All About Thai Papaya Salad Recipe

Thai Papaya Salad, also known as “Som Tum” or “Green Papaya Salad,” is a delightful and zesty dish that encapsulates the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. Made primarily from unripe green papaya, this salad boasts a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements.

To prepare, peel and shred the green papaya into thin strips. In a mortar and pestle, combine garlic, Thai chilies, and palm sugar, pounding them together to create a spicy-sweet base. Add fish sauce, lime juice, and tamarind paste for a tangy twist. Toss in the papaya and mix well, allowing the flavors to meld. Crushed peanuts and cherry tomatoes provide contrasting textures and colors, enhancing the overall experience.

For an added kick, incorporate dried shrimp or salted crab, and adjust the spice level according to your preference. This dish is often served with sticky rice and grilled meats. The result is a harmonious medley of tastes and textures, from the crunchy papaya to the zesty dressing, making Thai Papaya Salad a refreshing and invigorating culinary delight that encapsulates the essence of Thai street food.

Ingredients Of Thai Papaya Salad Recipe:

• 1 green papaya (about 1 pound)
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 2-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons dried shrimp (optional)
• 2-3 cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons long beans (or green beans), cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• Juice of 1-2 limes
• Salted crab (optional)
• Carrots (optional, for added color)

Step By Step Instructions Of Thai Papaya Salad Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Peel the green papaya and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon.
2. Grate the papaya using a grater or julienne peeler. The resulting strands should be thin and long. Place the grated papaya in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In the mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and Thai bird’s eye chilies together to create a coarse paste.
2. Add the dried shrimp (if using) and lightly crush them to release their flavors.
3. Mix in the cherry tomatoes and long beans. Gently pound them to bruise and release their juices.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and lime juice. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the flavors to balance the sweet, sour, and salty elements.
2. Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the mortar and gently mix everything together. This allows the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Add the grated papaya to the mortar with the dressing and other ingredients.
2. Using a gentle tossing motion with a spoon or your hands (using gloves if sensitive to chili), combine the papaya and dressing mixture. The goal is to coat the papaya evenly with the flavors.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

1. Toss in the roasted peanuts and give the mixture another gentle toss.
2. If you’re using salted crab, gently incorporate it into the salad.
3. Taste the salad and adjust the flavors as needed by adding more lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar.

Step 6: Presentation

1. Transfer the salad to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with additional roasted peanuts and fresh lime wedges.
3. If using carrots, arrange them around the edges of the plate for added color and visual aappeal.