One of the most iconic Thai dishes is Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. To make Pad Thai, you’ll need rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, eggs, bean sprouts, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, and crushed peanuts. Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water until they are pliable. In a wok or large pan, heat some oil and sauté the garlic and shallots until they are fragrant. Add the shrimp and tofu, along with the cooked noodles. Push the noodles to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs and then mix everything together. Add the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar, adjusting the flavors to your liking. Finally, toss in the bean sprouts and crushed peanuts before serving.
Another classic Thai dish is Green Curry, a spicy and aromatic curry that is packed with flavor. To make Green Curry, you’ll need green curry paste, coconut milk, chicken or your choice of protein, Thai basil, eggplant, bamboo shoots, and kaffir lime leaves. Start by heating some oil in a pan and frying the green curry paste until it becomes fragrant. Add the chicken or protein of your choice and cook until it is browned. Add the coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and eggplant. Simmer until the vegetables are cooked through. Finally, add the Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves and simmer for a few more minutes before serving. Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try making Som Tum, a refreshing Thai green papaya salad. To make Som Tum, you’ll need green papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, garlic, chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and shrimp paste. Start by pounding garlic and chilies together in a mortar and pestle. Add the green beans and pound them until they are slightly bruised. Add the cherry tomatoes and continue pounding until they release some of their juices. Add the shredded green papaya and lightly pound to combine. In a separate bowl, mix the fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and shrimp paste. Pour this dressing over the papaya mixture and toss everything together. Finally, sprinkle with peanuts before serving.
Whether you’re a spice lover or appreciate vibrant flavors, Thai cuisine offers a wide range of dishes for every palate. Through these classic recipes, you can experience the unique and delightful flavors of Thailand right in your own kitchen. Dare to explore the world of Thai cooking and enjoy the aromatic and flavorful journey it has to offer.