Thai > Salad

Isan-Style Papaya Salad Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 green papaya, peeled and shredded
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1/4 cup dried shrimp, optional

Special equipment needed:
- Mortar and pestle

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mortar, pound garlic and chilies until they become a paste.
2. Add fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar to the mortar and mix well.
3. Add shredded papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and dried shrimp (if using) to the mortar.
4. Use the pestle to gently pound and mix the ingredients together for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Add crushed peanuts and mix well.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve immediately.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- 2-4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Green papaya can be substituted with green mango or cucumber.
- Thai bird's eye chilies can be substituted with jalapeno or serrano peppers.
- Palm sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or honey.
- Dried shrimp can be omitted for a vegetarian version.

Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add sliced red onions or shallots for extra flavor.
- Use tamarind paste instead of lime juice for a tangier taste.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline or a julienne peeler to shred the papaya.
- Soak the green beans in cold water for 10 minutes to make them more tender.
- Adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice preference.

Storage instructions:
- Isan-style papaya salad is best served fresh and should not be stored.

Reheating instructions:
- Isan-style papaya salad should not be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large mortar for a traditional presentation.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with additional crushed peanuts and cilantro.

Pairings:
- Serve with sticky rice and grilled meats for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Steamed vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad is too spicy, add more shredded papaya to dilute the heat.
- If the salad is too sour, add more palm sugar to balance the flavors.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all produce thoroughly before use.
- Use caution when handling chilies and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Food history:
- Isan-style papaya salad, also known as som tam, originated in northeastern Thailand and has become a popular dish throughout the country.

Flavor profiles:
- Isan-style papaya salad is a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the salad as a side dish or as a main course.

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Region: Thai

Taste: Spicy, Sour, Tangy, Salty, Umami