International Cuisine > Southeast Asian Cuisine (General) > Common Ingredients & Techniques > Using Fish Sauce in Southeast Asian Cooking

Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

Som Tum is a vibrant and refreshing Thai salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a tangy dressing flavored with fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and chili. The fish sauce provides a crucial salty and savory element that balances the other flavors and contributes to the salad's complex and addictive taste. This recipe showcases how fish sauce can be used in a dressing to create a bold and flavorful dish.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes (no cooking required)
Servings
2-4
Ingredients
  • 2 cups Green papaya, shredded
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup Roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 Garlic cloves
  • 1-3 Bird's eye chilies, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon Palm sugar, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Optional: Dried shrimp, soaked and drained

Prepare the Dressing

In a mortar and pestle (or a small bowl), combine the garlic and chilies. Pound or mash them into a coarse paste. This releases the essential oils and flavors of the garlic and chilies.

Add Dressing Ingredients

Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar to the mortar (or bowl). Mix well until the palm sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may want to add more lime juice for tartness, fish sauce for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness.

Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and optional dried shrimp. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.

Add Peanuts and Serve

Sprinkle the roasted peanuts over the salad just before serving. This adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture. Som Tum is traditionally served as part of a larger Thai meal.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.

Calories: 80-120
Protein: 3-5g
Fat: 5-8g
Carbohydrates: 8-12g
Sodium: 400-600mg

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This salad can be relatively high in sodium, depending on the amount of fish sauce used. Adjust the amount of fish sauce to your liking and dietary needs. The amount of sugar can also be adjusted. Adding dried shrimp will increase sodium content.

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FAQ

  • Where can I find green papaya?

    Green papaya can be found at Asian markets or some specialty grocery stores. If you can't find green papaya, you can substitute with unripe mango or shredded carrots, but the flavor will be slightly different.
  • How spicy should I make the salad?

    Adjust the amount of chili to your preference. Start with one chili and taste before adding more. Remember that the spice level will intensify as the salad sits.
  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    It's best to make Som Tum fresh, as the papaya and other vegetables will wilt if dressed too far in advance. If you need to prepare ahead, you can make the dressing and shred the papaya separately, then combine them just before serving.