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4.9 from 30 votes

Green Papaya Salad

Thai papaya salad, also called Som Tam or Som Tum, is a popular and delicious salad made with shredded green papaya and has a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes. Learn how to make this green papaya salad, and where to find the ingredients in this recipe guide.

Prep Time
10 mins
Additional Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 209 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1-2 red Thai bird's eye chilies
  • 2 tablespoons dried shrimp
  • Thai palm sugar to taste
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
  • 6 oz (170g) green papaya strands
  • 6 cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup long green beans cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) lengths
  • fresh lime juice to taste
  • fish sauce to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pound the garlic and bird’s eye chilies until they form a smooth paste.
  2. Add the dried shrimp and pound until the pieces are broken up, but not completely pulverized.
  3. Add the palm sugar (cut into small pieces), maybe 2-3 teaspoons at first. More to taste later.
  4. Add the peanuts and lightly pound them until they are broken into tiny pieces, but be careful not to crush them into a thick paste.
  5. Add the green beans and crush them with the mortar until they’re splitting and lightly bruised.
  6. Add the papaya and tomatoes, then pound them gently to bruise them. The goal is to crush the tomatoes slightly so they release their juices, enhancing both flavor and color.
  7. Add a couple of teaspoons of fish sauce and a couple of teaspoons of lime juice to the mix.
  8. Have a large spoon in one hand to help flip things over and scrape down the sides of the mortar, while using your other hand to pound away with the pestle.
  9. Continue pounding and flipping for a few seconds. Add more fish sauce, lime juice, or palm sugar as needed.
  10. Dish out and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Papaya: Pick a firm, green papaya. It should be hard and green, not soft or yellow.
  • Adjust Spiciness: Start with a little bit of Thai bird’s eye chili and add more if you want it spicier.
  • Prepare Ingredients Early: Shred the papaya and make the dressing ahead of time. Mix everything together just before serving.
  • Balance Flavors: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Make sure it’s balanced with sweet, sour (lime juice), salty (fish sauce), and spicy flavors.
  • Add Crunch: Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for a crunchy texture. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2people Calories 209kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 18g (36%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 169mg (56%) Sodium 613mg (26%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 8g (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 209

% Daily Value*

Serving 2people
Calories 209kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 18g 36%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 169mg 56%
Sodium 613mg 26%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 8g 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.