25-Min Thai Glass Noodle Salad Recipe (Yum Woon Sen)

Thai Glass Noodle Salad (Yum Woon Sen) is one of my favorite Thai dishes. Growing up in Thailand, it was everywhere—from street food stalls and local markets to small family-run restaurants. With its chewy glass noodles, juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and bold dressing, it was a dish I found myself ordering again and again.

What makes Yum Woon Sen so special is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. The noodles soak up the bright dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and chilies, while the shrimp, pork, tomatoes, celery, and peanuts add layers of freshness, crunch, and savory depth. Every bite delivers the sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that Thai cuisine is famous for.

The best part is that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make it. This version comes together in just 25 minutes using simple ingredients and a few quick cooking steps. It’s perfect as a light meal, refreshing side dish, or appetizer for sharing.

In this recipe, I’ll show you exactly how to make Thai Glass Noodle Salad at home, including how to cook the noodles properly, build a balanced dressing, and bring all the ingredients together for the best flavor and texture.

What Is Yum Woon Sen?

Yum Woon Sen is a traditional Thai salad made with glass noodles, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a bright, flavorful dressing.

The word “yum” refers to a style of Thai salad that combines spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors.

“Woon sen” means glass noodles, the translucent noodles made from mung bean starch that give the dish its signature texture.

Unlike many Western salads, Yum Woon Sen often includes cooked proteins such as shrimp, pork, squid, or chicken, making it substantial enough to enjoy as a meal.

What Are Glass Noodles?

Glass noodles are thin, translucent noodles made from starches such as mung bean, sweet potato, potato, or pea starch.

When cooked, they become soft, chewy, and slightly slippery, making them perfect for absorbing dressings and sauces.

You may also find them labeled as:

• Glass noodles
• Cellophane noodles
• Bean thread noodles
• Mung bean noodles

Although they look similar, glass noodles are different from rice noodles and have a chewier, springier texture.

What Does Yum Woon Sen Taste Like?

Yum Woon Sen is all about balance.

The dressing combines lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies to create a flavor that’s bright, savory, spicy, and slightly sweet all at the same time.

The shrimp, pork, and dried shrimp add savory depth, while the vegetables and herbs keep the salad fresh and refreshing.

Every bite offers a different combination of flavors and textures.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

Glass noodles provide the chewy foundation of the salad and absorb the dressing beautifully.

Shrimp and ground pork add protein and make the salad more satisfying.

Dried shrimp contributes concentrated umami and traditional flavor.

Chinese celery adds a distinctive aroma and crisp texture. Regular celery can be substituted.

Tomatoes add freshness and juiciness.

Cilantro provides brightness and herbal flavor.

Peanuts add crunch and nuttiness.

Lime juice gives the dressing its signature tang.

Fish sauce provides savory depth and umami.

Palm sugar balances the acidity and heat.

Bird’s eye chilies add the characteristic Thai heat.

Let’s Cook!

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar until the sugar dissolves.

Add the bird’s eye chilies and garlic. Stir and set aside.

Tip: Taste the dressing before serving and adjust the balance to your preference.

Step 2: Toast the Peanuts

In a pan over low heat, add the avocado oil and peanuts.

Toast for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until lightly golden.

Remove and set aside.

Tip: Watch carefully as peanuts can go from golden to burnt very quickly.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Dried Shrimp

Using the same pan, stir-fry the dried shrimp over low heat for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant and crispy.

Remove and set aside.

Tip: Stir-frying the dried shrimp helps bring out their savory flavor and aroma.

Step 4: Cook the Glass Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil.

Add the glass noodles and cook for about 30 seconds, or until just tender.

Drain immediately.

Tip: Avoid overcooking the noodles or they may become soft and mushy.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Using the same boiling water, add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

Tip: Remove the shrimp as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.

Step 6: Cook the Ground Pork

Leave about 1 cup of water in the pot.

Add the ground pork and fish sauce. Cook over high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.

Drain any excess liquid.

Tip: The fish sauce seasons the pork while adding extra flavor to the salad.

Step 7: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the glass noodles, shrimp, ground pork, dried shrimp, onion, shallot, Chinese celery, tomatoes, cilantro, and dressing.

Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Tip: Toss gently so the noodles stay intact and the vegetables remain crisp.

Step 8: Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving plate and top with the toasted peanuts.

Serve immediately.

Tip: Yum Woon Sen is at its best right after it’s tossed, while the vegetables are still crisp and the noodles are springy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes. Ground chicken works well in this recipe.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Use tofu instead of the meat and replace the fish sauce and dried shrimp with vegetarian alternatives.

How spicy is Yum Woon Sen?
Moderately spicy, but you can easily adjust the number of chilies.

Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead, but it’s best assembled shortly before serving.

Can I use regular celery?
Yes. Chinese celery is traditional, but regular celery works well.

Are glass noodles gluten-free?
Most mung bean glass noodles are naturally gluten-free, but always check the package label.

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