Hello from Thailand everyone!! 🤗
- Spicy salads, or "Yum", are a quintessential Thai dish loved by many for their bold and refreshing flavors. The key characteristics of a Thai Yum are: the spiciness from fresh (or dried) chilies that are pounded or crushed—I find it to be a fresh, direct heat; the sourness from lime juice (or tamarind paste) that provides a refreshing zing; the saltiness from fish sauce; and a touch of sweetness from palm sugar (or coconut sugar) to balance all the flavors into a harmonious blend. Every taste combines perfectly. When mixed with other fresh Thai herbs, it creates a uniquely aromatic and flavorful dish in itself.
- The ingredients you put in a Yum can be chosen based on preference. Today, I used rice noodles and poached shrimp, a classic combination that any Yum shop must offer customers. It turned out so delicious that I'm sharing the recipe and steps with everyone. It's a fantastic recipe with intense, bold flavors a perfect mix of sour, salty, sweet, and spicy.
RECIPE : Spicy Rice Noodle Salad with Poached Shrimp
INGREDIENTS (for 2 servings)
- Main Ingredients
- Rice noodles Thai called Khanom Jeen
2-3 handfuls
- Medium-sized shrimp 200g
- Shallots 3-4 (thinly sliced)
- Cilantro or parsley 2 stalks (chopped)
- Thai basil 2 stalks (chopped)
- Carrots 2 tablespoons (shredded)
- Roasted peanuts (crushed) 2 tablespoons
- Fresh chilies 5-10 (depending on desired spiciness)
- Dressing ingredients (adjust to taste)
- Lime juice 3 tablespoons
- Fish sauce 2 tablespoons
- Palm sugar or coconut sugar 1-2 tablespoons
- Water: 1-2 tablespoons (to prevent dryness)
INSTRUCTIONS
Poach the Shrimp
Bring water to a rolling boil. Add the shrimp and poach until they just turn color, indicating they are perfectly cooked. Do not overcook, or the shrimp will become tough.
Remove and let them cool. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if you prefer. I used medium shrimp today. If you use larger shrimp, you can slice them in half lengthwise.
Prepare the Noodles
I used fresh rice noodles today. If you are using dried noodles, simply blanch them in hot water for a moment to warm them up and soften them, or rinse them in hot water. An easy method is to soak them in warm water and then drain thoroughly.
Important: You should eat it all in one meal, as prepared fermented rice noodles spoil easily.
Make the Dressing
Prepare a mixing bowl. Add the fish sauce and palm sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Gradually add the lime juice and fresh chilies. Then, taste.
- The characteristic flavor of Yum is a balanced mix of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet. If it's too salty, add a bit more sugar or water. If it's too sweet, add more lime juice or fish sauce. If it's too strong, add a little water or sugar. You can always adjust the flavor to your liking.
Mix the Salad
- Place the drained noodles in a large mixing bowl. Add the poached shrimp.
- Add sliced shallots, celery, and julienned carrot.
- Pour the prepared dressing over everything.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to break the noodles.
Serve
- Plate the spicy noodle salad. Garnish with chopped cilantro and crushed roasted peanuts. Serve immediately.
NOTE
Enhance the flavor > Add halved cherry tomatoes and fried garlic for extra aroma and texture.
Taste and adjust > Since everyone's taste preferences differ, always taste the dressing before mixing and adjust it to your liking.
- Using fresh shrimp > Poach them in vigorously boiling water just until they start to change color. This locks in their natural sweetness and gives them a firm, fragrant texture.
- So, what do you think of this Spicy Rice Noodle Salad with Poached Shrimp ? I think anyone who loves flavorful food must try this dish at least once. Please give it a try! I hope you have fun making it and enjoy your meal.😊
