Fresh Thai Shrimp Salad

This delightful salad brings a taste of Thailand to your table with a medley of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. The juicy tiger shrimp, combined with the sweetness of chili sauce and pineapples, create a perfect harmony of sweet and savory. Crisp vegetables like cucumber and cherry tomatoes add fresh bursts of color and texture. Cashews give a delightful crunch, making each bite of this salad an exciting experience. The combination of garlic and soy sauce enhances the aroma, creating a symphony of flavors. Not only is this salad quick and easy to prepare, but it's also incredibly nutritious and refreshing. Perfect for a light lunch or a starter for dinner, this Thai salad can be modified to suit various dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables or protein sources. Ideal for summer, it pairs well with chilled beverages and makes for delightful alfresco dining. Explore this recipe and enjoy a taste of Thai culinary charm in the comfort of your home.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 10 frozen raw tiger shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 1/2 long cucumber
• 8-10 cherry tomatoes
• 4 slices of canned pineapple
• 1/2 can of bean sprouts
• 100 grams of cashews

Spices and Sauces:

• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 4-5 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Thaw and Prepare Shrimp: Begin by thawing the tiger shrimp and removing their shells.
2. Chop Garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves, setting them aside for stir-frying.
3. Heat Oil: In a pan, heat a small amount of oil and add the chopped garlic.
4. Add Sauces: Once the garlic is slightly sautéed, stir in 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
5. Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan, stirring them occasionally until they are fully cooked and infused with the sauce's flavors.
6. Cool Shrimp: Remove the cooked shrimp and their juices from the pan, letting them cool as you prepare the other ingredients.
7. Toast Cashews: In a separate dry pan, toast the cashews until they are golden and fragrant.
8. Prepare Vegetables: Peel the cucumber, remove its seeds, and cut it into small pieces.
9. Slice Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes for a fresh, juicy texture.
10. Chop Pineapple: Cut the canned pineapple slices into bite-sized pieces.
11. Drain Bean Sprouts: Drain any excess liquid from the bean sprouts to keep the salad from becoming soggy.
12. Combine Ingredients: Combine all the prepared ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
13. Mix Salad: Gently stir the salad to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
14. Add More Sauce: Adjust seasoning by adding 2-3 more tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
15. Let it Marinate: Allow the flavors to meld by letting the salad sit for a few minutes before serving.
16. Serve Chilled: For a refreshing meal, serve the salad chilled.
17. Garnishing: Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for added zest.
18. Enjoy the Flavors: Each bite should bring together the sweet, tangy, and savory elements beautifully.
19. Plating: Serve the salad attractively on a plate for a delightful presentation.
20. Relish Every Bite: Finally, enjoy this refreshing and vibrant salad as a standalone dish or with other accompaniments.

Tips

• Substitutions: Swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein choice.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili sauce to cater to your preferred spice level.
• Nuts: Almonds or walnuts can replace cashews if preferred.
• Vegan-Friendly: Replace shrimp with mushrooms or tofu for a vegan-friendly version.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 per serving
• Protein: 15g per serving
• Fats: 12g per serving
• Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use tofu instead of shrimp.
• Low-Carb: Skip pineapple and use lettuce for added volume.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with jasmine rice or noodles.
• Serve with a chilled white wine for an elegant meal.
• Garnish with fresh mint or basil for a burst of freshness.

Best Places

1. Nahm - Luxurious Thai dining experience. Location: 27 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
2. Birds of a Feather - Contemporary Asian flavors. Location: 115 Amoy Street, Singapore.
3. Long Chim - Authentic street food in a top-notch setting. Location: 10 Bayfront Av, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
4. Somtum Der - Renowned for papaya salads and more. Location: 60 Silom Soi 3, Bangkok, Thailand.
5. Nara - Modern Thai cuisine with a timeless touch. Location: 23 Chong Qing Street, Taipei, Taiwan.
6. Kin Khao - Thai cooking at its finest with a twist. Location: 55 Cyril Magnin Street, San Francisco, USA.
7. Bo.lan - Commitment to traditional Thai flavors. Location: 24 Soi Sukhumvit 53, Bangkok, Thailand.
8. Eastside Thai Restaurant - Casual dining with authentic flavors. Location: 42 Princes Street, Dunedin, New Zealand.
9. Little Serow - Unique Thai dining in intimate space. Location: 1511 17th Street NW, Washington, DC, USA.
10. Raan Jay Fai - Michelin-starred street food delight. Location: 327 Mahachai Road, Bangkok, Thailand.