Prepare for a flavor explosion! Som Tam, the iconic Thai papaya salad, is a vibrant dish bursting with contrasting textures and tastes. The raw green papaya's satisfying crunch, the fiery kick of chilies, the sweetness of tomatoes and palm sugar, and the savory depth of fish sauce all combine in a harmonious symphony. This recipe elevates the classic Som Tam by incorporating succulent prawns, adding another layer of deliciousness to this already addictive dish. The prawns provide a luxurious protein boost, perfectly complementing the refreshing salad. Imagine the satisfying snap of the papaya, the juicy sweetness of the prawns, and the tantalizing heat all dancing on your palate.
Forget bland salads; this is an experience for your taste buds! Whether you're a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this recipe will guide you through creating an authentic Som Tam with prawns, from selecting the freshest ingredients to perfectly balancing the flavors. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Peeler
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Raw papaya
- Prawns
- Fresh red chili
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Basil
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Fried garlic
- Caraway pulp
- Carrot
- Beetroot
- Beans
- Spring onion
- Cherry tomatoes
- Roasted peanuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel the raw papaya and cut it into desired shapes. Submerge the papaya in ice water for 10-15 minutes to make it crispy.
- Finely chop the fresh red chili.
- Add carrot, beetroot, beans, basil leaves, spring onion, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
- Add the prawns. Prepare the prawns individually.
- Chop the roasted peanuts coarsely.
Step 2. Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, chopped red chili, basil, kaffir lime leaves, black pepper, salt, fried garlic, and caraway pulp. Mix well.
Step 3. Combine and Toss
- Add the peanuts to the bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently mix everything together.
Read more: Authentic Thai Bean Sprout Salad (Kerabu Tauge) Recipe
Tips
- You can optionally add fish sauce to the dressing.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I make Som Tam without prawns?
Absolutely! The recipe is easily adaptable. Omit the prawns and adjust the seasoning slightly to your preference.
2. What if I don't have a mortar and pestle?
You can finely chop the ingredients instead of pounding them, but the texture won't be quite as authentic. A food processor can also be used, but be careful not to over-process.
3. How can I adjust the spiciness?
Start with fewer chilies and add more to taste. You can also control the heat by removing the seeds and membranes from the chilies before adding them.
This Som Tam recipe, with its delightful combination of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and crunchy elements, is sure to become a new favorite. The addition of prawns adds a luxurious touch, elevating this classic Thai salad to a truly memorable dish. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the explosive flavors of authentic Som Tam!