Introduction

Thai papaya salad, also known as Som Tam, is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is loved by many. This dish is made with shredded unripe papaya, mixed with a spicy and sour sauce, and served with peanuts and herbs. In this article, we will guide you on how to create the perfect Thai papaya salad recipe.

Ingredients

1. Unripe papaya – 1 medium-sized
2. Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup
3. Long beans – 1 cup
4. Garlic – 2 cloves
5. Fresh chili – 3-4
6. Fish sauce – 2 tablespoons
7. Palm sugar – 1 tablespoon
8. Lime – 1
9. Roasted peanuts – 1/2 cup
10. Coriander leaves – a handful
11. Salt

Preparing the Papaya

1. Peel off the skin of the unripe papaya using a peeler.
2. Cut the papaya into thin julienne strips.
3. Rub the papaya strips with salt and put them in a strainer to drain out the excess water.

Preparing the Dressing

1. Crush the garlic and chili in a mortar and pestle.
2. Add fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice to the mortar.
3. Mix everything well until the sugar is dissolved.

Preparing the Salad

1. In a mixing bowl, add the papaya, cherry tomatoes, and long beans.
2. Pour the dressing on top of the vegetables and mix well.
3. Add roasted peanuts and coriander leaves to the mixture.
4. Give everything a good toss.

Serving the Salad

Serve the salad in a bowl. Garnish the salad with extra coriander leaves and roasted peanuts on top.

FAQ

Q1. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the salad by adding more or fewer chilies.

Q2. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Yes, you can add cucumber, carrots, or shredded cabbage to this salad.

Q3. Can I substitute palm sugar with regular sugar?

Yes, you can use regular sugar instead of palm sugar, but palm sugar adds a unique taste to the salad.

Q4. Can I use a food processor to shred papaya?

Yes, you can use a food processor to shred papaya, but it might not give you the same texture as shredding it with a peeler.

Q5. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can make the salad dressing ahead of time, but it is best to shred the papaya and mix the vegetables just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Q6. Can I make this salad without fish sauce?

You can omit the fish sauce, but it might affect the taste of the salad.

Q7. Can I use roasted cashews instead of peanuts?

Yes, you can use roasted cashews instead of peanuts to add a different texture to the salad.

Conclusion

Thai papaya salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is easy to make. This salad is perfect for hot summer days and can be served as a side dish or a light meal. By following this recipe, you can create the perfect Thai papaya salad at home. So, gather all the ingredients and give this recipe a try. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dish!

Reference

1. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/thai-green-papaya-salad-som-tam-recipe-1972763
2. https://www.delish.com/uk/cooking/recipes/a30602209/thai-papaya-salad-recipe/
3. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238303/thai-papaya-salad-som-tum/