Yam Woon Sen, also known as Glass Noodle Salad, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that hails from Thailand, celebrated for its refreshing taste and unique texture. This delightful salad features glass noodles made from mung bean starch, tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and proteins such as shrimp or chicken, all brought together with a zesty dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, and chili. Its popularity stems not only from its delicious flavors but also from its ability to be a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for warm weather. As Chef Chawadee Nualkhair notes, Yam Woon Sen is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Thai cuisine.” Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, Yam Woon Sen remains a favorite among food enthusiasts and a staple in Thai households.
Yam Woon Sen (Glass Noodle Salad)
Yam Woon Sen is a vibrant and refreshing Thai salad that features glass noodles, which are made from mung bean starch. This dish is known for its delightful combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, making it a popular choice in Thai cuisine. Traditionally served as a side dish or a light meal, Yam Woon Sen showcases a medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and protein, often shrimp or minced meat, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Its origins can be traced back to Thailand, where it is commonly enjoyed in various forms across the country.
Preparation
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Glass noodles (mung bean noodles) | 100g |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 200g |
| Carrot (julienned) | 1 medium |
| Cucumber (thinly sliced) | 1 small |
| Red onion (thinly sliced) | 1 medium |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 100g |
| Fresh coriander (cilantro) | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
| Mint leaves | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
| Fish sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Chili flakes (or fresh chili) | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Peanuts (roasted, crushed) | 2 tablespoons (optional) |
Steps
- Prepare the glass noodles: Soak the glass noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes or until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In a pot of boiling water, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Combine the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the julienned carrot, cucumber slices, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add the noodles and shrimp: Incorporate the softened glass noodles and cooked shrimp into the bowl of vegetables.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes until the sugar is dissolved.
- Combine everything: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add herbs: Finally, fold in the chopped coriander and mint leaves for freshness.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and top with crushed peanuts if desired. Serve immediately or chill for a short while before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Yam Woon Sen as a delicious and healthy addition to any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yam Woon Sen?
Yam Woon Sen is a Thai salad made with glass noodles, mixed vegetables, herbs, and often seafood or meat, all tossed in a tangy dressing.
What are the main ingredients in Yam Woon Sen?
The main ingredients include glass noodles, shrimp or ground pork, fresh herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili.
Is Yam Woon Sen gluten-free?
Yes, Yam Woon Sen can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free fish sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How many calories are in Yam Woon Sen?
Calories can vary, but a typical serving of Yam Woon Sen contains around 200-300 calories depending on the ingredients used.
Can Yam Woon Sen be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting seafood and using tofu or additional vegetables instead.
How is Yam Woon Sen served?
Yam Woon Sen is typically served chilled as an appetizer or a light main dish, garnished with herbs and lime wedges.
How do you cook glass noodles for Yam Woon Sen?
Soak the glass noodles in hot water for about 10-15 minutes until soft, then drain and cut them to your desired length.
What dressing is used in Yam Woon Sen?
The dressing usually consists of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili, creating a balanced sweet, sour, and spicy flavor.
Can I add extra ingredients to Yam Woon Sen?
Yes, feel free to customize with additional ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or different herbs to suit your taste.
How long does Yam Woon Sen last in the fridge?
Yam Woon Sen is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
What should I serve with Yam Woon Sen?
Yam Woon Sen pairs well with rice, other Thai dishes, or can be enjoyed as a standalone dish.
Is Yam Woon Sen spicy?
The spiciness can be adjusted to your preference by changing the amount of chili in the dressing.
Where can I find Yam Woon Sen?
Yam Woon Sen is commonly found at Thai restaurants and can also be made at home with readily available ingredients.
Can I make Yam Woon Sen ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing in advance, but it’s best to assemble it just before serving for optimal freshness.
