Asian-Style Prawn Noodle Salad

Asian-Style Prawn Noodle Salad

Asian-Style Prawn Noodle Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful dish that combines succulent prawns with tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and an irresistible Asian-inspired dressing.

The balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in this salad makes it a perfect light meal or a refreshing side dish. With its perfect mix of textures, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also offers a healthy and satisfying option for lunch, dinner, or a gathering.

Whether you serve it warm or cold, the flavors will shine through, making it a versatile and delicious choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1 lb prawns (shrimp), peeled and deveined

200g rice noodles (or soba noodles, if preferred)

1/2 red bell pepper, julienned

1/2 cucumber, julienned

1 carrot, julienned

1/4 red cabbage, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking prawns)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or sugar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon lime juice (about 1/2 lime)

1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional, for heat)

How to Make:

Cook the Noodles:

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 4-6 minutes for rice noodles, depending on the thickness). Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to drain completely.

Prepare the Prawns:

While the noodles are cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the prawns with salt and pepper. Add the prawns to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Julienne the red bell pepper, cucumber, and carrot into thin strips. Slice the red cabbage into thin strips as well. Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and chili flakes (if using). Taste the dressing and adjust it to your preference, adding more honey for sweetness or extra lime juice for acidity.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled noodles, prawns, and sliced vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine, ensuring that the noodles and vegetables are well-coated in the dressing.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the salad with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This salad can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature.

Chef’s Note:

This Asian-Style Prawn Noodle Salad is incredibly versatile. You can add more vegetables, such as sliced radishes, bean sprouts, or avocado, to enhance the texture and flavor. If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add some sriracha to the dressing. For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu as an alternative protein.

The salad is great for meal prep—just store the noodles, prawns, and dressing separately and combine when ready to eat. This ensures that the noodles don’t become soggy and the prawns stay fresh.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: 330

Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 8g

Sodium: 500mg

This Asian-Style Prawn Noodle Salad is a well-balanced meal that’s rich in protein and fiber while keeping things light on the calories. The combination of prawns, noodles, and vegetables makes it both filling and refreshing, while the flavorful dressing brings everything together for a satisfying experience. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking for a healthy and tasty salad that’s quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.