Craving a vibrant, flavour-packed Thai salad? Forget the usual vermicelli-laden versions! This recipe for Yam Talay, Spicy Thai Seafood Salad, offers a refreshing twist, focusing entirely on the incredible seafood and a zesty, punchy dressing. We're talking succulent shrimp, tender squid, and flaky fish, all tossed in a fragrant blend of lime juice, fiery chilies, and aromatic herbs. This isn't your grandmother's salad; it's a bold, exciting explosion of flavor that's perfect as a starter, a light lunch, or a vibrant addition to any Thai feast.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this simplified, yet incredibly flavourful, take on a classic Thai dish. Forget the fuss of cooking the vermicelli; this recipe prioritizes the freshness and natural sweetness of the seafood, allowing its true flavours to shine. Ready to dive into the delicious details? Let's move on to the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Jar or Basin
Ingredients
- White Shrimp: 5
- Squid: 2 small
- Pork Shoulder: null
- Pork Roll: null
- Onion: 1/2 head
- Tomato: 1/2
- Celery: 15g
- Red Chili Peppers: 7
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1/2 tablespoon
- Fish Sauce: 1.5 tablespoons
- MSG: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Chives: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Seafood and Meat
- Peel and devein the shrimp. Cut the backs.
- Clean the squid and slice it.
- Cut the pork shoulder into thin pieces.
- Cut the onion into thin strips and the tomato into pieces (remove seeds).




- Chop the celery into small pieces.
- Boil the pork first until cooked. (This helps reduce cloudiness in the water).
- Boil the shrimp for about 40 seconds.
- Boil the squid for 10-15 seconds.




Step 2. Make the Dressing
- In a jar, mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, MSG, and pounded chili peppers. Mix until sugar dissolves.

Step 3. Combine Ingredients
- Add the boiled pork, pork roll, squid, and shrimp to the dressing. Mix well.
- Add tomatoes and onions. Mix gently.


Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped chives and mix again.

Read more: Authentic Thai Bean Sprout Salad (Kerabu Tauge) Recipe
Tips
- Don't overcook the pork, shrimp, or squid. Overcooked seafood will be tough.
- Pork shoulder is recommended because of its fat content.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers and seasoning to your preference.
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out shrimp, squid, and fish for other seafood you enjoy, such as mussels, clams, or crab. Just ensure they're cooked thoroughly.
2. How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chilies used. Start with fewer chilies and add more to taste, or use milder chilies for a less spicy salad. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.
This vibrant Yam Talay recipe delivers a refreshing and intensely flavorful experience, showcasing the natural sweetness of the seafood without the fuss of vermicelli. The bold combination of spicy, sour, and savory flavors will leave your taste buds singing. Enjoy this simple yet impressive Thai salad as a starter, light meal, or a delightful addition to your next gathering.