Yum Woon Sen: Refreshing Thai Seafood Noodle Salad
#ThaiFood #SeafoodSalad #YumWoonSenRecipe #HomemadeThai #SummerDish
Beat the summer heat with this incredibly refreshing and vibrant Thai Seafood Noodle Salad, Yum Woon Sen! Don’t worry if you don’t have a pre-made Yum Woon Sen sauce; a delicious dressing can be easily created at home by mixing fish sauce, sugar, lemon juice, and chili sauce. This recipe features tender, blanched seafood tossed with crisp onions, sweet cherry tomatoes, and springy glass noodles in a zesty dressing. Served chilled, it’s the perfect dish for a hot summer day. Enjoy an authentic taste of Thailand with this simple yet spectacular salad!
Main Ingredients- 3 Tbsp Yum Woon Sen sauce (or homemade sauce)
- 2 cups frozen mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels, etc.)
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 bunch chicory (or cilantro)
- 2 red chilies
- 40g mung bean glass noodles
Homemade Yum Woon Sen Sauce Ingredients- 3 Tbsp fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp chili sauce
- 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 Tbsp fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp chili sauce
- 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the seafood. Use your favorite frozen mixed seafood blend. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the seafood, and blanch for just 1-2 minutes until cooked through. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain a firm texture. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water. If the pieces are large, cut them into bite-sized pieces and chill until ready to assemble.
Step 2
Thinly slice the onion into slivers. Soak the sliced onion in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes. This step mellows out the sharp, pungent flavor of the onion and enhances its crispness. After soaking, drain the onion well, squeezing out any excess water.
Step 3
Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and remove their stems. Slice each tomato in half. Their natural sweetness will complement the savory and tangy elements of the salad.
Step 4
If you enjoy the distinct flavor of cilantro, finely chop it for the salad. If cilantro is not to your liking, you can substitute it with chicory. Chop the chicory into pieces similar in size to the halved cherry tomatoes. For optimal freshness, keep all prepared vegetables chilled in the refrigerator.
Step 5
Finely mince the red chilies. Traditionally, Thai recipes might use a mortar and pestle, but for convenience, simply chop them very finely with a knife. The minced chilies will add a pleasant touch of heat and color to the salad.
Step 6
Prepare the mung bean glass noodles. You can soak them in lukewarm water until pliable, or for a quicker method, immerse them in boiling water for just 1-2 minutes, gently stirring. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking. (If mung bean glass noodles are unavailable, thin rice vermicelli or konjac noodles can be used as substitutes).
Step 7
Now, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared ingredients: the chilled seafood, the well-drained sliced onion, the halved cherry tomatoes, the chopped chicory (or cilantro), and the minced red chilies.
Step 8
Pour the Yum Woon Sen sauce generously over the ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure the sauce evenly coats all the components. Avoid over-mixing, as this can break down the ingredients. (Optional: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some crushed peanuts or dried fruits over the salad before serving).
Step 9
If you don’t have pre-made Yum Woon Sen sauce, you can easily make your own. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of chili sauce, and 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a little water.
Step 10
Your delicious Yum Woon Sen salad is now complete! Serve it chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of crisp vegetables, juicy tomatoes, tender seafood, and the perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spicy dressing. This refreshing salad is sure to be a hit on a warm day!
