Yum Woon Sen- Thai Glass Noodle Salad

Yum Woon Sen is a classic Thai glass noodle salad made with bean thread noodles, ground pork, shrimp, fresh herbs, and a bright, spicy lime dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner while still feeling special enough for entertaining.

Reader Roy says: “This is a great recipe and can actually be put together quickly for a week night dinner. I liked it with more noodles. I used 4 ounces and thought that there were plenty of pork to handle it.” ★★★★★

I’ve shared a few recipes using bean thread noodles over the years, and Yum Woon Sen and Pad Woon Sen are still two of my favorites. If you’ve tried my Laab recipe, you’ll recognize many of the same bold Thai flavors in this salad. The glass noodles make it a little more filling while still keeping the dish light and refreshing.

Ingredient Notes

Fresh ingredients and a simple homemade dressing are what make Yum Woon Sen so flavorful.

• Bean Thread Noodles: Also called glass noodles or woon sen, these noodles become clear when cooked. Shirataki noodles can be used as a lower-carb alternative.
• Ground pork: Traditional for this salad, but ground chicken or turkey work just as well. Mixing the pork with a little soy sauce adds extra flavor.
• Shrimp: Adds another source of protein. You can also use calamari, scallops, or other seafood for a seafood version known as Yum Woon Sen Talay.
• Shallots, celery, and green onions: These add freshness and crunch. Chinese celery is traditional, but regular celery works perfectly.
• Fish sauce: The key ingredient that gives the dressing its signature savory flavor. Light soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos can be substituted if needed, though the flavor will be different.
• Fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the dressing the brightest flavor. Have an extra lime on hand in case you’d like to add more.
• Coconut sugar: Similar to the palm sugar commonly used in Thailand. White or light brown sugar can also be used.
• Thai chilies: Also called Thai bird’s eye chilies, these add the signature heat. Fresh chilies are ideal, but dried Thai chilies or red pepper flakes work well too.

Tips and Notes

• Don’t overcook the noodles. They only need a quick cook and will continue to soften as they absorb the dressing.
• Cook the shrimp just until pink. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
• Save a little of the pork cooking liquid. It helps keep the noodles moist and adds extra flavor.
• Adjust the dressing to your taste. Every lime and fish sauce is a little different, so taste before serving and add more lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, or chilies as needed.
• Prep everything before you start. Once the noodles and proteins are cooked, the salad comes together quickly.

How to Make Yum Woon Sen

Start by mixing the dressing together and set it aside while you cook the noodles and proteins. The dressing can easily be adjusted later, so don’t worry about getting it perfect the first time.

Cook the glass noodles, shrimp, and ground pork, using the same pot for each step to make cleanup easier. Save a little of the cooking liquid from the pork to toss with the salad so the noodles stay moist.

Add the noodles, shrimp, ground pork, shallots, celery, and green onions to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well combined. Give it a taste before serving and adjust with more fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, or Thai chilies if needed.

Finish with roasted peanuts and serve with crisp lettuce leaves or jasmine rice. Yum Woon Sen is best enjoyed right away while the noodles are tender and the dressing is fresh.

Serving and Storage

Serve Yum Woon Sen with crisp lettuce leaves or steamed jasmine rice for a light, satisfying meal. A sprinkle of roasted peanuts adds extra crunch and complements the fresh herbs and tangy dressing.

This salad is best enjoyed right after it’s made since the glass noodles continue to absorb the dressing as they sit. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, keeping in mind the noodles will soften over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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