Thai cuisine offers a delightful blend of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour flavors that can transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia.
These authentic recipes bring the vibrant spirit of Thailand right to your home kitchen, allowing you to enjoy favorite dishes without ordering takeout.
You can easily recreate popular Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice with simple ingredients found at most grocery stores.
Many of these recipes take less than 30 minutes to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners.
From healthy vegetable stir-fries to comforting coconut soups, Thai food offers something for everyone.
1. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most famous dishes. This stir-fried noodle dish combines rice noodles with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
The authentic recipe includes tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar for the signature tangy sauce.
You can customize your Pad Thai with protein options like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Traditional garnishes include crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili flakes.
The key to great Pad Thai is preparation – have all ingredients ready before you start cooking as the process moves quickly.
You can make this restaurant favorite at home in under 30 minutes with the right ingredients and technique.
2. Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a world-famous Thai soup known for its hot and sour flavor profile. This delicious soup is infused with aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime leaves.
There are two popular versions of this soup. The classic version has a clear broth, while the creamy version has become very popular in Thailand in recent years.
The name breaks down simply: “Tom” means boiling, “Yum” means mixed, and “Goong” refers to shrimp, the protein most commonly used in this soup.
Key ingredients include bird’s eye chilies for heat and nam prik pao (Thai chili paste) which adds depth of flavor. Mushrooms are also commonly added for texture.
3. Green Curry
Green curry is a popular Thai dish known for its vibrant color and rich, aromatic flavor. You can make it in just 30 minutes using store-bought curry paste, or create your own paste from scratch for a more authentic experience.
Traditional Thai green curry combines coconut milk with green curry paste, chicken (or tofu), and vegetables.
The dish requires no special ingredients and can be prepared in a single skillet.
For the best results, try the traditional cooking method without added oil. Many home cooks find their version tastes even better than restaurant curry.
Simply brown your protein with some garlic, shallots, and green onions before adding the other ingredients.
4. Massaman Curry
Massaman curry is a rich, slightly sweet Thai dish that combines Thai and Indian influences. This hearty curry typically includes meat (often chicken or beef), potatoes, and a flavorful sauce made from massaman curry paste.
You can easily make this dish at home with store-bought curry paste or create your own from scratch for more authentic flavor.
The key ingredients in the paste include dried chilies, lemongrass, galangal, and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
When cooking massaman curry, simmer your meat until tender and add potatoes and carrots partway through.
The dish works well as a one-pot meal and is perfect for cooler days when you want something comforting yet flavorful.
5. Thai Red Curry
Thai Red Curry is a flavor-packed dish that combines spicy curry paste with creamy coconut milk. It’s a versatile recipe that works well with chicken, salmon, or vegetables.
The secret to a great Thai Red Curry lies in using quality curry paste. Brands like Maesri are recommended if you want authentic flavor without making paste from scratch.
This comfort food typically includes fish sauce for depth and can be ready in about 30 minutes.
You can customize your curry with bell peppers, kabocha squash, or other vegetables.
For a complete meal, serve your curry over rice or with rice noodles. Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil, plus a squeeze of lime, add brightness to the finished dish.
6. Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai stir-fried noodle dish that’s both simple and flavorful. It features wide, chewy rice noodles coated in a sweet-salty soy sauce mixture.
You can customize this dish with your choice of protein – chicken, beef, or tofu all work well. The dish typically includes eggs and Chinese broccoli (gai lan) for a nice balance of textures.
What makes Pad See Ew special is its homey quality. The noodles are quickly cooked in a hot wok, creating that authentic Thai street food taste.
It’s an easy weeknight meal option that doesn’t require too many specialty ingredients.
You can find fresh rice noodles at Asian markets, or substitute dried wide rice noodles in a pinch.
7. Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai is a comforting Thai coconut chicken soup that balances rich and creamy flavors with tangy and salty notes. The name breaks down to “Tom” meaning soup, “Kha” referring to galangal, and “Gai” meaning chicken.
This authentic soup features key Thai aromatics: lemongrass, galangal, and makrut (kaffir) lime leaves, which infuse the coconut milk base with their distinct flavors.
To prepare Tom Kha Gai, you’ll typically start by bringing chicken stock to a boil with galangal, lemongrass, shallots, and fish sauce. The chicken is then added, followed by coconut milk.
This soup delivers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, sour, and savory flavors that makes it a beloved Thai classic.
8. Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
Som Tum is a vibrant Thai salad made from shredded green papaya. This dish combines sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors in perfect harmony.
To make authentic Som Tum, you’ll need green papaya, garlic, chilies, dried shrimp, green beans, tomatoes, lime, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The ingredients are traditionally pounded together in a mortar and pestle.
The preparation involves bruising the papaya strips with other ingredients to help them absorb the flavors.
