In the vibrant tapestry of Thai cuisine, few dishes capture the perfect balance of fresh, tangy, and savory quite like Yum Tua Plu, or wing bean salad. This refreshing salad, bursting with crisp wing beans and succulent shrimp, is a festivity of textures and flavors that dance harmoniously on the palate. As a staple of Thai street food and home cooking alike,the Wing Bean Salad with Shrimp is more than just a dish-it’s an invitation to explore the vivid gardens and coastal bounty of Thailand in every bite. Join us as we dive into the art of crafting this delightful salad,uncovering its origins,key ingredients,and tips to replicate the authentic taste that makes Yum Tua plu a beloved culinary gem.
Refreshing Wing Bean Salad with Shrimp: Thai Yum Tua Plu Delight truly captures the essence of Thai cuisine with its lively marriage of textures and flavors. This salad, a cornerstone of Thai street food, marries crisp wing beans with succulent shrimp, pulled together by a harmonious dressing that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Originating from central Thailand, Yum Tua plu remains a beloved dish for its vibrant colors and invigorating bite. The fresh crunch of wing beans combined with the briny sweetness of shrimp creates an irresistible medley that awakens yoru palate with every bite.
Prep and Cook Time
- preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 as a refreshing appetizer or light main dish
Difficulty Level
Easy – perfect for cooks looking to bring authentic Thai flavors with minimal fuss
Ingredients
- 300g fresh wing beans (tua plu), trimmed and halved lengthwise
- 250g medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 red shallots, thinly sliced
- 5 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp toasted roasted peanuts, roughly crushed
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp dried shrimp (optional, for authentic umami)
- Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp palm sugar, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (nam pla)
- 1 tsp shrimp paste (optional, for depth)
Instructions
- blanch the wing beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the wing beans and blanch for 1 minute until radiant green and crisp-tender.Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and retain color. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In a seperate boiling water pot, cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Do not overcook to preserve tenderness.Drain and rinse with cool water.
- prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, palm sugar, fish sauce, and shrimp paste until sugar dissolves fully. Taste and adjust balance: add more sweetness, acidity, or saltiness depending on preference.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the wing beans, shrimp, shallots, chilies, dried shrimp (if using), and half the crushed peanuts gently but thoroughly.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and fold gently to coat everything evenly,keeping the vibrant colors intact.
- Finish and garnish: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, mint leaves, and remaining toasted peanuts just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Chef’s Notes
- Wing beans are best when fresh, firm, and brightly colored-avoid any that are limp or spotted.
- If fresh wing beans are unavailable, you may substitute with crisp green beans or fiddlehead ferns for similar texture.
- For a milder version, reduce bird’s eye chilies or remove seeds; alternatively, use a sweet chili for subtle heat.
- Palm sugar can be swapped with light brown sugar, but the subtle caramel notes of palm sugar elevate this dressing beautifully.
- Make the dressing a day ahead and refrigerate to deepen the flavors-just toss with fresh greens and shrimp before serving.
- Try swapping shrimp with grilled squid or steamed crab meat to create variations while keeping the spirit of Yum tua Plu.
Serving Suggestions
This Thai wing bean salad shines best plated on a wide,shallow dish,allowing the vibrant colors and textures to be admired before indulging. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with lime wedges for an added fresh zing and scatter extra toasted peanuts for delightful crunch. Pair with steamed jasmine rice or enjoy alongside a spicy tom yum soup for a full, authentic Thai meal experience.
To elevate presentation,adorn with edible flowers such as butterfly pea petals or Thai basil sprigs,adding a burst of color that complements the fresh ingredients wonderfully.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 5g |
Discover more about authentic Thai flavors in our Complete Guide to Thai Herb Garnishes and for deeper insights into the benefits of wing beans, visit Medical News Today.
Q&A
Q&A: Refreshing Wing Bean Salad with Shrimp – Thai Yum Tua Plu Delight
Q1: What exactly is wing Bean Salad, or Yum Tua Plu?
A1: Yum Tua Plu is a vibrant Thai salad that highlights the crunchy, slightly nutty wing bean-also known as the four-angled bean. Tossed with fresh herbs, zesty lime, and a balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, this salad is a refreshing burst of Thai tradition in every bite. Adding succulent shrimp takes it to another level, infusing the dish with a subtle oceanic sweetness.
Q2: Why are wing beans so special in this salad?
A2: Wing beans bring a unique texture that’s both crisp and juicy, similar to green beans but with a more considerable crunch. Their slightly earthy taste pairs beautifully with the tangy, savory dressing typical of Thai salads. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins, making Yum Tua Plu not just tasty but nourishing.
Q3: How does the shrimp complement the wing beans?
A3: The shrimp adds a delicate, briny contrast to the crunchy wing beans.When lightly cooked, shrimp retains a tender, springy texture that blends seamlessly with the fresh veggies and herbs. Its natural sweetness balances the bold flavors of chili, fish sauce, and lime, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes.
Q4: What are the key flavors driving the salad?
A4: The magic lies in the classic thai flavor trifecta: spicy, sour, and sweet. Fresh chili or bird’s eye chili brings heat; lime juice delivers brightness and acidity; palm sugar or a touch of sugar adds subtle sweetness; and fish sauce contributes umami depth. Together, these elements create a dazzling dressing that elevates the wing beans and shrimp.
Q5: Can I make this salad if I don’t have access to wing beans?
A5: Absolutely! While wing beans are ideal for authentic texture and flavor, you can substitute with green beans or snap peas for a similar crunch. The key is to keep them fresh and slightly raw to maintain that crisp bite, ensuring the salad retains its refreshing character.
Q6: Any tips for preparing the salad to get the best flavor?
A6: For optimal taste, blanch the wing beans briefly to soften their bitterness but keep their crunch. Cook shrimp just until pink-overcooking can make them rubbery. Mix the dressing separately and toss everything together just before serving to keep the fresh herbs vibrant and the vegetables crisp. Don’t forget a handful of toasted peanuts or fried shallots for extra texture!
Q7: When is the best occasion to enjoy Yum Tua Plu with shrimp?
A7: This salad shines as a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish during warm weather. Its refreshing qualities make it perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a palate-cleansing starter before a spicy Thai feast. It’s also wonderfully healthy for those seeking a flavorful yet guilt-free meal.
Q8: How does Yum Tua Plu reflect Thai culinary philosophy?
A8: Yum Tua Plu is a beautiful representation of Thai cuisine’s balance-melding contrasting flavors and textures into a unified experience. It celebrates fresh, local ingredients and the art of layering flavors, showcasing how simplicity combined with thoughtful seasoning can create something both humble and remarkable.
Enjoy blending the crispness of wing beans with the sweet, tender shrimp for a truly delightful thai salad that refreshes and invigorates your palate!
In Summary
As the vibrant flavors of this Thai Yum Tua Plu Delight dance across your palate, it’s clear that the humble wing bean, paired with succulent shrimp, offers more than just a meal-it delivers an experience. Refreshingly crisp, tangy, and bursting with subtle heat, this salad perfectly captures the essence of Thai cuisine’s balance and boldness. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch or a dazzling side dish to impress, the wing bean salad invites you to savor a refreshing journey through Thailand’s culinary heritage-one delicious bite at a time.
Give your taste buds a treat and let this crispy, zesty creation brighten your next dining adventure.
