Thai Glass Noodle Salad

Instructions

1. Prepare the noodles
   Soak the glass noodles in room temperature water for 10 minutes until softened. Drain well. Bring a pot of water to boil, add the noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes until translucent and tender. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Cut the noodles with scissors into manageable lengths (about 4 inches).
2. Cook the shrimp
   Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Cut larger shrimp in half if desired.
3. Make the dressing
   In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chilies. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed - it should be a balance of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy.
4. Combine the salad
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared glass noodles, cooked shrimp, sliced red onion, julienned carrot, cilantro, and mint leaves. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
5. Toss and serve
   Gently toss all ingredients until well combined and the dressing is evenly distributed. Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the noodles to absorb the flavors. Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with chopped peanuts, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.