Seafood Clay Pot, known in Thailand as Ob Woon Sen Talay, is a popular Thai dish featuring fresh seafood, glass noodles, aromatic herbs, and savory sauces slow-cooked in a clay pot. The gentle cooking process allows the noodles to absorb the rich flavors of seafood, garlic, ginger, and seasonings, creating a comforting and incredibly flavorful meal.

Often served sizzling hot, Seafood Clay Pot is a favorite in Thai seafood restaurants and family gatherings, offering a delicious combination of tender seafood, silky noodles, and fragrant herbs.

What is Seafood Clay Pot?

Seafood Clay Pot is a Thai one-pot dish where shrimp, squid, fish, mussels, and other seafood are cooked together with glass noodles in a seasoned broth. The clay pot helps retain heat and evenly distributes flavors, allowing the noodles to soak up the aromatic sauce while keeping the seafood moist and tender.

The dish is similar to Chinese clay pot cooking but incorporates distinctly Thai ingredients and flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and aromatic flavors
  • Loaded with fresh seafood
  • Easy one-pot meal
  • Beautiful restaurant-style presentation
  • Comforting and satisfying
  • Perfect for family dinners

Ingredients

For the Seafood

  • 250 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 200 g squid, sliced into rings
  • 200 g white fish fillets, cut into chunks
  • 150 g mussels, cleaned
  • 150 g scallops

For the Noodles

  • 150 g glass noodles (bean thread noodles)
  • Warm water for soaking

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ cup seafood or chicken stock

Aromatics

  • 6 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced
  • 2 coriander roots (or coriander stems)
  • 1 tablespoon celery leaves
  • 2 green onions, cut into sections

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced red chili
  • Lime wedges

Equipment Needed

  • Clay pot with lid
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Step 1: Soak the Noodles

Place the glass noodles in warm water.

Soak for 10–15 minutes until softened.

Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, combine:

  • Light soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Sugar
  • Stock

Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3: Marinate the Noodles

Add the soaked glass noodles to the sauce.

Toss gently to coat.

Allow the noodles to absorb some of the seasoning while preparing the seafood.

Step 4: Prepare the Clay Pot

Place the clay pot over medium heat.

Add:

  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Coriander roots

Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

Place the seasoned glass noodles into the clay pot.

Arrange the seafood evenly over the noodles:

  • Shrimp
  • Squid
  • Fish
  • Mussels
  • Scallops

Add:

  • Green onions
  • Celery leaves

Step 6: Cook the Seafood Clay Pot

Cover the clay pot with its lid.

Cook over low to medium heat for 12–15 minutes.

The seafood will release natural juices that blend with the sauce and noodles.

Avoid opening the lid frequently to retain steam and flavor.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

The dish is ready when:

  • Shrimp turn pink
  • Fish flakes easily
  • Mussels open completely
  • Noodles are tender and flavorful

Discard any unopened mussels.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat.

Garnish with:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced red chili
  • Lime wedges

Serve immediately while still sizzling hot.

Chef’s Tips

  • Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the seafood to keep it tender.
  • Soak noodles until just soft, not mushy.
  • Clay pots retain heat, so cooking continues slightly after removal from the stove.
  • A splash of lime juice before serving brightens the flavors.

Variations

Shrimp Clay Pot

Use only shrimp for a simpler version.

Mixed Seafood Deluxe

Add crab meat, lobster, or large tiger prawns.

Spicy Seafood Clay Pot

Add Thai bird's eye chilies or chili paste to the sauce.

Mushroom and Seafood Clay Pot

Include shiitake or oyster mushrooms for extra umami.

Health Benefits

This dish provides:

  • High-quality protein from seafood
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Vitamins and minerals from fresh herbs
  • Low-fat cooking method
  • Energy from glass noodles

Serving Suggestions

Seafood Clay Pot pairs beautifully with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Thai cucumber salad
  • Stir-fried vegetables
  • Tom Yum soup
  • Fresh tropical fruit
  • Thai iced tea

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Seafood is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Seafood Clay Pot (Ob Woon Sen Talay) is a comforting and aromatic Thai seafood dish that combines tender seafood, silky glass noodles, and fragrant herbs in a single flavorful pot. The slow cooking process allows every ingredient to absorb the rich seasonings, creating a meal that is both elegant and satisfying.

Whether served for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Thai seafood classic delivers warmth, freshness, and authentic coastal flavors in every bite.