Thai Noodle Salad

Thai Noodle Salad Recipe - Authentic Thai Cuisine

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thai Noodle Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the light and refreshing taste of noodles. This salad is perfect for a quick and easy meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

History

Thai Noodle Salad is a popular dish in Thailand, where it is often served as a light and refreshing meal during the hot summer months. The dish is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Thailand, where noodles are a staple food.

Ingredients

6 oz (170 g) dried vermicelli
0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
0.25 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced fresh ginger or 0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper
1.5 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped or baked tofu (optional)
1 red sweet pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
3 green onions, cut diagonally into 0.5 inch pieces
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
lime wedges for garnish

How to prepare

Cook the vermicelli according to the instructions on the package, then drain and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, broth, peanut butter, lime juice, ginger, and crushed red pepper.
Cook the mixture over medium-low heat until the peanut butter is melted.
Add the cooked pasta and toss it to coat evenly.
Stir in the cooked chicken, sweet red pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
Serve the dish with lime wedges.

Variations

Add sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots for added crunch and freshness.
Substitute the vermicelli noodles with rice noodles or soba noodles for a different texture.
Use different protein options such as shrimp, beef, or tempeh.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions to ensure they are cooked perfectly.

- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your spice preference.

- For added protein, you can include cooked tofu or chicken in the salad.

- Garnish the salad with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Thai Noodle Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. It pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Toss the noodles with the sauce while they are still warm to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Be sure to cook the tofu or chicken until they are fully cooked through before adding them to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.

- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Thai Noodle Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the noodles from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Thai Noodle Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Thai Noodle Salad with a refreshing Thai iced tea or a cold beer for a complete meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Thai Noodle Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad until warmed through or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 7g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 60% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains peanuts and soy

Summary

Thai Noodle Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Thai Noodle Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With its bold flavors and refreshing taste, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I sifted through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out, revealing a handwritten recipe for Thai Noodle Salad.

I had always been intrigued by Thai cuisine, with its bold flavors and exotic ingredients. I had never attempted to make anything quite like this before, but something about the recipe sparked my curiosity. The combination of rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy peanut dressing sounded absolutely delicious.

I decided to give it a try, gathering the necessary ingredients and setting to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the vegetables and boiled the noodles, the fragrant aromas of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce filled the air. I could hardly contain my excitement as I mixed together the peanut dressing, tasting it with a spoon and adjusting the flavors until it was just right.

When the salad was finally assembled, I took a bite and was instantly transported to another world. The flavors were bright and zesty, with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

I shared the salad with my family that evening, and they all raved about how delicious it was. My husband even declared it to be the best thing I had ever made. From that moment on, Thai Noodle Salad became a staple in our household, a dish that we would enjoy time and time again.

But the story of how I learned to make this recipe goes beyond simply following the instructions on a piece of paper. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to travel to Thailand and learn from the masters themselves. I have taken cooking classes in bustling markets, watched as street vendors whipped up noodle dishes in a matter of minutes, and sampled the most incredible flavors from all corners of the country.

Each experience has added a new layer of depth to my understanding of Thai cuisine, and I have incorporated these lessons into my own cooking. I have learned the importance of balancing flavors, using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and embracing the bold and vibrant spirit of Thai food.

And yet, no matter how many new recipes I discover or techniques I master, there is something special about that first taste of Thai Noodle Salad. It reminds me of the joy of experimentation, the thrill of discovering something new and delicious, and the love that goes into every dish I create.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my family and the familiar scents of my kitchen, I am grateful for all of the experiences that have brought me to this moment. The journey of learning to make Thai Noodle Salad has been a delicious one, filled with laughter, love, and of course, plenty of good food. And I can't wait to see where it will take me next.