Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tam)

Thai green papaya salad, also known as som tam, made with shredded green papaya, fresh lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, chili, tomatoes, green beans, and herbs. This authentic Thai salad is light, refreshing, and full of bold flavors, perfect as a healthy side dish or light meal. Popular Southeast Asian recipe served with grilled meats or sticky rice, ideal for summer meals and Thai food lovers.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons palm sugar or light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 medium unripe green papaya (about 1–1½ lb), peeled, halved, and seeded
• 1 medium carrot, peeled
• 1 handful green beans (about 10–12), ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large tomato, cut into chunks, or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium shallot, very thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 cup Thai basil, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, palm sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic, and chili flakes until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside.
2. Using a julienne peeler or mandolin, cut the green papaya and carrot into long, thin strands. If needed, a box grater or knife can be used for a similar result.
3. Place the papaya and carrot in a large mixing bowl. Add the green beans, tomatoes, shallot, cilantro, and Thai basil.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the salad to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Garnish with extra herbs if desired and serve immediately.

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Tips

• Use firm, unripe green papaya for the best texture.
• Adjust lime juice, fish sauce, and chili to balance sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
• Toss gently to keep the vegetables crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or vegan fish sauce for a vegetarian version.
• Add dried shrimp for a traditional Thai touch.
• Swap peanuts for cashews if preferred.

FAQs

Can I make Som Tam ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the vegetables and dressing separately a few hours in advance.

Is green papaya necessary?
Yes, unripe papaya gives the salad its signature crunch, but shredded green mango can be used as an alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or sticky rice.
• Pair with other Thai dishes for a complete meal.
• Enjoy as a light lunch or refreshing side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh, crunchy vegetables with bold Thai flavors.
• Quick to prepare with simple ingredients.
• Balanced mix of sour, salty, sweet, and spicy notes.