Craving a vibrant and refreshing salad that's both light and flavorful? Look no further than Yum Woon Sen, a beloved Thai glass noodle salad. This dish is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes, featuring delicate glass noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty, tangy dressing. The combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience, perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a starter for a larger meal. Its simple yet elegant preparation makes it surprisingly easy to recreate at home, even for novice cooks.
Yum Woon Sen's beauty lies in its versatility; feel free to adapt the ingredients to your preferences and what's available in your kitchen. Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a milder flavor profile, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste buds. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure and create this delicious Thai salad? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Lime squeezer
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Glass noodles
- Chinese celery
- Tomatoes
- Thai chilies (red and green)
- Garlic
- Sugar
- Cilantro stems
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Dried small shrimp
- Peanuts
- Shrimp
- Squid (optional)
- Ground pork (or chicken, optional)
- Shallots
- Cilantro leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Dressing
- Chop Chinese celery, tomatoes, chilies, garlic, cilantro stems, and shallots.
- In a bowl, combine garlic, sugar, cilantro stems, fish sauce, and lime juice. Add chopped chilies.
- Soak glass noodles in room temperature water for 10 minutes until pliable.
Step 2. Cook Proteins and Noodles
- Cook shrimp and squid. Save the cooking water.
- Cook ground pork (or chicken) in a pan with the reserved seafood cooking water and a splash of fish sauce.
- Add the soaked glass noodles to the pan with the pork, and cook until slightly al dente.
Step 3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooked glass noodles, pork, dressing, shallots, tomatoes, Chinese celery, dried shrimp, shrimp, squid (if using), cilantro leaves, and roasted peanuts.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Rad Na Recipe: Thai Seafood Gravy Noodles
Tips
- Choose tomatoes with less juice to avoid diluting the dressing.
- The amount of chilies is adjustable to your spice preference.
- It's best to prepare and serve the salad right away to prevent the noodles from becoming too soft.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 350-450
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 40-55g
- Protein: 15-25g
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the noodles and vegetables a few hours ahead. Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.
2. What can I substitute for the fish sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute for fish sauce, though the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust the amount to taste.
3. Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Start with less chili and add more to your liking. You can also use different types of chili for varying levels of heat.
This Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen) is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easily adaptable to individual tastes. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and zesty tang of this delicious Thai classic!