Thai Shrimp Salad (Pla Goong) 

Pla Goong, or Thai Spicy Shrimp Salad, is a vibrant dish from southern and central Thailand. It features tender shrimp lightly blanched and tossed with a zesty, spicy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and Thai chili paste. The salad is further enhanced with aromatic herbs like mint, cilantro, and lemongrass, offering a refreshing and bold flavor profile. Typically served as an appetizer or light main course, Pla Goong is both healthy and quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a flavorful meal in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds large jumbo shrimp, tail-on, peeled, deveined, and heads removed
  
  

• 1½ tablespoons Thai Nam Prik Pao (chili paste), plus an additional ½ tablespoon of the oil from the top
  
  

• ⅓ cup shallot, thinly sliced
  
  

• 2 stalks green onion, chopped
  
  

• ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  
  

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  
  

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemongrass, finely chopped
  
  

• 2 tablespoons fresh kaffir lime leaves, julienned
  
  

• 2–3 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to desired spice level)
  
  

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (e.g., Squid or Mega Chef brand)
  
  

• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  
  

• 1 teaspoon sugar (palm sugar preferred)
  
  

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
   
   

2. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the Thai Nam Prik Pao, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chopped chilies, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
   
   

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, shallot, green onion, mint, and cilantro. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
   
   

4. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter. Garnish with additional mint and cilantro leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 150–200 kcal
  
  

• Protein: Approximately 30g
  
  

• Fat: Approximately 2g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: Approximately 6g
  
  

• Fiber: Approximately 1g
  
  

• Sodium: Approximately 800mg