Som Tam Thai
ส้มตำไทย
Som Tam Thai
A crunchy green papaya salad pounded with lime, chilli, fish sauce, palm sugar and peanuts. It is refreshing, spicy and full of contrast.
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Mortar: Food processor using short pulses or Heavy bowl and rolling pin
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About this dish
A crunchy green papaya salad pounded with lime, chilli, fish sauce, palm sugar and peanuts. It is refreshing, spicy and full of contrast.
Nutrition per serving
Nutrition values are estimates per serving and may vary with brands, portions and substitutions.
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Smart substitutions
Substitutions can make the recipe easier, safer or suitable for a dietary need, but they may change the authentic flavour.
Flavour: light brown sugar
Allergy: maple syrup
Dietary: coconut sugar
Flavour: light soy sauce plus a pinch of seaweed
Allergy: coconut aminos
Dietary: vegan fish sauce
Ingredients
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250 g green papayapeeled and shredded
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1 clove garlic
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2–5 bird’s-eye chillies
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1 tbsp palm sugar
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2 tbsp lime juice
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1½ tbsp fish sauce
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6 cherry tomatoeshalved
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40 g long beanscut into lengths
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2 tbsp roasted peanuts
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1 tbsp dried shrimpoptional
Use a julienne peeler if you do not own a traditional papaya shredder.
Method
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1
Make the dressing
Pound garlic and chillies in a large mortar. Add palm sugar, lime juice and fish sauce; stir until dissolved.
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2
Bruise vegetables
Add long beans and tomatoes and lightly pound to release juices without crushing them completely.
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3
Toss the papaya
Add shredded papaya, peanuts and dried shrimp. Use a spoon and pestle together to toss and lightly bruise the salad.
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4
Taste and serve
Adjust lime, fish sauce, sugar and chilli. Serve immediately.
What it tastes like
Crisp, sour, salty, sweet and hot, with a roasted peanut crunch.
Make it milder
Use no chilli or one mild chilli. Ask for the chilli to be served separately.
Ingredient substitutions
Shredded cucumber, carrot or firm green mango can replace green papaya.
Vegetarian alternative
Omit dried shrimp and use soy sauce or vegan fish sauce.
Common mistakes
Over-pounding turns papaya limp. A ripe orange papaya will not work.
Serving the dish
Serve with sticky rice, grilled chicken and fresh cabbage.
Extra peanuts and lime wedges.
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