Authentic Thai Som Tam
A zesty, crunchy green papaya salad that perfectly balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes for a refreshing flavor bomb.
20 min
Easy
Tailandesa
2 servings
The story behind
I’ll never forget the sound of the wooden pestle hitting the clay mortar—it’s the true soundtrack of Thailand. Som Tam is more than a salad; it’s an experience. Originating from the Isan region, it's the ultimate pick-me-up. I love making this for a light lunch or as a side dish for a backyard BBQ. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and is best enjoyed with a refreshing lychee soda or a crisp white wine. It's the kind of dish that makes you feel energized and ready for anything.
Instructions
-
1Pound the garlic and chilies in a large mortar and pestle until they form a coarse paste.
-
2Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Stir well with the pestle until the sugar is fully dissolved.
-
3Toss in the green beans and cherry tomatoes, giving them a light bruise with the pestle to release their flavor.
-
4Add the shredded papaya. Use the pestle and a spoon to toss and bruise the papaya until it's thoroughly coated in the dressing.
-
5Plate immediately and top with the roasted peanuts for that signature crunch.
Share this recipe
Rate this recipe
Sign in to the app to rate
You might also like
🍊
Save this recipe to your Zest
Add photos when you cook it, write your story, and share it with a Moment Card.
Create my free account