Yam Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad)
Local name: ยำวุ้นเส้น
In short: Springy glass noodles tossed with shrimp, pork, celery and tomato in a hot, sour, salty lime dressing, served at room temperature. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 230 kcal
Yam woon sen is a Thai salad, which means it is dressed with lime juice, fish sauce, chilies and a little sugar. The slippery glass noodles soak up the dressing, while shrimp, minced pork, celery, tomato and herbs give crunch and freshness. It is eaten at room temperature as part of a shared meal with rice, and it is a favorite at parties. Make it close to serving so the noodles stay springy.
Instructions
- Soak the glass noodles in hot water for 8 to 10 minutes, until clear and tender. Drain, rinse under cold water, drain well and snip into 15 cm (6 in) lengths.
- Bring 250 ml (1 cup) of water to a simmer in a small pan. Add the pork, stir to break it up and cook for 2 minutes. Lift it out with a slotted spoon into a large bowl.
- Add the shrimp to the same water and cook for 2 minutes, until pink and curled. Lift out into the bowl and keep 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid.
- Pound the garlic and chilies to a coarse paste. Stir in the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, chili paste and the reserved cooking liquid until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the noodles and dressing to the pork and shrimp and toss well with tongs or clean hands, so the noodles are coated.
- Add the shallots, celery, spring onions, tomato and coriander and toss lightly. Taste and adjust with more lime or fish sauce.
- Pile on a platter, scatter with peanuts and serve within an hour at room temperature.
Tips
- Do not over-soak the noodles. If they go mushy, they will clump when dressed. Rinsing in cold water stops the cooking and removes sticky starch.
- For a vegetarian salad, use cubed fried tofu and mushrooms, with soy sauce and lime in place of fish sauce.
Questions and answers
Can I make yam woon sen ahead?
Prepare the noodles, cooked toppings and dressing separately up to 6 hours ahead and chill them. Toss together just before serving, because the noodles absorb the dressing.
How spicy is Thai glass noodle salad?
Traditionally very spicy. Use 1 chili and skip the chili paste for a mild salad, then add chili flakes at the table.
Are glass noodles gluten-free?
Glass noodles made from mung bean starch are, but some brands blend in wheat. Check the label if you need a gluten-free meal.
How long does it take to make Yam Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad)?
About 35 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Yam Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad)?
About 230 kcal per serving, with 20 g of protein, 22 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 230 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
