Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand! Som Tam with Brown Rice is not just a recipe; it's a symphony of flavors that dances between spicy, sweet, sour, and crunchy. This iconic Thai green papaya salad is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and bold seasonings that will revolutionize your home cooking experience. Whether you're a spice lover, a health enthusiast, or simply someone who craves authentic international cuisine, this recipe promises to be your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups green papaya, shredded
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar
- 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by thoroughly washing all fresh produce. Peel the green papaya and carrot, then use a grater or julienne peeler to create thin, long shreds.
- In a large mortar and pestle, crush garlic and Thai bird's eye chilies to release their aromatic oils and create a fragrant base for the som tam.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the mortar and gently bruise them to release their juices, mixing with the garlic and chili.
- Add shredded green papaya and carrot to the mortar, using a pestle to lightly pound and mix the ingredients, helping them absorb the flavors.
- Pour in fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Gently mix and pound the ingredients to combine, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Taste the som tam and adjust seasoning as needed, balancing the sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements typical of Thai cuisine.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the salad, providing a nutty crunch and additional texture.
- Serve the som tam immediately alongside the prepared brown rice, garnishing with additional crushed peanuts and fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right papaya: Use unripe, green papaya for the most authentic texture and flavor. Look for firm, pale green papayas in Asian grocery stores.
- Master the mortar and pestle technique: Gently bruise ingredients to release flavors without completely crushing them. The key is to mix, not mash.
- Balance is crucial: Taste and adjust the seasoning carefully. The perfect Som Tam should have a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your tomatoes, lime, and herbs can make or break this dish.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or vegan fish sauce alternatives.
- Toast your peanuts lightly before crushing to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the dish.
- Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the crispest texture and most vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
