Perfect Papaya salad, also known as “Som Tam” in Thai cuisine, is a vibrant and refreshing dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. This Southeast Asian specialty is a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a popular choice for those seeking a light and healthy meal option.
The star ingredient of papaya salad is, of course, the unripe green papaya. It’s shredded into thin strips, providing a crisp and slightly crunchy base for the dish. Mixed with this are an array of ingredients, typically including shredded carrots, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chopped peanuts, which add depth and complexity to the salad.
The dressing is where the magic truly happens. A harmonious blend of fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and chili peppers creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Adjust the levels of these ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy according to your taste preferences.
While papaya salad is delicious on its own, it can be elevated further with the addition of complementary accompaniments. Grilled prawns or shrimp, cooked chicken, or tofu are popular protein options that add substance to the dish. Fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint or Thai basil can be sprinkled on top. These enhance the aroma and flavor profile of the dish.
When it comes to serving suggestions, papaya salad is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as a light appetizer, a refreshing side dish, or even as a main course when paired with sticky rice or steamed jasmine rice. For a complete Thai experience, serve it alongside other traditional dishes such as green curry, pad thai or spring rolls.
To enhance the presentation of your papaya salad, consider serving it on a bed of lettuce leaves. Garnish with extra peanuts and a wedge of lime for squeezing over the top, adding a final burst of freshness.
In conclusion, papaya salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and refreshing. With its versatility and simplicity, it’s no wonder this dish has become a beloved favorite in Thai cuisine and beyond. A perfect papaya salad is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and irresistible taste. It can be served as a side dish or main.
Perfect Papaya Salad is a healthy Thai recipe ideal for lunch and snacks. Papaya is full of vitamins, healthy fibre and nutrients. Actually Papaya Salad is the Thai national dish and eaten most days.
Perfect Papaya Salad
Lovely salad that is full of flavours, texture and very filling.
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Add to CollectionServings: 4 People
Calories: 131kcal
Ingredients
- 1 large Green Papaya
- 8 medium bird eye chillies
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic peel/slice
- 2 tbsp shrimp dried
- 10 fresh string beans
- 8 large cherry tomatoes cut into half
- 1 large carrot finely sliced
- 2 large limes juice only
Instructions
- Grate/shred the papaya. I use a large box cheese grater. Throw away the seeds.1 large Green Papaya
- Add the garlic and chillies into a mortar and pound into a paste using the pestle.4 cloves garlic, 8 medium bird eye chillies
- Add the shrimp and beans and pound again.2 tbsp shrimp, 10 fresh string beans
- Add the carrot and papaya and stir as you only want to bruise them not pound them. This way they will absorb the flavours.1 large carrot
- Add the juice of a lime, fish sauce (carefully) and the brown sugar. Stir well again to mix everything together.2 tbsp fish sauce, 2 large limes, 3 tbsp brown sugar
- Finally add the tomatoes and mix without breaking them up.
- Serve in a warmed bowl on top of sticky rice with the chopped tomatoes.8 large cherry tomatoes
Notes
I use brown sugar instead of Palm Sugar due to the effect on the forests and their wildlife killed during the harvesting procedure.
Nutrition
Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 995mg | Potassium: 401mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 4135IU | Vitamin C: 83mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 1mg
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