How to Make Spicy Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum) at Home
Thai green papaya salad, known as Som Tum in Thailand, is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful dish that bursts with tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. It’s made from shredded green papaya and dressed with a zesty mix of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili peppers. Loved by people all over the world, this dish is an essential part of Thai cuisine and is surprisingly easy to make at home! In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple recipe to create your very own spicy Thai green papaya salad. Let’s get started!
What is Green Papaya Salad?
Green papaya salad is a classic Thai street food dish. The main ingredient is unripe papaya, which has a firm texture and a mild taste. When shredded, it acts as a crunchy base for the salad. The dressing is a delicious combination of spicy chili, salty fish sauce, sour lime juice, and sweet palm sugar, giving the salad its signature flavor profile. Add some fresh vegetables, peanuts, and optional protein like dried shrimp, and you have a dish that’s equal parts refreshing and bold.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start making the salad, gather the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Salad:
- 1 small green papaya (unripe papaya)
- 1 medium carrot (optional, for color contrast)
- 5 cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 5 green beans (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts
For the Dressing:
- 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chili peppers (adjust for spice level)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar if unavailable)
- 1 tablespoon tamarind juice (optional, for added tang)
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tablespoons dried shrimp
- A handful of coriander leaves for garnish
Equipment You’ll Need
- A mortar and pestle (highly recommended, but you can use a mixing bowl and spoon as an alternative)
- A grater or julienne peeler for shredding the papaya
- A sharp knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create your spicy green papaya salad:
Step 1: Prepare the Papaya
- Peel the green papaya using a vegetable peeler. Remove the skin completely until the papaya looks smooth.
- Cut the papaya in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- Shred the papaya into thin, noodle-like strips using a grater or julienne peeler. If you prefer more crunch, you can cut it by hand into thin matchstick pieces.
- If using carrot, peel and shred it in the same way as the papaya. Mix the two together and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- Take your mortar and pestle and crush the garlic cloves and chili peppers until you form a coarse paste. Be careful — the crushed chilies are spicy!
- Add the fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and tamarind juice if you’re using it. Pound gently with the pestle or stir with a spoon to mix the dressing until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste the mixture — it should be a balance of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy. Adjust the flavors as needed.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Ingredients
- To the dressing in the mortar, add the halved cherry tomatoes, green beans, shredded papaya, and carrot. Gently pound or toss the ingredients together to combine everything well without smashing them.
- Add the dried shrimp (if using) and toss again.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
- Transfer the salad to a serving plate.
- Top with roasted peanuts for crunch and garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Green Papaya Salad
- Control the Spice Level: Thai bird’s eye chilies are very hot, so start with just one chili if you’re sensitive to spice. Taste as you go and add more if you like.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, unripe green papaya is essential for the salad’s crunchy texture. Avoid overripe papaya since it’s soft and too sweet for this dish.
- Adjust Flavors: Traditional Thai recipes rely on balancing salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Don’t be afraid to play with the lime, fish sauce, and sugar to suit your taste.
- Customize with Protein: Adding dried shrimp is optional, but it adds a lovely umami flavor to the salad. Some people also use cooked prawns or grilled chicken on top.
Serving Ideas
Green papaya salad is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with sticky rice or grilled meats. It’s often served alongside Thai barbecue dishes or as part of a larger meal with curries and soups. You can even enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch on its own!
Conclusion
Making spicy Thai green papaya salad at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few fresh ingredients, basic tools, and a little effort, you can recreate this vibrant and delicious Thai classic in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for a summer picnic, a dinner party, or just a simple meal packed with flavor. Try this recipe and discover why Som Tum has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of food lovers around the world.
Ready to spice up your cooking? Give this Thai green papaya salad recipe a try and enjoy every crunchy, tangy bite!
Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried making this dish or have any questions about the recipe. Happy cooking! 🌶️
