Som Tam: Thai Green Papaya Salad

Looking for a dish that packs a punch? Look no further than this som tam recipe. A mouth-watering Thai salad that's sure to impress your guests. This recipe is a flavor explosion, combining zesty lime juice, fiery chilies, and the satisfying crunch of green papaya. With a variety of ingredients, this dish is a fun and exciting way to mix up your meal routine.

The dressing is the star of the show, made with fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and sour. The addition of dried shrimp and roasted peanuts adds a satisfying texture, while the snake beans and tomatoes bring a refreshing twist to the bold flavors. But the best part? This dish is completely customizable - whether you like it extra spicy or prefer to add some prawns for protein, you can make it your own. The regular Som Tam is delicious but is more of a light meal or a side dish. By adding some rice vermicelli and prawns you transform the dish into a proper weeknight meal!

Step 1
In a pestle and mortar (or food processor/blender), pound/chop the Thai rawit chili peppers and garlic until finely chopped.

Step 2
Add the dried shrimps and continue pounding/chopping until the shrimps are broken up into small pieces.

Step 3
Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice and mix well.

Step 4
Shred the papaya with a knife, julliene peeler or box grater. Add the shredded green papaya, chopped tomato, and chopped snake beans to a large serving bowl (preferably metal) and add the dressing mixture. Use a spoon or pestle to lightly crush the ingredients and mix them together.
‍
Step 5
Add half of the roasted peanuts and mix well.

Step 6
If using, cook the large prawns in a skillet or frying pan until pink and cooked through.

Step 7
Serve the som tam in a large serving bowl, with the prawns (if using), cooked rice vermicelli (if using), sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and sliced scallions/spring onions on top. Serve with prawn crackers on the side.

Chefs tip
"This dish can feed 3 people but as a side dish, you can feed up to 6! The basic version of Som Tam is a perfect side dish, quick to prepare, and pairs perfectly with other Thai main dishes. For example, try this salad together with a Green curry with tofu. Enjoy!"