Yum Mama (Thai Instant Noodle Salad) is a popular Thai salad dish. The word “yum” translates to “mix or toss”, which refers to a type of Thai salad. While “Mama” is a widely available instant noodle brand. It has many dimensions of flavors and textures, all different but coexisting in harmony: al dente noodles; crunchy Chinese celery, juicy tomatoes, snappy shrimp, and meaty ground pork. And the dressing brings it all together! It’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and super refreshing!
Thai Instant Noodle Salad Recipe
Serving: 2 to 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
For the dressing:
2 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon palm sugar
1 finger hot pepper (or bird’s eye chili), minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Instant Noodle Salad:
2 packs Mama instant noodles, (or other types)
½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 pound ground pork (or chicken)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
½ small onion, thinly sliced
2 stalks Chinese celery, chopped
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Thai Instant Noodle Salad Instructions
To make the dressing:
- In a bowl, mix together the fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Whisk until dissolved. Then add the finger hot pepper (or bird’s eye chili) and garlic. Mix well. Set aside.
To cook the ingredients:
- In a pot over high heat, bring water to a boil. Add the Mama instant noodles (or replace them with glass noodles). Cook until al dente, about 2 minutes. Remove and drain.
- In the same pot, add the shrimp, and boil until it turns pink for 30 seconds. Remove and drain.
- In the same pot, add the ground pork, and boil until completely cooked through. Remove and drain.
To toss the instant noodle salad:
- In a mixing bowl, add the onion, grape tomatoes, mama instant noodles, shrimp, pork, and the dressing. Mix together. Lastly, add the Chinese celery and cilantro. Mix again.
- Place it on a serving plate and enjoy!
It has many dimensions of flavors and textures, all different but coexisting in harmony: al dente noodles; crunchy Chinese celery, juicy tomatoes, snappy shrimp, and meaty ground pork. And the dressing brings it all together!
Did you know?
- Mama is the most popular Thai instant noodle brand. Almost every household in Thailand has a few packages in their pantries. In the US, you could find them in most Chinese supermarkets or on Amazon.
