Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Thai glass noodle salad recipe is the perfect quick dinner idea, packed with fresh ingredients and a zesty, homemade dressing. It's a delicious and easy recipe, ideal for both weeknight dinners and potlucks. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this unbelievably simple yet incredibly satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. You can easily double or triple it for a larger crowd.
-
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces glass noodles (cellophane noodles)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp or chicken (optional, for added protein)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
-
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the glass noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender but still slightly firm. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
-
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might prefer more lime juice for extra tang or more sugar for sweetness.
-
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked glass noodles, shredded carrots, red cabbage, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, and cooked protein (if using).
-
Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!
Tips for the Best Thai Glass Noodle Salad:
- Soaking the Noodles: For extra soft noodles, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This step is optional but recommended for a smoother texture.
- Don't Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked glass noodles become mushy. Cook them just until tender – they should still have a slight bite to them.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more or use a spicier chili sauce.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize your salad with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, cucumber, and snow peas are all great additions.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the shrimp or chicken for a vegetarian version. For a vegan option, ensure your fish sauce is replaced with a vegan alternative like coconut aminos.
- Spicy: Add a chopped Thai chili for extra heat.
- Peanut Butter: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the dressing for a richer, creamier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy and healthy Thai glass noodle salad is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will surely brighten your day, leaving you wanting more! Enjoy your homemade culinary creation!