The authentic Som Tam recipe from Thailand presented below will help you prepare an original and flavorful dish. With sourness and spiciness as its dominant flavors, Som Tam, also known as green papaya salad, is a dish that truly awakens the taste buds.
Quick overview
What is Som Tam?
Som Tam, also known as Som Tum, is a green papaya salad (shredded papaya salad) originating from Thailand. The dish is mainly made with shredded green papaya. The name “Som Tam” refers to both its flavors and its preparation method. “Som” means sour, while “Tam” means to pound. Thai people often enjoy Som Tam as a vegetable side dish during a meal. In 2011, CNNGo ranked Som Tam 46th among the 50 best dishes in the world.
If you have the opportunity to visit Thailand, you should definitely try this delicious dish. But if you have not yet had the chance to visit the country and would still like to taste it, simply follow the Som Tam recipe below!
Ingredients for Thai Som Tam
- 1 green papaya (about 300 g)
- 1 carrot
- 1 tomato
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 to 3 red chilies (to taste)
- 30 g roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 to 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 to 2 tbsp palm sugar (or regular sugar)
- 50 g dried shrimp
- 4 to 5 long beans (optional)
- A small bunch of coriander (for garnish)
Required utensils
- Blender
- Julienne grater
- Knife and cutting board
Preparing Som Tam
1. Prepare the ingredients
Green papaya and carrot: Peel, then shred into thin strips.
Tomato: Cut into medium-sized pieces.
Dried shrimp: Soak in warm water until softened, then drain.
Long beans: Cut into pieces about 4–5 cm long (if using).
2. Blend the ingredients
Place the garlic, chili, dried shrimp, and a few peanuts in the blender. Blend briefly so that the ingredients are crushed but remain slightly coarse, helping to preserve some crunch.
3. Prepare the dressing
Add the fish sauce, lemon juice, and palm sugar to the blender. Blend briefly until the ingredients are well combined.
4. Mix the Som Tam
Pour the mixture into a large bowl. Add the shredded papaya, carrot, tomato, and long beans (if using). Mix well so that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Garnish the Som Tam
Sprinkle roasted peanuts over the top, garnish with coriander, and add a little extra chili if you enjoy spicy food.
Enjoy
Som Tam is best enjoyed immediately to preserve the crisp texture of the papaya and the freshness of the ingredients.
Although Som Tam is simple to prepare with everyday ingredients, this distinctive dish has an irresistible flavor that combines refreshing acidity, heat, sweetness, saltiness, and the delicious aroma of dried shrimp. Enjoy your meal and good luck with the recipe!
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