How to make Som Tum Thai (Thai Papaya Salad)
Som Tum, also known as Thai Papaya Salad, is a vibrant and refreshing dish from Thailand. It features shredded green papaya, a medley of herbs and spices, and a tangy dressing. Originating from the northeastern region of Thailand, Som Tum has become a popular staple of Thai cuisine. Its bold flavors and crunchy texture make it a beloved dish that is enjoyed both in Thailand and internationally. Som Tum represents the rich culinary heritage of Thailand and is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and spicy elements.
Equipment
- Cutting board A sturdy cutting board will be helpful for slicing and preparing the ingredients.
- Knife A sharp knife will be essential for cutting and chopping the papaya, vegetables, and herbs.
- Vegetable peeler You will need a peeler to peel the skin off the green papaya.
- Grater or mandoline slicer A grater or mandoline slicer can be used to shred or julienne the green papaya. This will help achieve the desired texture for the salad.
- Mixing bowl A large mixing bowl is needed to toss and combine the ingredients together.
- Small bowl A small bowl is required to prepare the dressing by mixing the fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
- Mortar and pestle (optional) Traditionally, Som Tum is made by pounding the ingredients in a mortar and pestle. While it is optional, using a mortar and pestle can enhance the flavors and textures of the salad.
- Tongs or salad servers These are useful for tossing and mixing the salad ingredients together.
- Serving plate or bowl You'll need a plate or bowl to present and serve the Som Tum Thai.
Ingredients
- 1 green papaya (medium-sized), shredded
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice tolerance)
- 2 tbsp dried shrimp, coarsely ground (optional)
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup long beans or green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Peel the green papaya and cut it in half. Remove the seeds and grate or julienne the flesh. Place the shredded papaya in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped Thai chilies, and dried shrimp (if using) to the bowl with the papaya.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture in the large bowl. Use a pair of tongs or clean hands to toss and massage the ingredients together. This will help the flavors to blend and the papaya to soften slightly.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and long beans or green beans to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for acidity, or sugar for sweetness.
- Transfer the salad to a serving plate or bowl. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the top.
Notes
- Green papaya: Look for unripe green papayas in your local Asian grocery store or specialty markets. They should be firm and have a green skin. If you can't find green papayas, you can substitute it with green mangoes for a similar texture and flavor.
- Adjusting spice level: Thai chilies can be quite spicy. Adjust the amount according to your preference and tolerance for heat. You can start with a smaller quantity and add more if desired. Alternatively, you can remove the seeds from the chilies to reduce the spiciness.
- Dried shrimp: The addition of dried shrimp is optional but traditional in Thai papaya salad. It adds a unique umami flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the dried shrimp or substitute it with a vegetarian alternative like soy granules or chopped tofu.
- Fish sauce: Fish sauce is a key ingredient in Thai cuisine, providing a salty and savory flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
- Adjusting the dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the flavors to your liking. Add more lime juice for extra tanginess, more fish sauce for saltiness, or more sugar for sweetness. The balance of flavors can vary based on personal preferences.
- Texture variations: You can customize the texture of your papaya salad by adjusting the shredding or julienning of the papaya. For a more crunchy texture, shred it coarsely. For a softer texture, shred it finer.
- Serving suggestion: Som Tum Thai is often enjoyed as a side dish or served with sticky rice. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or other Thai dishes.