Som Tum Kai Kem, or Thai papaya salad with salted egg, elevates the classic Som Tum to a whole new level of richness and umami. This vibrant dish bursts with the familiar spicy-sour-sweet flavors of traditional papaya salad, but the addition of creamy, salty salted egg yolks creates a luxurious texture and a complex depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. Forget bland salads; this is a flavour explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The perfect balance of crunchy papaya, pungent herbs, and the surprising richness of the salted egg makes it a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Imagine the satisfying crunch of the papaya, the subtle heat of the chilies, and the creamy, salty coating of the perfectly cooked salted egg yolk all mingling together in perfect harmony. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring you create this delicious masterpiece in your own kitchen. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we unravel the secrets to making an authentic and truly exceptional Som Tum Kai Kem.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Knife
- Peeler
Ingredients
- Papaya
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Chili peppers: 4
- Fresh beans
- Tomatoes: 3
- Salted egg: 1
- Fish sauce
- Tamarind
- Lime
- Roasted peanuts
- Dried shrimp
- Carrot
- Palm sugar or sugar
- Sticky rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Base Ingredients
- Adjust the amount of chili based on preference).
- Peel the papaya using a peeler (or chop it traditionally).
- tomatoes, salted egg, fish sauce, tamarind (optional, lime is a substitute), roasted peanuts, dried shrimp, carrot, and palm sugar.
- Crush the fresh beans slightly; you can skip them if you prefer.
Step 2. Make the Som Tum Paste
- Combine the papaya, garlic-chili paste, tomatoes, salted egg, fish sauce, tamarind (or lime), peanuts, dried shrimp, carrot, and palm sugar. Mix well. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Step 3. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning
- Add more papaya and water if needed to adjust the consistency. Garnish with remaining beans and salted egg.
Read more: Authentic Thai Bean Sprout Salad (Kerabu Tauge) Recipe
Tips
- If you don't like fresh beans, omit them.
- If you don't have palm sugar, use regular sugar (brown or white).
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your spice preference.
- Serve the papaya salad with sticky rice and grilled food for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 350-450
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked salted eggs?
Yes, definitely! Pre-cooked salted eggs save time. Just make sure they're well-cooked and the yolks are firm before adding them to the salad.
2. What if I don't have all the ingredients listed?
Don't worry! Som Tum is very adaptable. Feel free to omit ingredients you don't have or substitute with similar ones. The key flavors are the sour, spicy, sweet, and salty components.
3. How do I adjust the spiciness?
Start with fewer chilies and add more to your liking. Taste as you go! You can also control the heat by removing the seeds and membranes from the chilies.
This Som Tum Kai Kem recipe delivers a unique and unforgettable taste experience, blending the familiar zest of papaya salad with the surprising richness of salted egg. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it's a dish guaranteed to impress. Now go forth and create your own delicious, authentic Som Tum Kai Kem!