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Green Papaya Salad

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Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum) is a spicy, tangy, and refreshing Thai salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a bold lime-fish sauce dressing. It’s a vibrant, crunchy dish that’s light yet bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded green (unripe) papaya
  • 6–8 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup green beans or long beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 fresh red chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, crushed
  • 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1–2 limes)
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp dried shrimp or cooked shrimp (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or Thai basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Peel and shred the green papaya using a julienne peeler or box grater. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a mortar and pestle, pound garlic and chili until roughly crushed.
  3. Add palm sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce to the mortar. Pound and mix until the sugar dissolves. Adjust to taste.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and green beans. Lightly crush to release their juices.
  5. Add shredded papaya and gently mix using the pestle and spoon, or use gloved hands to toss everything together.
  6. Add crushed peanuts and dried shrimp, if using. Mix well.
  7. Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with more peanuts and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use soy sauce or vegan fish sauce for a vegan version.Green mango can be used instead of green papaya.Top with grilled tofu, shrimp, or chicken for added protein.Shred papaya and prep dressing separately if making ahead; mix before serving.Adjust chili to control spice level.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/green-papaya-salad/