Description
Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad (Pla Goong) is a refreshing and vibrant Thai dish featuring tender boiled shrimp tossed in a zesty, spicy dressing made with fresh lime juice, fish sauce, lemongrass, and bird’s eye chilies. Enhanced with aromatic herbs like mint and cilantro, this light and flavorful salad is perfect as a quick appetizer or a light meal served over crisp shredded lettuce or cabbage.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Salad Dressing and Aromatics
- 1 stalk lemongrass (tender part finely sliced)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1–2 Thai bird’s eye chilies (thinly sliced, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage (for serving)
Instructions
- Boil the Shrimp: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp are just pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook to keep them tender.
- Shock the Shrimp: Drain the cooked shrimp immediately and transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the shrimp again and set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and thinly sliced bird’s eye chilies until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a balanced sweet, sour, and spicy dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Add the cooked shrimp, sliced lemongrass, red onion, green onions, fresh mint, and cilantro to the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the zesty dressing and distribute the herbs throughout.
- Serve: Arrange a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage on serving plates and spoon the dressed shrimp salad over it. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad’s freshest flavors and vibrant textures.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using fewer bird’s eye chilies or removing their seeds if you prefer less heat.
- For added texture and a nutty flavor, sprinkle toasted rice powder or chopped roasted peanuts on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Thai
