Indulge in Flavor: Thai Shrimp and Glass Noodles | Goong Ob Woonsen Recipe
Growing up, my kitchen was a treasure trove of tantalizing aromas and sizzling sounds, each dish telling a story. The moment I took my first bite of Thai shrimp and glass noodles, or Goong Ob Woonsen, I was transported back to family gatherings brimming with love and laughter. There’s something magical about the combination of succulent shrimp, tender glass noodles, and fragrant spices that speaks to my heart. This dish is not just a meal—it’s a comforting embrace on a plate.
What sets my Thai Shrimp and Glass Noodles | Goong Ob Woonsen Recipe apart from others? I promise you a symphony of flavors that meld effortlessly, creating harmony in every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to grace your table during celebrations. You’ll not only learn how to cook this dish but also how to create lasting memories with loved ones, just like I have. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that’s sure to delight your taste buds!
What Are Thai Shrimp and Glass Noodles | Goong Ob Woonsen?
Goong Ob Woonsen is a classic Thai dish that beautifully showcases the balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors often found in Thai cuisine. Originating from the streets of Thailand, this dish features delicate glass noodles made from mung bean starch, which absorb the rich flavors of aromatics like garlic, ginger, and shrimp. The texture is a delightful contrast: the tender noodles and juicy shrimp marry together to create a dish that’s satisfying yet light.
You can make this dish at any time of the year, whether for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering with friends. The flavors are universally appealing, and the burst of freshness from the herbs and sauces makes it perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Goodness: Unlike store-bought versions often loaded with preservatives and unnecessary additives, this recipe allows you to control the quality of the ingredients. Imagine serving up a dish that’s homemade, fresh, and bursting with flavor!
Budget-Friendly: Eating out may be tempting, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about preparing a gourmet meal at home. With just a few affordable ingredients and some shrimp (which you can often find on sale), you can pull off this fabulous dish without breaking the bank.
Customization: One of the best parts about this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you want to use chicken, tofu, or extra veggies, you can easily tweak it to fit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. The sky’s the limit!
Time-Efficient: With prep and cook time totaling around 30 minutes, you can whip this dish up in no time. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the hassle.
Family Approved: Trust me, this recipe has received rave reviews from my family! The harmonious blend of flavors and textures always leaves us wanting more, making it a go-to in our household.

Ingredients
For the best results and an authentic experience, use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for your Thai Shrimp and Glass Noodles | Goong Ob Woonsen Recipe:
- 2.8 ounces (80 grams) dried glass noodles: Look for high-quality mung bean noodles for the best texture.
- 3.52 ounces (100 grams) Shiitake mushrooms, sliced: Fresh mushrooms add a wonderful umami flavor, but feel free to use any variety you like.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor; you can also use coconut oil for a tropical touch.
- 8-10 slices of ginger, peeled: Fresh ginger adds a vibrant zing.
- 10 shrimp (about 7.05 ounces, or 200 grams), shelled and deveined with tails on: Always opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp.
- 3/4 cup chopped Chinese celery: This adds a delightful crunch; you can substitute with regular celery or green onions if needed.
- 5 cloves of garlic, peeled: Fresh garlic elevates the dish’s aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: This balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper: Adds a subtle spice; feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: A key ingredient for depth of flavor; I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to keep it healthier.
- 1 teaspoon sweet soy sauce: Adds a delightful sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Look for high-quality brands for the best flavor.
- 3/4 cup water: This helps create a lovely sauce for the noodles.
Make sure to soak the glass noodles in room temperature water for about 15-20 minutes before starting, so they become pliable.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Soak the Noodles: Soak the noodles in room temperature water per package instructions until softened, usually about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Create the Sauce: In a mortar and pestle, pound 5 cloves of garlic and 3 slices of ginger until quite fine. Transfer this mixture to a mixing bowl and add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sweet soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 3/4 cup of water. Mix well and set aside.
Prep the Noodles: Cut the soaked noodles to a manageable length (about 6 inches is perfect) for easier eating. Drain any excess water.
