Lao Papaya Salad (Tam Mak Hoong) - Spicy Version
A vibrant and intensely flavorful salad made from shredded green papaya, pounded with chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, and other aromatics. This version emphasizes a spicy kick.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 medium Green papaya(peeled, seeded, and julienned)
- 3-5 or to taste Thai chilies(adjust for spice preference)
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 cup Long beans(cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/4 cup Cherry tomatoes(halved)
- 2 tbsp Peanuts(roasted, for garnish)
- 3 tbsp Lime juice
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Palm sugar(or brown sugar, to taste)
- 1 tsp Dried shrimp(optional, for added umami)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a mortar and pestle, pound the Thai chilies and garlic until a coarse paste forms.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Add the long beans and pound gently to bruise them. Then add the cherry tomatoes and pound lightly to break them up slightly.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Add the julienned green papaya to the mortar. Pound and bruise the papaya, then add the dried shrimp (if using).
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add the lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar to the mortar. Continue to pound and mix everything together, ensuring the dressing coats the papaya.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The salad should be spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet.
💡 Tip: Adjust chili, lime, fish sauce, and sugar to your preference. - 6
Transfer the salad to a serving plate and garnish with roasted peanuts.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a large, sturdy mortar and pestle for best results.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chilies to control the spice level.
- ✓Ensure the green papaya is firm and not overripe for the best texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add fermented fish sauce (padaek) for a more pungent, authentic flavor.
- Include shredded carrots or other crisp vegetables.
- For a protein boost, add cooked crab or small dried shrimp.