Thai
Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)
A spicy, tangy, and crunchy salad made from shredded unripe papaya, pounded with a dressing of lime, chili, and fish sauce.
Watch it madePailin's Kitchen · 10:54
Ingredients
- Green papaya, shredded2 cups
- Long beans, cut1/2 cup
- Cherry tomatoes6
- Roasted peanuts2 tbsp
- Dried shrimp1 tbsp
- Garlic cloves2
- Bird's eye chilies3
- Palm sugar1 tbsp
- Fish sauce2 tbsp
- Lime juice2 tbsp
Method
- Peel and shred the green papaya into thin strips using a grater or knife.
- In a mortar, pound garlic and chilies until crushed.
- Add long beans and tomatoes. Pound gently to bruise them.
- Add palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, dried shrimp, and peanuts. Mix and pound to combine flavors.
- Add the shredded papaya and toss well with the dressing in the mortar. Serve immediately.
Common questions
What can I use instead of green papaya if I can’t find it?
The closest substitute is green mango for a similar crisp, tart bite. You can also use julienned cucumber, green apple, or kohlrabi, though the texture will be softer and less traditional. Keep the dressing slightly lighter for sweeter substitutes.
How far ahead can I prep Som Tum before serving?
You can shred the papaya and mix the dressing ingredients a few hours ahead, but combine everything right before serving. Once dressed, the papaya softens and releases water quickly, so the salad loses crunch and becomes watery within 15–20 minutes.
What are the most common mistakes when making Som Tum?
The biggest mistakes are pounding too hard, which turns the salad mushy, and overusing fish sauce or lime, which throws off the balance. Also avoid using ripe papaya; it should be firm and green for the signature crunchy texture.
How should I store leftovers, and can I save the dressing separately?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day, but expect the texture to soften. For better results, keep the dressing and papaya separate and mix just before eating. Add peanuts only at the end to keep them crisp.
What should I serve with Som Tum?
Serve it as a bright side with grilled chicken, pork skewers, sticky rice, or Thai-style BBQ. It also works well with a simple omelet or fried fish. If serving as part of a meal, pair it with something mild to balance the heat.