Craving a vibrant and refreshing Thai salad that's bursting with flavor? Look no further than Yum Woonsen, a delightful dish featuring delicate glass noodles tossed in a sweet, sour, and spicy dressing. This authentic Thai recipe goes beyond a simple salad; it's a symphony of textures and tastes, combining the subtle chewiness of the woonsen with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the zing of aromatic herbs and spices. Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The vibrant colors alone are enough to make your mouth water!
This incredibly easy-to-make Yum Woonsen recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a flavorful side dish, or even a refreshing appetizer. Whether you're a seasoned Thai cook or a complete beginner, you'll find this recipe accessible and enjoyable. Ready to create this delicious Thai salad masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- Ice bath
Ingredients
- Water: 3/4 cup
- Palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- Fish sauce
- Shrimp
- Glass noodles
- White onion
- Celery
- Tomatoes: 2
- Chilies: a lot
- Garlic
- Lime (or kalamansi/lemon)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Dressing and Ingredients
- Boil 3/4 cup of water in a saucepan.
- Melt palm sugar (or brown sugar) in the boiling water. Adjust amount depending on sweetness preference. Add fish sauce.
- Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness and saltiness as needed.
- slice onion, tomatoes, and celery. Slice limes thinly for easy juicing.
- Grind chilies.
Step 2. Cook the Proteins and Noodles
- Blanch shrimp briefly in boiling water, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to prevent overcooking.
- Blanch glass noodles briefly in boiling water. If using dry noodles, follow package instructions.
Step 3. Assemble the Salad
- Combine the cooked noodles, shrimp, vegetables, lime juice, chilies, garlic, and the prepared sauce in a bowl. Mix well.
Step 4. Adjust and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Separate a portion for children if desired, reducing the chili amount.
Read more: Authentic Thai Bean Sprout Salad (Kerabu Tauge) Recipe
Tips
- Palm sugar is preferred for its fragrance and milder sweetness, but brown sugar is a suitable substitute.
- The salad should be sweet, salty, and sour (Yam).
- You can add ground pork or chicken instead of shrimp.
- Adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 2-5g
- Carbs: 40-55g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the glass noodles (woonsen)?
While glass noodles are traditional, you can try substituting with thin rice noodles or even vermicelli for a slightly different texture. However, the flavor profile might be subtly altered.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness?
Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or fresh chilies you add. Start with less and add more to your preference. You can also use milder chilies like bird's eye chilies instead of Thai chilies.
This authentic Thai Yum Woonsen salad recipe is a testament to the vibrant and complex flavors of Thai cuisine. Enjoy the satisfying blend of textures and tastes – a perfect dish for any occasion. Now go ahead and impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make, yet incredibly delicious salad!