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How To Make The Best Lao Papaya Salad | Interview W/ Sabaidee Fest 2023 Papaya Salad Contest Winners

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Video-Specific Recipe

Lao Papaya Salad

Cultural Context

Originating from Laos, Papaya Salad (Som Tum) is a vibrant dish that reflects the country's love for fresh, bold flavors. Traditionally enjoyed as a street food, it embodies the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, making it a staple in Lao cuisine. Today, variations of this salad can be found across Southeast Asia, each with its unique twist, yet all celebrating the fresh ingredients and lively taste that define the dish.

LaoLAside
15 min
easy
4 servings
Servings4
2 cups green papaya
1 cup carrots
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup green beans
1/2 cup peanuts
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons palm sugar
3 cloves garlic
2 Thai bird chilies
1/4 cup coriander leaves
1 teaspoon salt

Quantities are estimated based on standard recipes for your convenience. The actual ingredients used in this video are accurate.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt + water

Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor while being vegetarian.

palm sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey offers a natural sweetness with fewer processing steps.

green papaya

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: cabbage

Zucchini can mimic the texture of papaya while being more accessible.

Thai bird chilies

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: red pepper flakes

Jalapeños provide heat with a milder flavor.

1

Peel and shred the green papaya into thin strips.

2

Julienne the carrots and add them to the papaya.

3

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add to the mixture.

4

Trim the green beans and chop them into 2-inch pieces.

5

In a mortar and pestle, pound garlic and Thai bird chilies until crushed.

6

Add palm sugar and continue to pound until dissolved.

7

Pour in lime juice and fish sauce, mixing well.

8

Combine the papaya, carrots, tomatoes, and green beans in a large bowl.

9

Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly.

10

Add crushed peanuts and toss gently to combine.

11

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more lime juice as needed.

12

Serve immediately, garnished with coriander leaves.

Cooking Techniques

mixingpounding

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Allergens

peanutsfish

Also Known As

Som TumTam Mak Hoong

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