Ingredients
Metric weights use grams. US weights use ounces; liquids use fluid ounces. Conversions are rounded. Spoon measures use 5 ml teaspoons and 15 ml tablespoons; cups use 240 ml.
Serves 4
Choose any positive whole number of servings. Ingredients and measured amounts in steps scale together. Times, temperatures and equipment stay unchanged. For larger yields, cook separate original-size batches. Counted ingredients can become fractions; beat eggs before dividing them. Fixed correction-water checks remain fixed.
Paste
Dressing
Salad
Equipment
Kitchen scales; measuring jug and spoons; knife; cutting board; mixing bowls; mortar and pestle.
Check all product labels and cross-contact. Diet groups describe this listed draft, not every substitution.
Steps
Pound · About 8 min
- Lightly pound 10 g garlic, 10 g fresh chili, 20 g palm sugar in a mortar.
Dress · About 8 min
- Stir in 40 ml lime juice, 30 ml fish sauce until sugar dissolves.
Check: Look for this result: sugar dissolves.
Toss · About 8 min
- Add 500 g green papaya, shredded, 150 g tomatoes, halved, 100 g long beans, cut small, 30 g roasted peanuts, lightly bruise the vegetables and toss until coated. Serve immediately.
Check: Look for this result: coated.
Tips
- Use unripe green papaya rather than sweet orange flesh.
- Use the texture and doneness checks in the method; cooking times depend on your pan and heat.
Substitutions
- Use shredded cucumber for a different salad; drain it first.
Storage
- Refrigerate perishable food within two hours, or within one hour in heat above 32°C / 90°F. Store covered at 4°C / 40°F or below. Use within two days for this draft.
- Reheat cooked dishes to 74°C / 165°F, stirring or turning for even heating. Serve cold salads, dips and chilled desserts directly from safe refrigeration.
Make ahead
- Mix the dressing one day ahead and refrigerate it in a covered jar. Keep the prepared vegetables separate; combine Som Tam close to serving so the texture stays fresh.
FAQ
What matters most when making Som Tam?
Use unripe green papaya rather than sweet orange flesh.
What can I substitute in Som Tam?
Use shredded cucumber for a different salad; drain it first.
Can I prepare Som Tam ahead?
Mix the dressing one day ahead and refrigerate it in a covered jar. Keep the prepared vegetables separate; combine Som Tam close to serving so the texture stays fresh.
Food safety references
FoodSafety.gov: cooking temperatures · Food Standards Agency: rice storage and reheating
