peanuts

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp palm sugar (or substitute with brown sugar)

• 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

• Choose the right papaya: Always use unripe green papaya for the best crunchy texture.

• Balance the flavors: Adjust lime, fish sauce, and sugar to your preferred taste.

• Adjust the spice level: Use fewer chilies for a mild version or extra for authentic Thai heat.

• 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!