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
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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.
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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
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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.
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Important: You should eat it all in one meal, as prepared fermented rice noodles spoil easily.
Make the Dressing
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Prepare a mixing bowl. Add the fish sauce and palm sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
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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
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Enhance the flavor > Add halved cherry tomatoes and fried garlic for extra aroma and texture.
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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.😊