Thai Crab Stick Glass Noodle Salad

A spicy-sour Thai salad using glass noodles.

Servings

2–3 portions

Preparation Time

25 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 80 g dried glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli)

• 200 g Thai crab sticks, shredded

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced

• 8–10 cherry tomatoes, halved

  
  

Herbs & Aromatics

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

• 2 tbsp spring onion, sliced

• 1–2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (optional)

  
  

Dressing

• 2½ tbsp fresh lime juice

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp palm sugar (or light brown sugar)

• 1–2 tsp chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) or dried chili flakes

  
  

Optional Add-Ins

• Cooked shrimp or squid (for seafood mix)

• Crushed roasted peanuts

• Toasted sesame seeds

  
  

Method

1. Prepare the Glass Noodles

   • Soak the glass noodles in warm water for 8–10 minutes until softened.

   • Drain well and cut into shorter lengths for easier eating.

     
     

2. Prepare the Dressing

   • In a small bowl, mix lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and chili paste.

   • Stir until the sugar dissolves and the dressing tastes balanced: sour, salty, slightly sweet, and spicy.

     
     

3. Prepare the Crab Stick

   • Shred the Thai crab sticks into bite-sized strands.

   • If needed, blanch briefly in hot water, then drain and cool.

     
     

4. Combine the Salad

   • In a large mixing bowl, add glass noodles, crab sticks, onion, celery, and cherry tomatoes.

   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.

     
     

5. Finish with Herbs

   • Add cilantro, spring onion, and chilies.

   • Toss lightly just before serving to keep herbs fresh.

     
     

6. Taste & Adjust

   • Adjust seasoning with additional lime juice, fish sauce, or chili to preference.

     
     

Chef’s Notes

• Always dress the salad while the noodles are at room temperature for best flavor absorption.

• Avoid over-soaking the noodles to prevent mushy texture.

• This dish is best served immediately for maximum freshness.

  
  

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

• Garnish with crushed peanuts or extra herbs for added texture.

• Ideal as an appetizer, light main course, or sharing dish.