Thai Papaya Salad with Peanuts (Print Version)

A vibrant salad with papaya, peanuts, and lime.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables & Fruits

01 - 2 cups shredded green papaya (about 1 small papaya, peeled and seeds removed)
02 - 1 medium carrot, shredded
03 - 8–10 cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - ½ cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
05 - 2–3 cloves garlic, peeled
06 - 1–2 Thai bird's eye chilies (adjust to taste)
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

→ Dressing

08 - 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh)
09 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
10 - 2 teaspoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
11 - 1 teaspoon tamarind paste (optional)

→ Toppings & Garnishes

12 - 3 tablespoons roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
13 - 1 tablespoon dried shrimp (optional)
14 - Extra lime wedges, for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies until a rough paste forms.
02 - Add the green beans and lightly crush to bruise them.
03 - Add the shredded papaya and carrot to a large mixing bowl.
04 - Add the cherry tomatoes and lightly crush with the pestle or a spoon to release their juices.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind paste until the sugar dissolves.
06 - Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture. Mix well (using hands with gloves is traditional) to combine and slightly bruise the vegetables, helping them absorb flavors.
07 - Toss in the roasted peanuts, dried shrimp (if using), and fresh cilantro.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra peanuts and lime wedges.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • This salad is a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot summer days.
  • The crunch of fresh vegetables paired with spicy, tangy dressing is downright addictive.
02 -
  • Don't skip the pounding; it transforms the flavors and texture immensely.
  • Adjust the chili amount cautiously; a little can go a long way in terms of heat.
03 -
  • Making your dressing a bit earlier allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • The secret to a perfect som tam is in the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy – taste as you go!
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