International Cuisine > Thai Cuisine > Salads (Thai) > Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum) Recipe

Authentic Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

A vibrant and flavorful Thai salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a spicy lime dressing. This Som Tum recipe captures the authentic taste of Thailand.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Servings
2
Ingredients
  • 300 g Green Papaya
  • 10 Cherry Tomatoes
  • 2 Green Beans
  • 2 tbsp Roasted Peanuts
  • 1 tbsp Dried Shrimp
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2-3 Thai Chili
  • 1 tbsp Palm Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Fish Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice

Prepare the Papaya

Begin by peeling the green papaya. Shred it using a vegetable peeler or a knife into thin strips. You can also use a specialized papaya shredder. Place the shredded papaya in a bowl.

Prepare the Other Ingredients

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Trim the green beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces. If using dried shrimp, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them.

Make the Dressing

In a mortar, pound the garlic and Thai chilies until they form a paste. Add the palm sugar and pound until it dissolves. Then, add the fish sauce and lime juice. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Combine and Pound

Add the tomatoes, green beans, and dried shrimp (if using) to the mortar. Lightly pound to bruise the vegetables and release their flavors. Be careful not to over-pound them.

Mix with Papaya

Add the shredded green papaya to the mortar. Gently toss and pound the mixture together, ensuring that the papaya is well coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve

Transfer the Som Tum to a serving plate. Sprinkle with roasted peanuts. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 100g)

Calories: Approximately 80-100 kcal
Protein: 2-3g
Fat: 4-6g
Carbohydrates: 8-12g
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

Som Tum can be high in sodium due to the fish sauce. Adjust the amount of fish sauce to your preference and dietary needs. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will also enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the salad. For a vegetarian version, omit the dried shrimp and fish sauce, and use a vegetarian fish sauce alternative or soy sauce.

← Authentic Thai Green Curry Authentic Thai Panang Curry →

FAQ

  • What can I use if I can't find green papaya?

    You can substitute green papaya with other crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, jicama, or green mango, although the flavor will be slightly different.
  • How spicy should Som Tum be?

    The spiciness of Som Tum is a matter of personal preference. Start with 1-2 chilies and add more to taste. Remember that the spice level can build over time.
  • How long does Som Tum last?

    Som Tum is best enjoyed fresh. It can become watery if left for too long, so it's recommended to consume it within a few hours of preparation.