Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (2024)

Seafood | Spicy | Thai Salads

ByPraew

This post may contain links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and I receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. I appreciate your support!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Pla goong salad, loaded with fresh herbs and spices tossed with the best Thai dressing you’ll ever taste. This spicy Thai shrimp salad recipe comes together in 15 minutes, max. Perfect for a nutritious, low-kcal lunch or dinner!

Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (1)

Don’t miss out on my other, equally delicious easy shrimp salad recipes: spicy shrimp larb recipe and authentic Thai mango salad.

What is pla goong salad

Pla goong salad, or pla kung, is a classic Thai seafood salad made with shrimp mixed with lemongrass, mint, and chili. Everything is tossed in a flavor-balanced tangy lime, spicy chili paste, and savory fish sauce dressing.

Spicy Thai shrimp salad recipe

This Thai salad is so, so easy to whip up and loaded with the most perfect Thai flavors – tangy, spicy as you like it, and loaded with umami goodness.

It’s the kind of dish just you just can’t stop eating.

Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (2)

The shrimp is cooked just right, so juicy and tender. Paired with the irresistible crunch from fresh herbs and the seriously good Thai shrimp salad dressing, you’ll want to have it on repeat.

This is Thai restaurant quality, made so easily right in your own kitchen.

And at home, you’re in control of the spice! Turn it up or tone it down a notch, you’re the chef today.

Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (3)

The best part is definitely how easy this is. Cook the shrimp, toss it all in, and there it is – a dish that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious.

Why try this recipe

  • Irresistible spicy Thai salad dressing: The dressing is so good, you could literally toss it with anything! Dress up your favorite greens or whatever you have in your fridge.
  • Authentic Thai shrimp salad recipe: This salad is full of authentic Thai flavors. Every spoonful is a perfect balance of flavors, and that’s what Thai cuisine is all about.
  • Customize it to your taste: This recipe is super easy to customize. Add more chilies, mix in your favorite veggies, or add some roasted peanuts for a nutty crunch.
  • Healthy and nutritious: It’s not just tasty, it’s a healthy choice too! This pla goong recipe is packed with the freshest ingredients and lean shrimp, it’s a guilt-free, low-fat meal that won’t disappoint.
  • So easy and quick: You’ll have a delicious meal in no time, perfect for lazy or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (4)
  • Shrimp – Opt for black tiger shrimp, which are usually larger in size than other types of shrimp. Shrimp is perfect for this salad, but feel free to customize with more seafood like squid.
  • Garlic – A pounded paste of garlic and chilies is the base of many Thai salads. Garlic enhances the overall flavors, adding depth and a pungent flavor.
  • Chilies – Adjust the mount of bird’s eye chilies or Thai Jinda chilies in the salad dressing to suit your taste. For a mild salad, opt for less fiery chilies.
  • Shallots – Shallots bring a mild, sweet flavor and a crisp texture. Not substitutable for onion, as the flavor of onions is too strong for this dish.
  • Lemongrass – Lemongrass is a staple in Thai cooking, adding a citrusy aroma and lemony flavor to many of our dishes.
  • Kaffir lime leaves – If you can’t get your hands on fresh kaffir leaves, you can find them dried or frozen at Asian grocery stores.
  • Coriander – Used in everything from spicy salads to garnishing, coriander adds a touch of green and herbal notes to many Southeast Asian dishes.
  • Chili paste – For the most authentic taste, I recommend using my nam prik pao recipe. Find a quality store-bought version at Asian markets or supermarkets if you’re short on time.
  • Chili flakes – You can make your own Thai chili flakes or get them at supermarkets. Adjust the quantity to adjust the heat in your dishes.
  • Fish sauce – Fish sauce is umami-rich, adding a savory, salty depth to dishes.
  • Lime – Lime adds the tangy flavors to the dressing.
  • MSG – Used as a flavor enhancer, MSG is widely used in Laos and Thailand for bringing out the best of flavors in our dishes.

Cooking instructions

Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (5)

1. Cook the shrimp: Clean the shrimp, optionally leaving the tails on. Boil water in a pot and add the shrimp, cook until done.

Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (6)

2. Toss with the dressing: Transfer shrimp to a large mixing bowl and thoroughly combine with fish sauce, lime, MSG, chili paste, and chili flakes.

Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (7)

3. Add herbs and serve: Toss the salad with the remaining ingredients: minced garlic, chopped chilies, sliced shallots, chopped lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, and coriander. Serve immediately.

Kitchen tools

  • Wok with spatula or large frying pan
  • Cutting board and chef’s knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups

How to serve

Serve this spicy Thai shrimp salad on its own for a quick lunch or easy dinner, or as a tasty side.

Garnish with extra herbs, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a wedge of lime.

How to store

To keep your pla goong fresh, store the leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 1–2 days.

However, I recommend eating everything in one go, as the herbs and shrimp will soak up the dressing over time.

To make this ahead of time, whip up the dressing in advance, prepare the herbs and shrimp, and toss when you’re ready.

Frequently asked questions

Is this salad spicy?

This recipe is medium-spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by using more or less chilies and chili flakes.

Is this salad a complete meal?

This recipe makes a light meal. You can make it a filling meal by adding a side of rice or rice noodles.

