Scale

For the Salad

2 cups shredded green papaya (peeled and julienned)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup long beans (cut into 1-inch pieces)

1/4 cup shredded carrot (optional)

2 tablespoons roasted peanuts

2 cloves garlic

1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)

For the Dressing

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)

1 teaspoon tamarind paste (optional for extra tang)

1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)

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Prepare the Papaya
Peel the green papaya, remove the seeds, and shred into thin strips using a julienne peeler or grater.

Make the Dressing Base
In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies until roughly crushed.

Add Sugar and Liquid Ingredients
Add palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and tamarind paste. Lightly pound and mix until the sugar dissolves.

Add Vegetables
Add the long beans and tomatoes. Gently pound to release juices while keeping texture intact.

Combine the Salad
Add the shredded papaya and carrots. Toss and lightly pound to allow the dressing to coat everything evenly.

Finish the Salad
Sprinkle roasted peanuts on top and give the salad a final toss.

Serve Immediately
Serve fresh with sticky rice, grilled chicken, or shrimp.

Cooking Tips

1. Use Unripe Papaya
Green papaya should be firm and pale inside. Ripe papaya will be too soft and sweet.

2. Balance the Flavors
Authentic Thai salads balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Adjust lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar to taste.

3. Use a Mortar and Pestle
Traditional Som Tam is gently pounded to release juices and blend flavors without crushing the vegetables.

4. Slice Papaya Thin
Thin strands absorb the dressing better and give the salad its signature texture.

Variations

Thai Som Tam with Dried Shrimp
Add 1–2 tablespoons dried shrimp for extra umami and authentic flavor.

Som Tam with Crab (Som Tam Pu)
Traditional Thai street vendors sometimes add salted crab for a briny twist.

Vegan Green Papaya Salad
Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Shrimp Papaya Salad
Top the salad with grilled or steamed shrimp for a protein-packed meal.

Mango Papaya Salad
Add shredded green mango for a sweeter tropical variation.