I absolutely love this Goong Ob Woonsen recipe because it’s a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence – the tender prawns and flavorful noodles, soaked in that savory, umami-rich sauce, make every bite so satisfying. Plus, whipping it up is a breeze, yet it feels like such a luxe meal that it impresses everyone around the table, making it my go-to for both solo evenings and hosting friends!
Tender prawns and glass noodles come together in Goong Ob Woonsen, a savory and aromatic dish redolent with garlic and ginger. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce provide a great depth of flavor, while sesame oil adds a nutty finish.
This dish, served hot in a skillet, is a delightful and nutritious choice.
Ingredients
Glass Noodles:
The option is low-calorie, primarily composed of carbohydrates, and free of gluten.
Prawns:
Protein content is high; fat content is low; omega-3 fatty acids are in abundance.
Garlic:
Increases immunity; includes antioxidants; improves taste.
Ginger:
Properties that fight inflammation; help with digestion; provide warmth.
Soy Sauce:
Imparts umami; moderate in sodium; increases flavor complexity.
Oyster Sauce:
Sweet and savory; thickens sauce; adds umami.
Sesame Oil:
Abundant in antioxidants; nutty fragrance; provides profundity.
White Pepper:
A gentle warmth; amplifies the fragrance of the food; good for digestion.
Cilantro:
Pleasant scent; helps with digestion; full of vitamins A and C.
Ingredient Quantities
- 250 grams glass noodles (bean thread noodles)
- 300 grams prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, julienned
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
1. To start, take the glass noodles and soak them in some warm water. Leave them in the water for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until you observe that they have softened. Drain the noodles and put them aside.
2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and ground white pepper. Mix thoroughly and add the drained glass noodles to the sauce mixture. Coat the noodles well with the sauce and allow them to sit and marinate while preparing the other ingredients.
3. In a large pot or wok, over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. When the oil is shimmering, add both the minced garlic and the ginger cut into matchstick-size pieces. Stir for about 1-2 minutes. You want both ingredients to smell wonderful and aromatic but without them getting too brown or burnt.
4. Put the prawns in the pot and stir-fry them until they start to turn pink, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Carefully place the prawns into the pot. Using a slotted spoon, add the marinated noodles on top of the prawns. Cover the pot with a lid. Allow the ingredients to steam for about 5 minutes.
7. Take off the lid and lightly mix the ingredients together with tongs so that the noodles can take in the delectable flavors of the broth and the sauces.
8. Add the pot to the chopped green onions and give them a good mixing together.
9. After the noodles are tender and the prawns are fully cooked, take the pot off the heat.
10. Move the Goong Ob Woonsen to a dish intended for serving, decorate it with cilantro that has been chopped, and present it to your guests posthaste. This dish is best served hot; thus, waiting is not necessary to allow the flavors to meld. Indeed, the delightful, aromatic serve itself is an invitation.
Equipment Needed
1. Mixing bowl
2. Large pot or wok with lid
3. Slotted spoon
4. Kitchen tongs
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Strainer or colander
FAQ
- What are glass noodles, and where can I find them?Also called bean thread noodles, glass noodles are made from starch derived from mung beans. Most Asian grocery stores, as well as the international aisles of many large supermarkets, carry them.
- Can I use a substitute for prawns?Indeed, you can replace prawns with shrimp or even chicken if you wish. Just be sure to adapt the cooking time as needed.
- Is it necessary to soak the glass noodles before cooking?Soaking the glass noodles in warm water for about 10-15 minutes is a good idea. It will soften them sufficiently so that they can be added to the dish.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?Indeed, a vegetarian version can be created by leaving out the shrimp and substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth. To achieve an umami flavor similar to the original dish, one may also consider adding ingredients such as the following in greater amounts than in the original recipe:
– mushrooms
– tofu
– other vegetables - How can I adjust the spice level?The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili oil for heat, according to your taste preference.
- What should I serve with Goong Ob Woonsen?While this dish can be enjoyed by itself, it is well complemented by steamed jasmine rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables.
- How do I store leftovers?Store any remaining food in a container that seals tightly and keep it in the refrigerator; it should be good for 2 days. When you are ready to eat again, reheat it in a pan over low heat. It is very important that you not use high heat. Doing so will change the texture of the noodles and prawns from tender to tough.
Substitutions and Variations
Bean thread noodles (glass noodles): Substitute with rice noodles or vermicelli.
Prawns: Swap with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
Soy sauce: For a gluten-free option, substitute with tamari or coconut aminos.
Oyster sauce: For a vegetarian alternative, use mushroom sauce.
White pepper, ground. If you don’t have this on hand, use black pepper. It offers a slightly stronger flavor profile but works as a reasonable substitute.
Pro Tips
1. Pre-Soak Noodles with Flavor: Instead of soaking the glass noodles in plain warm water, you can soak them in a mixture of warm water and a bit of soy sauce. This adds an extra layer of flavor right from the start.
2. Marinate the Prawns: Before cooking, marinate the prawns with a dash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of white pepper, and a touch of sesame oil. Letting them sit for about 10 minutes can enhance their flavor significantly.
3. Garlic and Ginger Aroma: When cooking the garlic and ginger, add a pinch of salt. This helps to draw out moisture and intensify the aroma without burning.
4. Achieve Ideal Texture: For perfectly cooked noodles, make sure not to over-soak them initially. They will continue cooking and absorbing flavors when added to the broth. This keeps them from getting too soft and mushy.
5. Customize Heat Level: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a chopped chili or a teaspoon of chili paste to the initial sauce mixture or during the garlic and ginger stir-fry phase for a subtle heat kick.
Goong Ob Woonsen Recipe
My favorite Goong Ob Woonsen Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Mixing bowl
2. Large pot or wok with lid
3. Slotted spoon
4. Kitchen tongs
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Strainer or colander
Ingredients:
- 250 grams glass noodles (bean thread noodles)
- 300 grams prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, julienned
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. To start, take the glass noodles and soak them in some warm water. Leave them in the water for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until you observe that they have softened. Drain the noodles and put them aside.
2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and ground white pepper. Mix thoroughly and add the drained glass noodles to the sauce mixture. Coat the noodles well with the sauce and allow them to sit and marinate while preparing the other ingredients.
3. In a large pot or wok, over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. When the oil is shimmering, add both the minced garlic and the ginger cut into matchstick-size pieces. Stir for about 1-2 minutes. You want both ingredients to smell wonderful and aromatic but without them getting too brown or burnt.
4. Put the prawns in the pot and stir-fry them until they start to turn pink, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Carefully place the prawns into the pot. Using a slotted spoon, add the marinated noodles on top of the prawns. Cover the pot with a lid. Allow the ingredients to steam for about 5 minutes.
7. Take off the lid and lightly mix the ingredients together with tongs so that the noodles can take in the delectable flavors of the broth and the sauces.
8. Add the pot to the chopped green onions and give them a good mixing together.
9. After the noodles are tender and the prawns are fully cooked, take the pot off the heat.
10. Move the Goong Ob Woonsen to a dish intended for serving, decorate it with cilantro that has been chopped, and present it to your guests posthaste. This dish is best served hot; thus, waiting is not necessary to allow the flavors to meld. Indeed, the delightful, aromatic serve itself is an invitation.
