Name: Yum Woon Sen Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 ounces Bean Thread Noodles; 3 Shrimp (peeled and deveined); ½ pound Ground Pork (mixed with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, preferably Golden Mountain); 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce (add more if needed); 3 tablespoons Lime Juice (add more if needed); 1 teaspoon Coconut Sugar (or regular sugar); 1-2 Thai birds eye chilies (chopped fine) or red pepper flakes; 1 Roma Tomato (sliced and seeds removed); 1 Shallot (thinly sliced) or purple onion; 2 Celery Stalks (thinly sliced); 2 Green Onions (white parts cut small and green parts in 1 inch pieces); 2 tablespoons Roasted Peanuts (or cashews for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you are craving something that perfectly balances tangy, savory, and fresh flavors with a delightful combination of textures, this Yum Woon Sen Recipe is going to become your new favorite! This Thai glass noodle salad combines tender bean thread noodles, juicy shrimp, flavorful ground pork, and crisp veggies all tossed in a vibrant lime and fish sauce dressing. It’s fresh, light, and unbelievably satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser that feels special while staying incredibly simple to make at home.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear small glass bowl filled with light brown sauce mixed with small pieces of red and green chili peppers floating inside. A silver spoon rests in the bowl, partly submerged in the sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients sets the foundation for an authentic Yum Woon Sen Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish stand out.

Bean Thread Noodles: These translucent noodles provide a delicate, chewy texture that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, they add a sweet and succulent seafood element.
Ground Pork with Soy Sauce: Marinating the pork brings a savory depth and a juicy mouthfeel.
Fish Sauce: A classic Thai umami bomb that enhances the salad’s salty, tangy profile.
Lime Juice: The fresh citrus punch that brightens every bite.
Coconut Sugar: Balances the acidity and saltiness with a hint of natural sweetness.
Roma Tomato: Adds freshness and a pop of color without overpowering the salad.
Shallot or Purple Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness and crunch.
Celery Stalks: Crisp and refreshing, providing a perfect counterpoint to tender noodles and meat.
Green Onion: Adds aromatic brightness to the mix.
Thai Birds Eye Chili or Red Pepper Flakes: For that signature spicy kick.
Roasted Peanuts or Cashews: Garnish with their nutty crunch for a delightful finish.

How to Make Yum Woon Sen Recipe

Step 1: Soften the Bean Thread Noodles

Begin by soaking your dried bean thread noodles in room temperature water for about 10 minutes. This softens them gently without turning them mushy, setting the perfect base for your salad.

Step 2: Season the Ground Pork

While the noodles soak, mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce into the ground pork. This simple step infuses the pork with depth and umami right from the start. Pop it in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors as you prep other ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the Tangy Dressing

Combine fish sauce, fresh lime juice, coconut sugar, and finely chopped chili or red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This punchy dressing is the heart of the Yum Woon Sen Recipe, marrying salty, sour, sweet, and spicy into a harmonious blend.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles and Shrimp

Drain the softened noodles, then cut them shorter with kitchen scissors so they’re easier to eat and toss. Boil a pot of water, quickly cook the noodles for 30 seconds until translucent and soft. Next, simmer shrimp until they turn pink—typically about one minute. Drain and transfer both to a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Cook the Ground Pork in a Light Broth

Empty your boiling water and refill the pot with a thin layer of fresh water on medium heat. Add the marinated ground pork and stir continuously until fully cooked. This gentle cooking retains juiciness while stopping the meat from drying out.

Step 6: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked pork along with some of its cooking liquid to the bowl with noodles and shrimp. Adding the broth prevents the salad from becoming dry. Then include your dressing, sliced tomatoes, shallots, celery, and green onions. Toss everything together to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar if necessary.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Transfer the salad to a serving plate and generously sprinkle roasted peanuts or cashews on top. This finishing touch adds irresistible crunch and nuttiness that complements the fresh ingredients perfectly.

How to Serve Yum Woon Sen Recipe

A white plate filled with a layered dish starts with a base of translucent thin rice noodles that look soft and slightly shiny. On top of the noodles, there are small crumbles of light brown cooked meat mixed with bright red chili pieces, thinly sliced purple onion, and bits of green vegetables, adding pops of color. Some whole peanuts are scattered on the dish for texture. At the back of the plate, a few pink shrimp rest, their tails curled. A gold fork lifts a tangled bunch of the noodles covered in meat and vegetables, hovering above the plate. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred, light background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t skip the roasted nuts—whether peanuts or cashews—as they add a toasty texture that contrasts the soft noodles. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can also elevate the dish with an herbal brightness that’s typical in Thai cuisine.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a light main or a starter alongside grilled meats or sticky rice. Pair it with something smoky or charred for a delightful interplay, or keep things fresh with steamed vegetables to maintain balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Yum Woon Sen Recipe in large lettuce leaves for a fun wrap experience, or alongside individual bowls for guests to assemble their own salad servings. For a party, try layering it in clear glass jars for an eye-catching presentation that shows off all the colorful ingredients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, because the noodles absorb the dressing, the texture will soften over time. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Yum Woon Sen Recipe. The fresh vegetables and delicate noodles don’t freeze well, and the texture and flavor can suffer dramatically after thawing.

Reheating

If you want to reheat the protein components like pork and shrimp separately, do so gently on low heat. Avoid reheating the salad whole as the fresh elements and noodles are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins besides shrimp and pork in this Yum Woon Sen Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken or tofu can be excellent substitutes if you prefer something different. Just cook them thoroughly with similar seasonings for a delicious twist.

How spicy is the traditional Yum Woon Sen?

The heat level varies based on how much chili you add. Thai birds eye chilies offer a sharp, fiery kick, but you can always reduce or omit them for a milder version without losing the classic flavors.

What’s the best way to cut the noodles for this salad?

Using kitchen scissors to cut the softened noodles shorter helps with easier eating and better mixing. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated. It actually melds flavors nicely when given time, but add fresh chili near serving if you want your heat more pronounced.

Is Yum Woon Sen Recipe gluten-free?

Traditional fish sauce and soy sauce can contain gluten, so swapping in gluten-free versions ensures this salad accommodates gluten sensitivities perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Yum Woon Sen Recipe feels like sharing a little piece of Thai sunshine with you. Its bright, fresh flavors combined with satisfying textures make it an irresistible dish to keep in your weeknight rotation or serve when entertaining. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too.

Yum Woon Sen Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need