Description
At its core, Thai Glass Noodle Shrimp Salad is a warm-to-room-temperature noodle salad that pairs soft, clear mung bean strands with freshly cooked seafood and crisp aromatics. Unlike heavy pasta salads that rely on rich mayonnaise, oily vinaigrettes, or thick cream sauces, this dish relies entirely on dynamic herbs, fresh produce, and a citrusy, punchy liquid dressing. The delicate noodles absorb the liquid dressing like a sponge, making every single bite burst with bright flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the salad
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Thai glass noodles / mung bean noodles
- 200 g (7 oz) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small tomato, cut into wedges
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh Thai basil or mint, optional
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly crushed
For the Thai dressing
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1½ tbsp fish sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sugar, to taste
- 1–3 Thai bird’s-eye chilies, finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles
Soak the glass noodles in warm water for about 5–10 minutes, until softened. Drain and cut them into shorter pieces if desired. - Cook the shrimp
Bring a small pot of water to a gentle boil. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2–3 minutes, until pink and opaque. Drain. - Make the dressing
Mix the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, chilies, and garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust:- More lime → more sour
- More sugar → sweeter
- More fish sauce → saltier
- More chili → hotter
- Blanch the noodles
Put the soaked noodles into boiling water for about 30–60 seconds, just until tender. Drain well and rinse briefly with cold water. - Combine
In a large bowl, combine the noodles, shrimp, onion, tomato, cucumber, green onion, cilantro, and basil/mint. - Dress the salad
Pour the dressing over everything and toss thoroughly. - Serve
Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and serve immediately, preferably at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add fresh Thai basil, mint, cilantro, or sliced green onions.
- Adjust the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili to your taste.
- You can also add cucumber, tomatoes, roasted peanuts, or sliced red onion for extra crunch and freshness.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling & Tossing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 280 kcal