Enjoying a delicious meal with "Papaya Salad"

Hello everyone! ❤️

🍅 For this post, I will be talking about the "Papaya Salad" or "Som Tum". Som Tum is a popular Thai dish that originates from the northeastern region of Thailand. It is known for its balanced combination of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavors, which are the signature characteristics of this dish. The main ingredient is shredded raw papaya, mixed with other ingredients such as tomatoes, long beans, roasted peanuts, and dried shrimp. All the ingredients are pounded and mixed in a mortar to ensure the flavors are fully absorbed into the papaya strands. 🍅

🌽 Som Tum comes in various styles depending on personal preference and regional variations. For example, Som Tum Thai is a popular version that has a milder and sweeter taste, while Som Tum with fermented fish sauce (Som Tum Poo Pla Ra) is richer and spicier. Some people may add fresh or boiled shrimp to enhance the flavor and variety. Som Tum is often enjoyed with sticky rice and grilled chicken, making it a perfect combination for a delicious and satisfying meal.🌽

🍴 Som Tum is not only a flavorful and healthy dish but also an integral part of Thai culinary culture, enjoyed both locally and internationally. It reflects the simplicity yet complexity of Thai flavors and is one of the dishes that Thai people proudly introduce to the world.🍴

For this post, I'm sharing my recipe for making Som Tum with boiled shrimp. The steps for making Som Tum are as follows : 👇

Raw material

1. Shredded green papaya - 1 cup
2. Boiled shrimp - 100 grams (about 5-6 pieces)
3. Tomatoes (cut into small pieces) - 2 pieces
4. Green beans (cut into short pieces) - 2 pods
5. Garlic - 2 cloves
6. Fresh chili peppers - 3-5 pieces (according to desired spiciness)
7. Fish sauce - 1 tbsp
8. Palm sugar - 1 tsp
9. Lime juice - 2 tbsp
10. Fermented Fish Sauce - 3 tbsp

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Steps to Make Som Tum with Boiled Shrimp:

Step 1: Boiling the Shrimp: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook until they are fully cooked (approximately 2-3 minutes). Then, remove the shrimp and immediately place them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients: Peel the papaya and shred it into thin strips. Cut the long beans, tomatoes, and lime into small pieces.

Step 3: Pound the chilies, garlic, and Palm sugar together until well combined.

Step 4: After that, add the long beans and pound them lightly until they are roughly crushed.

Step 5: Season with lime juice, tomatoes, fish sauce, and fermented fish sauce, then mix everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Add the papaya and cooked shrimp, then mix everything together until well combined.

Ready to serve.

Som Tum with boiled shrimp is a dish that's both delicious and uniquely charming. The freshness of the shrimp, carefully boiled to perfection, blends seamlessly with the well-balanced flavors of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy from the special dressing and fresh ingredients. The crispy, fresh strands of papaya add to the delightful experience. Every bite brings a burst of refreshing and intense flavors that are truly unparalleled.

When the firm, boiled shrimp blends with the bold seasonings in the Som Tum, it becomes an irresistible delight. The fiery heat from the chilies combined with the crisp sweetness of the papaya makes this dish uniquely special and distinctive. For those who love authentic Thai flavors, Som Tum with boiled shrimp is a must-try. Once you’ve tasted it, you may fall in love with it forever.

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