Bean Thread Salad

Adapted from Taste of Southeast Asia

  • 1/4 lb. small to medium shrimp
  • 1/2 boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1/4 cup dried golden needles
  • 2 shiitake mushrooms
  • 2 1/2 oz. package bean threads
  • 3 tablespoons sliced green onion tops
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon chopped mint
  • 2 1/2 oz. package bean threads
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped roasted peanuts
  • lettuce leaves
Dressing Ingredients:
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 serrano chili, sliced
  • dash white pepper


Boil shrimp until just done (about 3 minutes). Drain, place in bowl and refrigerate.

Simmer chicken breast 20 minutes, drain, and let cool. Shred chicken meat.

Soak golden needles 30 minutes, drain, press out excess water in paper towel. Soak bean threads 10 minutes. Drain, cut in half to shorten strands.

Remove stems from shiitakes. Slice stems and caps thinly. Place dressing ingredients in a bowl and mix until sugar is dissolved.

Put shrimp, chicken, golden needles, green onion tops, cilantro, and mint in large bowl. Pour dressing into bowl and mix ingredients thoroughly.

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add bean threads and shiitakes. Boil 3 minutes, drain. Add bean threads and shiitakes to bowl and mix. Refrigerate salad until cool.

Slice lettuce leaves into strips and put on plates. Spoon salad over lettuce and top with chopped peanuts. Serve.

Makes 2 servings.

Note: Golden needles are also called dried tiger lily buds. Skip ingredient if not available.

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