Combine Noodles and Vegetables: Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to ensure they’re coated evenly. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and toss again.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add your ginger slices to a heavy-bottomed pan or non-stick pot over medium heat. Once the oil is sizzling, add the noodle mixture on top.
Add Shrimp: Lay the shrimp on top of the noodle mixture and cover the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
Final Toss and Serve: Open the lid, stir the noodles gently to ensure even sauce distribution, and add the chopped Chinese celery. Cover and cook for another minute before turning off the heat. Serve hot!
Chef’s Tip: If you find the dish a bit dry, add a splash of water or additional soy sauce when tossing the noodles.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Ingredient Quality: Fresh ingredients can make a world of difference. Whenever possible, choose locally-sourced or organic ingredients for the best flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions: You can prep the sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it before adding to the noodles.
Double the Recipe: This dish also makes great leftovers! I often double the recipe and enjoy it for lunch the next day.
Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Keep a close eye and remove from heat as soon as they’re pink and firm.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to avoid drying them out.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to elevate the experience, consider serving it with a side of Thai-style cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. I love garnishing it with fresh cilantro or Thai basil to brighten the flavors. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, festive gatherings, or even when you want to impress a date with your culinary skills!
Variations & Substitutions
Vegan Option: Swap shrimp for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein, and use mushroom broth instead of water for extra flavor.
Seasonal Vegetables: Depending on the time of year, try adding seasonal veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy to enhance the dish.
Different Noodles: If you can’t find glass noodles, rice noodles or even spaghetti can work in a pinch—but the texture will differ.
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-3
- Estimated Calories per Serving: Approximately 280 calories
- Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; best eaten fresh, but can be reheated on the stovetop.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish.
What if I can’t find glass noodles?
- You can substitute with rice noodles or even thin spaghetti, although the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Is this dish spicy?
- It has a mild flavor profile, but you can add chili flakes or fresh chilies for a kick!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce and check your sauces for gluten content.
What can I do with leftovers?
- They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water to keep the noodles moist.
How do I know when shrimp is cooked?
- Cooked shrimp will turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Yes! The noodles and sauce can be prepared ahead, but it’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving for optimal freshness.
Can I add more vegetables?
- Yes! Feel free to toss in any veggies you have at hand, such as bell peppers or snow peas.
Do I need to use all the sauces listed?
- While each sauce adds its unique flavor, you can adjust based on what you have available or your taste preference.
Can I serve this at a party?
- Definitely! It’s a crowd-pleaser and can be made in larger quantities for gatherings. Just keep it warm until serving.

Conclusion
The Thai Shrimp and Glass Noodles | Goong Ob Woonsen Recipe is more than a dish—it’s a celebration of flavor, family, and unforgettable moments. The combination of tender noodles, plump shrimp, and aromatic spices creates bliss in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below, and check out my other related recipes on the blog for more delightful cooking adventures. Happy cooking!
Print
Thai Shrimp and Glass Noodles | Goong Ob Woonsen
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A classic Thai dish featuring succulent shrimp and tender glass noodles, harmonizing sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2.8 ounces (80 grams) dried glass noodles
- 3.52 ounces (100 grams) Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8–10 slices of ginger, peeled
- 10 shrimp (about 7.05 ounces, or 200 grams), shelled and deveined
- 3/4 cup chopped Chinese celery
- 5 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sweet soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Soak the noodles in room temperature water per package instructions until softened, usually about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Create the sauce by pounding garlic and ginger, then mixing them with sugar, white pepper, soy sauces, oyster sauce, and water.
- Prep the soaked noodles by cutting them to manageable lengths and draining any excess water.
- Combine the sauce with the noodles and toss in sliced shiitake mushrooms.
- Sauté ginger in olive oil, then add the noodle mixture on top.
- Add shrimp on top of the noodle mixture, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes until shrimp is pink and opaque.
- Final toss with Chinese celery, cover, and cook for 1 more minute before serving hot.
Notes
If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce during tossing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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