Authentic Thai Glass Noodle Salad - Yam Wun Sen Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g glass noodles (also known as cellophane noodles or bean thread noodles)
  • 150g minced pork
  • 150g cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 fresh red chili peppers, finely sliced
  • 2 fresh green chili peppers, finely sliced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 medium-sized tomato, chopped
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Juice of 3 limes
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for stir frying
  • 2 cups of lettuce leaves for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the glass noodles in warm water for 10-15 minutes until they become soft. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a wok or large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir until it starts to golden.
  3. Add the minced pork to the pan and cook until it’s completely browned. Add the cooked shrimps and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  5. Add the softened glass noodles, stir-fried pork and shrimps, sliced red and green chili peppers, chopped spring onions, cilantro, tomato, and sliced red onion. Toss everything together until well combined.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving.
  7. When ready to serve, place lettuce leaves on a plate and top with the Yam Wun Sen. Enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Wok or large pan - Used for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Bowl - Used for mixing the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
  • Knife - Used for slicing the chili peppers, garlic, spring onions, cilantro, tomato, and red onion.
  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Strainer - Used for draining the soaked glass noodles.
  • Serving plate - Used for presenting the Yam Wun Sen.
  • Refrigerator - Used for chilling the dish before serving.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the minced pork and shrimp, and replace them with tofu cubes or sliced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Chicken Variation: Substitute the minced pork with ground chicken for a lighter flavor.
  • Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of chili peppers or add a few dashes of chili powder or chili flakes for an extra kick of spiciness.
  • Seafood Medley: Use a combination of cooked shrimp, squid, and scallops for a seafood lover's twist.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari, and omit any animal-based ingredients.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure that the fish sauce and other condiments used are gluten-free, and substitute the glass noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free bean thread noodles.
  • Crunchy Addition: Add some crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.

Recipe overview

Yam Wun Sen, or Thai Glass Noodle Salad, is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to complement your main meal. This recipe combines the chewy texture of glass noodles with the savory flavors of minced pork and shrimp. The addition of fresh vegetables and herbs, such as chili peppers, spring onions, cilantro, and tomato, adds a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness to each bite. All of this is tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar, which brings the entire dish together. This recipe is relatively easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a great choice for meal planning. Just remember to chill it in the refrigerator before serving to enhance the flavors. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of glass noodles? Yes, you can substitute glass noodles with other types of noodles like rice noodles or vermicelli noodles.
  2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can omit the minced pork and shrimp to make it vegetarian-friendly. You can also add in your favorite vegetables or tofu as a substitute.
  3. How spicy is this dish? The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted according to your taste. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers or remove the seeds before slicing them.
  4. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Yam Wun Sen ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just make sure to give it a good toss before serving.
  5. What can I serve with Yam Wun Sen? Yam Wun Sen is often served as a refreshing salad or appetizer. You can enjoy it on its own or accompany it with grilled meats, steamed rice, or as part of a larger Thai meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large wok or pan - for stir frying the ingredients
  • Large bowl - for mixing the sauce and combining the ingredients
  • Knife - for slicing the chili peppers, garlic, spring onions, and red onion
  • Cutting board - for chopping and slicing ingredients
  • Measuring spoons - for accurate measurement of lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar
  • Colander - for draining the soaked glass noodles
  • Serving plate - for presenting the Yam Wun Sen

Origin stories

Yam Wun Sen, or Thai Glass Noodle Salad, hails from the culinary traditions of Thailand, a country known for its vibrant, flavorful, and often spicy dishes. This particular dish, with its harmonious blend of sour, spicy, sweet, and salty flavors, is a prime example of the Thai principle of maintaining a balance of different flavors. It's often served at room temperature, making it a popular choice for the sizzling summer months. But here's an interesting tidbit: while in Western cultures salads are typically served as a starter, in Thailand, Yam Wun Sen is usually enjoyed as a main course. This hearty salad, filled with meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles, showcases how the Thai cuisine ingeniously transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a symphony of flavors!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.