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A refreshing salad combines minced meat, glass noodles, and an array of fresh herbs and vegetables, creating a dish that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
What is laab woon sen ?
Laab/larb woon sen is a Thai salad made with minced meat (often pork, chicken, or beef), glass noodles (woon sen), and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables. The dish is known for its bold flavors, combining spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet elements. “Laab/larb” refers to a type of meat salad, while “Woon Sen” denotes the glass noodles that add a unique texture to the dish.
Laab Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad with Pork)
Ingredients
- 80 g mungbean thread noodles
- 200 g ground pork
- 10 g wood ear mushrooms
Spices and herbs:
- 1 large shallots thinly sliced
- ½ cup mint leaves loosely packed
- 1 cup cilantro leaves finely chopped
- 2 stalks green onion finely chopped
Dressing:
- 3 Tbsp lime juice
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder more or less to your taste
Toasted rice:
- ⅓ cup glutinous rice
Instructions
Soak the wood ear mushrooms:
- Put the dried wood ear mushrooms in a large bowl. Add water to cover and let them soak for 15-20 minutes until they are soft. Cut off any hard core. Cut into thin strips
Prepare toasted rice:
- Put the rice in a dry pan and toast over medium-low heat until the rice grains turn slightly golden brown. Remove from the heat.
- Use a spice grinder to grind into a coarse texture or use a mortar and pestle to grind it. You don't want to grind it into fine powder, a bit coarse is fine for texture
Prepare the noodles:
- Soak the noodles in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until they are soft
- Drain off the soaking water. Put the noodles in a large mixing bowl. Cut the noodles into short pieces, about 2-3 inches long
Cook the meat:
- In a saucepan, add about 3-4 Tbsp of water, you just need a little bit. Bring to a simmer and add the raw ground meat. Breaking the meat pieces with the spatula so you won't end up with large chunks of meat.
- Cook until the meat just about to turn color but still mostly pink, add the wood ear mushrooms strips and continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink and cooked through
- This technique of cooking meat is called "luak" in Thai. This technique involves briefly blanching or parboiling the meat, which helps to cook it quickly and retain its tenderness. It is commonly used in dishes like Laab, where the meat needs to be cooked but not browned or fried, ensuring it remains juicy
Assemble the salad:
- Transfer the cooked meat and mushrooms along with its juices into the mixing bowl where the noodles are. Add the sliced shallots, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili powder. Give everything a toss
- Add the fresh mints, cilantro leaves, green onion and toasted rice powder. Give everything a final toss again and serve immediately
Storage:
- Once assembled, the salad is best consumed on the same day. You can make ahead but keep the fresh herbs, seasoning, noodles and meat separately in their own container and assemble whenever you want to serve it
*Nutrition facts are just estimates and calculated using online tools*
Key ingredients in laab woon sen
1. Minced Meat: Traditionally, Laab Woon Sen is made with pork, chicken, or beef. The minced meat is cooked and then mixed with the other ingredients, absorbing the salad’s vibrant flavors.
2. Glass Noodles: Also known as cellophane noodles or bean thread noodles, these translucent noodles are made from mung bean starch. They have a slightly chewy texture and readily soak up the flavors of the dressing.
3. Herbs: Fresh mint and cilantro are essential, adding a refreshing and aromatic quality. Thai basil can also be included for an added layer of complexity.
4. Vegetables: Thinly sliced red onions, scallions, and sometimes tomatoes or cucumbers contribute to the salad’s crunch and freshness.
5. Lime Juice: The tangy acidity of fresh lime juice brightens the dish and balances the other flavors.
6. Fish Sauce: This salty, umami-rich sauce is a staple in Thai cuisine and is crucial for seasoning the salad.
7. Chili Flakes: Providing heat, chili flakes can be adjusted according to personal spice tolerance.
8. Toasted Rice Powder: Ground toasted rice adds a nutty flavor and a slight crunch, enhancing the overall texture.
What to serve with laab woon sen?
Laab Woon Sen is typically enjoyed at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for warm weather. It can be served as an appetizer or as part of a main course, often accompanied by sticky rice. The salad’s vibrant flavors make it an excellent pairing with other Thai dishes, such as Som Tum (green papaya salad) or Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup).
2 comments
Very easy party salad but I added fresh red chilli to it for colour and a bit more kicks. I love it.
I agree! It’s great for a party and I love the idea of adding fresh red chili too!!