Green Papaya Salad

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant world of Thai cuisine with our detailed exploration of Green Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tum. This quintessential dish hails from the heart of Southeast Asia, offering a refreshing medley of flavors that is both spicy, sour, sweet, and a bit salty. Green Papaya Salad is a fabulous choice for those seeking a crunch that packs a punch. Within our detailed recipe, you’ll learn how to balance these robust flavors to create an unforgettable culinary experience in your own kitchen!

Kitchen Equipment Required

• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Vegetable peeler
• Large mixing bowl
• Pestle and mortar
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or salad servers

Cooking Time

Total estimated time: 30 minutes

Recipe: Green Papaya Salad

Ingredients

• 500g (about 1 small) green papaya, peeled and julienned
• 150g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100g (1 cup) green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
• 30g (1/4 cup) roasted peanuts, unsalted and roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 red bird’s eye chilies, chopped
• 30ml (2 tbsp) fish sauce
• 30ml (2 tbsp) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 15g (1 tbsp) palm sugar or brown sugar
• 5ml (1 tsp) soy sauce
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Papaya

Begin by peeling the green papaya using a vegetable peeler. Julienne the papaya into long, thin strips. Place the julienned strips into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a pestle and mortar, combine the minced garlic, chopped chilies, and palm sugar. Gently pound the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well blended. Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful dressing.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

In the large mixing bowl with the papaya, add the halved cherry tomatoes, green beans, and roughly chopped roasted peanuts. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Use tongs or salad servers to toss everything together, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, balancing sourness from lime, saltiness from fish sauce, and sweetness from palm sugar. Add more chilies if you prefer an extra spicy kick.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavors and texture. Enjoy your handcrafted Green Papaya Salad!

Conclusion

Congratulations on creating an authentic Green Papaya Salad that bursts with flavors and textures distinct to Thai cuisine. This dish offers an exceptional balance of taste and freshness that is both satisfying and invigorating. Ideal for a summer day or as a crisp side to your main course, this salad can easily be customized with additional proteins like shrimp or crab to make it even more delightful. Enjoy this refreshing and zesty creation with your family and friends, bringing a touch of Thailand to your table!

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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