Som Tum Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Peanuts
A refreshing and fiery Thai salad combining shredded green papaya with tangy lime, fish sauce, chili, and crunchy peanuts. This thai-inspired curry (vegan) ready in about 15 minutes pairs green papaya, peeled and shredded, carrot, peeled and shredded, cherry tomatoes, halved for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups green papaya, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 cup carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 3 bird’s eye chilies
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp dried shrimp (optional)
- 1/2 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mortar and pestle, pound 2 cloves garlic and 3 bird’s eye chilies until crushed but not pulverized, about 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Add 1 tbsp palm sugar and 1 tbsp dried shrimp, pounding gently to blend ingredients and release flavors.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and 3 tbsp lime juice, mixing until sugar dissolves.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups shredded green papaya, 1/2 cup shredded carrot, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup cut green beans to the mortar. Lightly pound and toss for 1-2 minutes to combine and bruise the vegetables slightly.
- Step 5: Transfer salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts on top. Serve immediately for fresh, crisp texture with a bold, spicy tang.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Som Tum Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Peanuts take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Som Tum Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Peanuts?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep carrot, peeled and shredded from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Som Tum Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Peanuts?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Som Tum Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Peanuts for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Som Tum Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Peanuts vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy was just right. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is perfect! Made it for dinner and everyone asked for seconds.
- ★★★★☆
Took longer than expected to get the papaya just right, but the flavor was spot on. My family loved it!
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