Som Tum Mamuang or Thai Mango Salad as we all know it! Most Toronto Thai restaurants have mango salad in their list of appetizers and that’s because almost everyone, if not everybody, loves it! It’s a very interesting combination – sweet, tangy mango, sharp red onion, colorful bell peppers, and that dressing (fish sauce, lime juice and a bit of sugar)!
I know, I know FISH SAUCE! Interestingly enough, most people are totally surprised when they learn that the dressing of their beloved mango salad is made with fish sauce (I told a friend of mine that “secret” and big mistake – she was shocked and confused and kept repeating “Fish sauce, are you for real? Fish sauce, what is that?”)! I’ve had to explain what exactly fish sauce is to said friend and told her that it’s sauce made from fermented fish – that likely was not the best way to sell it to her!
But really, fish sauce is a mainstay in Thai cooking and in a lot of Asian cooking. The flavors are complex and it really does add a lot of depth to your dishes! For those with a weaker stomach, why don’t you try out it first by having your favorite mango salad from your favorite Thai food joint and you’d realize that you will be pleasantly surprised by this humble condiment!
Mangoes are one of my favorite fruits. I would love to try them in this savory application!
Give it a try! Let us know if you like it!
Is the recipe written anywhere? You mention that the dressing is fish sauce, lime juice and a dash of sugar, but in what proportions? ( I have a friend you keeps giving me mangoes and most of the time I am at a loss as to what to do with them all – and this salad looks and sounds delish!)
We will post an actual recipe later on the blog, but here’s the dressing recipe: 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1-2 teaspoon of dried chili flakes (optional)
Many thanks! I intend to try this dressing with the mango salad tomorrow. I think the dressing could be really good with other salads too – I love the flavour fish sauce adds to food.
Let us know how you like it! Thanks!
Guys: Thanks so much for the recipe! Thai food is one of my faves…The salad looks terrific!!!!
We love Thai food also! Thank you!
Yum, this mango salad looks wonderful 🙂
Yes! Appreciate you stopping by!
Looks great!
Thank you!
How beautiful! My husband introduced me to fish sauce a few years ago and it makes such a difference in flavor! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks! Appreciate your comment!
I hate cooking with fish sauce because the smell just haunts me but I’m totally fine with it being in my food without me knowing it lol!
I am not a fan of cooking with it either but after years of eating Asian food I know when it’s there! Thanks for your honest comment!
Loving how fresh and pretty this mango salad looks!
Thanks! It tastes just as good!