Thai Green Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tum, is the ultimate balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors.

With its crunchy papaya, aromatic basil, and the savory kick from fish sauce and palm sugar, this vibrant dish is the perfect Thai experience.

Whether you want a refreshing side dish or a light meal, this salad is sure to delight!

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Dressing:

1. 2 tbsp garlic, roughly chopped (about 10 normal or 4 large cloves)

2. 6 bird's eye chilies, roughly chopped with seeds (use fewer for less spice)

3. 6 tbsp dried shrimp

4. 1 cup palm sugar, grated (loosely packed)

5. 1/2 cup lime juice

6. 1/2 cup fish sauce

For the Salad:

1. 1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts

2. 20 snake beans (or green beans), cut into 5cm (2-inch) pieces

3. 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved (~400g / 14oz)

4. 500g (4 cups) green papaya, shredded, tightly packed

5. 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peanuts

Place the peanuts in a mortar and pestle. Lightly pound them until they are broken into large pieces. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic and Chili Paste

Place the garlic and chilies into the mortar. Pound them into a paste. Add the dried shrimp and continue pounding until they are crushed but not powdered.

3. Prepare the Dressing

Stir in the palm sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce into the paste until the sugar dissolves. Pour the dressing into a large mixing bowl.

4. Bruise the Snake Beans

Add the snake beans to the mortar (you can do this in batches). Pound them to bruise and soften them, then add them to the bowl with the dressing.

5. Crush the Tomatoes

Grab handfuls of grape tomatoes and crush them with your hands. Add them to the bowl with the beans and dressing.

6. Add the Papaya and Toss

Add the shredded green papaya and about three-quarters of the peanuts to the bowl. Toss everything together using two wooden spoons or tongs until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.

7. Serve Immediately

To preserve the salad's freshness and texture, serve it immediately. Pile the salad onto plates, spoon over any leftover dressing, and garnish with Thai basil leaves and the remaining peanuts.

Important Notes for an Authentic Experience

1. Spice Level

Authentic Som Tum is meant to be quite spicy! If you're unsure, start with 1 or 2 chilies, but if you can handle the heat, go for the full 6 for that authentic Thai kick.

2. Dried Shrimp

Dried shrimp adds a unique, savory depth to the dressing. You can find it in most Asian grocery stores. If you skip it, the dressing may lack some of its complexity, but you can substitute it with fish sauce.

3. Palm Sugar

Palm sugar adds a distinct caramel-like sweetness. If it's hard to find, brown sugar works as an alternative. Grating the palm sugar may take a bit of effort, but it's worth the authentic flavor!

4. Snake Beans

Snake beans are tough, so they need to be bruised to soften them. If you can't find them, substitute with regular green beans.

5. Green Papaya

The green papaya should be firm and unripe. If you can't find it, green mango or finely shredded cabbage are good substitutes.

6. Thai Basil

Thai basil has a unique flavor, but if it's hard to find, coriander (cilantro) or regular Italian basil will work as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

Thai Green Papaya Salad is a fun, vibrant, and truly authentic dish. The balance of flavors will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand! Serve it immediately for the best texture and flavor. Don't forget to make it as spicy as you can handle—it's a key part of this deliciously bold dish.