More Thai salad recipes you’ll love

  • Som tum Thai (green papaya salad)
  • Tum khao poon recipe (easy rice vermicelli salad)
  • Nam tok moo (Thai grilled pork salad)
  • Larb ped recipe (easy Asian duck salad)
  • Yum talay (spicy Thai seafood salad)
  • Yum woon sen pork (Thai glass noodle salad)

Loved reading thispla goong salad recipe? Please make my day by dropping a star rating and/or a comment below!

Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe)

Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (8)

Pla goong, spicy Thai shrimp salad, is a mix of juicy shrimp, crisp herbs, and a flavorful, i. Serve on its own or with rice.

Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (9)Praew

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Cuisine Thai

Course Salad

Serving Size 2 people

Ingredients

  • 10 shrimp black tiger shrimp
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon MSG optional
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste
  • 2 teaspoons chili flakes to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 chilies to taste
  • 1.4 ounce shallots choppped
  • 0.5 ounces lemongrass chopped
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves tear the leaves
  • 0.35 ounces coriander

Instructions

  • Clean the shrimp, optionally leaving the tails on. Boil water in a pot and add the shrimp, cook until done.

  • Transfer shrimp to a large mixing bowl and thoroughly combine with fish sauce, lime, MSG, chili paste, and chili flakes.

  • Toss the salad with the remaining ingredients: minced garlic, chopped chilies, sliced shallots, chopped lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, and coriander. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
  • Adjust the spiciness to suit your taste.
Pla Goong Salad (Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad Recipe) – Hungry in Thailand (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular salad in Thailand? ›

Even if you've never been to Thailand, I'm sure you've heard of som tam – the most famous Thai salad. It seems to me I've been eating it since I was born. You could say I grew up with the taste of shredded green (unripe) papaya. This is a family recipe and making it is second nature to me.

What is the name of the Thai spicy salad? ›

In Thai cooking, the nation's spicy salad is called som tam, or sometimes som tum. It is derived from Laos to the north of Thailand from a dish called tam mak hoong or the Cambodian version is known as bok l'hong.

What are the 4 types of Thai salad? ›

Thai Salads

The four types of salads in Thai cuisine are Yam, Laap, Dtam and Phlaa. Of the four salad types, the flavours and textures can be vastly different, so experiment with different proteins and flavour profiles to wind up with a perfectly balanced Thai meal.

What is the most eaten dish in Thailand? ›

Pad Thai. Pad Thai is perhaps the most famous of all Thai dishes, and one of the few that actually has the word 'Thai' in its name! Pad Thai is a dish consisting of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and eggs.

What is Thai salad dressing made of? ›

ingredients
  1. 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice.
  2. 6 tablespoons olive oil.
  3. 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
  4. 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
  5. 1 pinch brown sugar.
  6. 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced.
  7. 12 garlic clove, minced.
  8. 1 fresh red chili pepper, deseeded and sliced.

What makes Thai so spicy? ›

Common Ingredients in Thai Food

While spices like red and green chilies are used to add heat to a dish, other spices like cumin and cinnamon are used to create complex flavors. Meanwhile, ingredients like chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and peppercorn give Thai food the tingling spicy sensation that people love.

What is the spiciest Thai food? ›

Gaeng Tai Pla, a fiery dish from Southern Thailand, has been crowned one of the spiciest Thai recipes. So if you're brave enough to try this curry and your waiter gives you an eyebrow-raising warning about its intensity – don't be alarmed! They are simply looking out for your well-being.

What vegetables do Thai use? ›

In addition, ingredients such as pak choi, daikon, Chinese broccoli, beansprouts, lotus root, bamboo shoots and even long beans are very often used in Thai cuisine, including many Thai vegetable side dishes. These ingredients are often used in a lot of southeast Asian dishes, such as many Indonesian dishes too.

What are the 4 condiments of Thai food? ›

Four condiments are usually provided on the table: sugar, fish sauce, chili flakes, and sliced chilies in vinegar.

What are three Thai foods? ›

  • Thai style congee, called Jog in Thai, is basically rice porridge cooked with minced chicken or pork meat, garnished with ginger and spring onions. ...
  • Stirfried dishes like Phad Graphao (basil mince) are easy to make. ...
  • Phad Phak Boong - stirfried morning glory. ...
  • Guay Teow Nahm Tok - boat noodle.
Nov 3, 2020

What are the different types of salads in Thailand? ›

Thai Salads: 10 Well-Known Salads From Thailand
  • Yum Woon Sen Goong (bean thread noodles salad) ...
  • Thai Salads: Som Tum Thai (Green Papaya Salad) ...
  • Som Tom Polomai (Spicy Mixed Fruit Salad) ...
  • Phla Kung (Thai Prawn Salad) ...
  • Yam Kun Chiang (Spicy Chinese Sausage Salad) ...
  • Cucumber Salad. ...
  • Tam Khanun (Spicy Jackfruit Salad)
Dec 21, 2020

What are the 4 types of food normally served at a Thai food meal? ›

Traditional Thai cuisine loosely falls into four categories: tom (boiled dishes), yam (spicy salads), tam (pounded foods), and kaeng (curries).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Sen. Emmett Berge

Last Updated:

Views: 5753

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Emmett Berge

Birthday: 1993-06-17

Address: 787 Elvis Divide, Port Brice, OH 24507-6802

Phone: +9779049645255

Job: Senior Healthcare Specialist

Hobby: Cycling, Model building, Kitesurfing, Origami, Lapidary, Dance, Basketball

Introduction: My name is Sen. Emmett Berge, I am a funny, vast, charming, courageous, enthusiastic, jolly, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.