Grilled Shrimp with Glass Noodles: A Thai Culinary Delight

Grilled shrimp with glass noodles, known as “กุ้งอบวุ้นเส้น” or “Kung Op Wun Sen” in Thai, is a delectable and healthy Thai dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. This dish combines succulent grilled shrimp with transparent glass noodles, creating a harmonious blend of taste and mouthfeel. Here’s how to prepare this Thai culinary delight at home:

Ingredients:

To make Grilled Shrimp with Glass Noodles, gather the following ingredients:

• Large Shrimp: Use fresh, large shrimp with shells and heads intact for the best flavor.
• Glass Noodles: Also known as bean thread noodles or cellophane noodles, these are made from mung bean starch and add a unique texture to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced.
• Cilantro Roots and Stems: Use the roots and lower stems for a robust cilantro flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Provides a sweet and savory umami flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the dish.
• White Pepper: For a hint of heat and earthy flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: For grilling the shrimp and preventing sticking.
• Cilantro Leaves: For garnish and a fresh herbal aroma.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by cleaning and deveining the shrimp while leaving the shells and heads intact. This helps trap the flavors during grilling. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, cilantro roots and stems, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of white pepper. Coat the shrimp thoroughly with this mixture and let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Soak the Glass Noodles: Place the glass noodles in a bowl of warm water and soak them until they become soft and pliable, usually around 10-15 minutes. Drain and set them aside.
4. Grill the Shrimp: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush it with a bit of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill the marinated shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop grill marks. Remove them from the heat and set aside.
5. Cook the Glass Noodles: In a large pan or wok, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the soaked and drained glass noodles and stir-fry them for a couple of minutes.
6. Add the Shrimp: Once the noodles are heated through, add the grilled shrimp on top.
7. Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves and an extra sprinkle of white pepper. Your Grilled Shrimp with Glass Noodles is ready to serve.

Enjoying Your Thai Culinary Delight:

Grilled shrimp with glass noodles is a delightful Thai dish that combines the smoky goodness of grilled shrimp with the unique texture of glass noodles. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors, and the aroma of garlic and cilantro makes it even more enticing. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or any time you want to savor the taste of Thailand at home.