Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

An addicting, slaw-like salad.

2 servings
15 minutes
Cook Well Official

Ingredients

Fruit & vegetables

  • Green papaya, thinly sliced
    1-2
  • Green Beans, roughly chopped
    a handful
  • Tomatoes, roughly chopped
    a handful

Aromatics

  • Garlic, diced
    2 cloves
  • Peanuts
    2 spoonfuls
  • Fresh ginger, diced
    1” knob
  • Red Thai chiles, sliced
    to taste

Dressing

  • Sugar
    a sprinkle
  • Salt
    a sprinkle
  • Fish Sauce
    a spoonful
  • Lime juice
    a spoonful

Method

Step 1: Crush the aromatics

In a mortar & pestle, crush all aromatics until they form a paste. Scoop out into a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Bruise the vegetables

In batches, lightly crush the papaya shreds and vegetables in the same mortar & pestle. This will bruise and allow them to soak more of the dressing.

Step 3: Toss & adjust seasonings

Toss the vegetables with the aromatic paste, and then add a sprinkle of salt, some sugar, and a few spoonfuls of lime juice and fish sauce. Do this a bit at a time until the salad is seasoned to your liking. Enjoy!

“Som tum (sometimes spelled som tam) is a Thai-style papaya salad that uses green, unripe papaya (but could be made with shredded cabbage or carrots if you can’t find it). You can make it as spicy or funky as you like — just dial the chilis and fish sauce accordingly”

Cook Well Official
Creator

Nutritional Information

entire recipe
Calories890
195g
10g
9g

Show macros split into…

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Recommended: 2 servings

FAQ

What if I can’t find Thai chiles?

Try using serrano peppers as a substitute, they will have a similar level to Thai chiles.

Where can I find green papaya?

These are usually available at International grocery stores in the produce section. These are harvested before they ripen, so you can’t substitute them with standard papayas (which would be far too sweet/soft). This recipe could be made with shredded cabbage or carrots if you can’t find it.