Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen) – A Vibrant Thai Classic You’ll Crave

If you’re someone who craves dishes that deliver that perfect balance of freshness, heat, sweetness, sourness, and umami, look no further than Thai Glass Noodle Salad, also known as Yum Woon Sen. This light, tangy, and refreshingly spicy salad is one of Thailand’s most beloved culinary treasures—and for good reason. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly healthy.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen)—from its origins to detailed step-by-step instructions, variations, pro cooking tips, nutritional insights, storage advice, perfect pairings, and much more. Whether you’re a Thai food lover or a curious home cook, this guide will equip you to make a restaurant-quality dish right from your kitchen.

What Is Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen)?

Yum Woon Sen translates to “glass noodle salad” in Thai. This popular dish features springy, translucent glass noodles made from mung bean starch, combined with savory ground pork or chicken, succulent shrimp, and a vibrant mix of fresh herbs and vegetables. All of this is tossed in a zesty dressing made of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and garlic.

What sets Thai Glass Noodle Salad apart is its versatility. It’s equally delicious served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it an ideal option for any season or occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Glass Noodle Salad

• Fast and easy to make – From start to finish in under 30 minutes.
• Loaded with bold Thai flavors – Savory, spicy, sweet, and tangy.
• Healthy and light – Low in fat, high in protein and nutrients.
• Customizable – Use your favorite protein, veggies, or even make it vegetarian.
• Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for meal prep or potlucks.

Whether you’re hosting friends or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, Yum Woon Sen is the kind of dish that delivers maximum impact with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen)

Let’s start with what you’ll need to make this delightful dish.

For the Salad:

• 3.5 oz (100g) glass noodles – Look for mung bean vermicelli or cellophane noodles.
• 1/4 lb (115g) ground pork or chicken – Either works beautifully.
• 6–8 shrimp, peeled and deveined – Medium-sized shrimp are ideal.
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – Adds a mild sharpness.
• 1 small carrot, julienned – For color, crunch, and slight sweetness.
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro – Brings brightness and herbaceous flavor.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions – A classic Thai aromatic.
• 1 small chili, sliced (optional) – For those who like a kick.
• 1 tbsp toasted peanuts (optional) – Adds crunch and nutty contrast.

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp fish sauce – Salty, umami-rich base.
• 2 tbsp lime juice – For acidity and zing.
• 1 tbsp sugar – Balances out the sour and salty notes.
• 1 minced garlic clove – A touch of pungent depth.

This salad relies heavily on quality ingredients. The noodles soak up the dressing beautifully, and the herbs tie everything together with that unmistakable Thai flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make authentic Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen) at home. Follow these steps and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is.

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

• Soak the glass noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes.
• Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the soaked noodles for 1–2 minutes.
• Drain them immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Shrimp

• In a non-stick skillet or wok, cook the ground pork or chicken over medium heat until fully browned. This should take about 5–6 minutes.
• Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.
• Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and minced garlic.
• Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust if needed. Add more lime for sourness or sugar for sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

• In the mixing bowl with the noodles, add the cooked meat and shrimp, sliced red onion, julienned carrot, chopped cilantro, green onions, and chili.
• Pour the dressing over everything and toss well to combine.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Top with toasted peanuts if using.
• Serve the salad immediately, either at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Tips for the Best Thai Glass Noodle Salad

• Don’t overcook the noodles. They go from perfect to mushy in seconds. Soak, boil briefly, and rinse with cold water.
• Fresh lime juice is essential. Bottled just doesn’t have the same brightness.
• Balance your flavors. Thai cuisine is all about harmony between salty, sweet, sour, and spicy.
• Chill if you can. This salad tastes even better after 15–20 minutes in the fridge.
• Use high-quality fish sauce. Brands like Red Boat or Squid offer authentic flavor.

Variations You Can Try

One of the best parts of Yum Woon Sen is how customizable it is. Here are some delicious twists:

1. Vegetarian Thai Glass Noodle Salad

• Replace the meat and shrimp with tofu or tempeh.
• Use soy sauce or mushroom sauce instead of fish sauce.
• Add shiitake mushrooms, cucumber, or bean sprouts for texture.

2. Spicy Thai Glass Noodle Salad

• Add more fresh bird’s eye chilies or a spoon of chili garlic sauce.
• Sprinkle with crushed dried chili flakes for an extra kick.

3. Seafood-Only Version

• Skip the pork or chicken entirely and double the shrimp.
• Add in squid or scallops for a seafood feast.

4. Add Crunch

• Include shredded cabbage, radishes, or thinly sliced bell peppers.
• Top with fried shallots for texture and umami.

What to Serve with Thai Glass Noodle Salad

This dish can easily stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with other Thai dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Sticky rice or jasmine rice
• Thai grilled chicken (Gai Yang)
• Tom Yum Soup or Tom Kha Gai
• Fresh Thai spring rolls
• A refreshing Thai iced tea or lemongrass cooler

Whether it’s the centerpiece of your meal or a supporting player, Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen) adds bright, lively contrast to any spread.

How to Store and Reheat

Thai Glass Noodle Salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers if needed.

Storage Tips:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Noodles will continue to absorb dressing, so they may become softer over time.

Reheating:

• This salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary.
• If you prefer warm, gently reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, just enough to take the chill off.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg

It’s a well-balanced meal with plenty of protein and fiber, making it a smart choice for healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs about Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen)

1. What are glass noodles made from?

Glass noodles are typically made from mung bean starch, making them naturally gluten-free and transparent when cooked.

2. Can I make Yum Woon Sen ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed within a few hours. The noodles will absorb more dressing over time, so consider keeping dressing and salad separate until ready to serve.

3. Is this salad spicy?

It can be as mild or spicy as you like. Just adjust the number of chilies or leave them out altogether for a kid-friendly version.

4. What can I use instead of fish sauce?

For a vegetarian version, substitute soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also use mushroom soy sauce for a richer flavor.

5. Can I use different types of noodles?

You can, but glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli) are preferred for their texture and ability to absorb dressing. Rice noodles are not quite the same.

6. How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

Rinse cooked noodles in cold water and toss with a tiny bit of oil if not using immediately. This helps prevent clumping.

Conclusion

Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen) is more than just a salad—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. With its combination of springy noodles, savory meat and shrimp, crisp vegetables, and bright herbs, all tied together with a tangy, garlicky dressing, this dish is a true showcase of Thai cuisine at its best.

Whether you’re making it for a quick weekday meal or a show-stopping side dish at a dinner party, this salad offers taste, nutrition, and versatility in every bite. Once you master the basic recipe, you’ll find endless ways to adapt and enjoy it.

So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to impress with your homemade Yum Woon Sen—a dish that’s sure to become a repeat favorite.

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