For best results, soak the shredded papaya in ice water first, then dry it before mixing.
This refreshing salad makes a perfect side dish or light meal, especially on hot days.
9. Panang Curry
Panang curry is one of Thailand’s most beloved dishes, known for its rich, creamy texture and complex flavor profile. It combines the aromatic qualities of traditional Thai curry with a hint of sweetness and nutty undertones.
The dish features tender meat (often chicken) or vegetables simmered in a fragrant coconut milk sauce infused with panang curry paste.
What makes this curry special is the addition of ground peanuts, which gives it a distinctive rich taste that sets it apart from other Thai curries.
You can easily make this at home by using store-bought curry paste or creating your own from scratch.
Serve your panang curry with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
10. Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
Khao Pad is a popular Thai fried rice dish that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor. It’s typically made with Thai jasmine rice, which gives it a distinctive fragrance.
The dish features a mix of proteins like shrimp or crab, eggs, and vegetables. Garlic, chili peppers, and onions form the aromatic base of this satisfying meal.
What makes Khao Pad special is its seasoning – a combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, and white pepper. A squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro are often added before serving for brightness.
You can easily customize this dish with your favorite proteins and vegetables.
It’s a perfect way to use leftover rice for a quick, delicious meal.
11. Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken)
This spicy Thai stir-fry dish is a classic favorite that you can make in just 10 minutes. Pad Kra Pao features minced or finely chopped chicken cooked with chile peppers, garlic, and shallots.
The dish gets its distinctive flavor from holy basil leaves, though Thai basil can be substituted if holy basil isn’t available. The seasoning combines sweet and spicy elements that create its signature taste.
You can also make this versatile dish with pork or beef instead of chicken.
Typically served with steamed rice and sometimes topped with a fried egg, Pad Kra Pao makes for a quick, satisfying meal that brings authentic Thai flavors to your table.
12. Larb (Thai Spicy Salad)
Larb is a refreshing Thai salad that combines minced meat with fresh herbs and a zesty dressing. It originates from northeastern Thailand and offers a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors.
To make larb, you’ll need minced meat (often chicken or pork), toasted rice powder, lime juice, fish sauce, fresh herbs, and chilies. The toasted rice powder adds a subtle nutty flavor and unique texture.
What makes larb special is its fresh ingredients like mint, cilantro, and basil mixed with crunchy vegetables such as cucumber and red onions.
The dish is both healthy and flavorful, making it perfect for a light meal.
You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or fewer chilies.
13. Moo Pad Krapow (Spicy Basil Pork)
Moo Pad Krapow is a famous Thai stir-fry dish that combines ground pork with fragrant Thai holy basil. This quick meal is a staple in Thailand for good reason.
The dish features ground pork stir-fried with chili peppers, garlic, and shallots. It’s seasoned with a flavorful sauce typically made from soy sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar.
You’ll find this dish served with jasmine rice and often topped with a fried egg (kai dao). The runny yolk mixes perfectly with the spicy meat mixture.
For an authentic version, try to find Thai holy basil, which has a unique peppery flavor different from sweet basil.
This simple yet delicious dish can be on your table in under 20 minutes.
14. Thai Yellow Curry
Thai Yellow Curry is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, potatoes, and onions in a rich coconut sauce. The distinct yellow color comes from turmeric, which is mixed with other Thai aromatics like lemongrass, garlic, and chili.
This curry is easy to make at home and ready in about 40 minutes.
You can adjust the spice level to your preference while maintaining its signature savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Serve your yellow curry over rice for a complete meal. For a fresh contrast, pair it with a simple cucumber salad on the side.
15. Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with Cashew Nuts)
Kai Med Ma Muang, also known as Thai Cashew Chicken, is a popular stir-fry dish with a delicious salty-sweet flavor profile.
You’ll find this dish combines golden brown fried chicken pieces with crunchy cashews and vegetables.
The sauce typically includes oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, light soy sauce, and sugar, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
This Thai favorite is quick to prepare, taking only about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to cook.
When you make this at home, the key is getting a good sear on the chicken before adding the other ingredients. The cashews add a wonderful texture contrast to the tender chicken pieces.
16. Yam Pla Dook Foo (Fried Catfish with Green Mango Salad)
This iconic Thai dish combines crispy, fluffy fried fish with a tangy green mango salad. The contrast of textures and flavors makes it a standout recipe.
Traditionally made with catfish, the fish is first steamed, then deep-fried until it becomes airy and crisp. Some recipes substitute catfish with tilapia or cod with good results.
The green mango salad provides a perfect balance with its tart, fresh taste. This salad includes the classic Thai flavor profile: sour, sweet, salty, and spicy elements all working together.
When you serve this dish, you’ll experience the delightful combination of the light, crispy fish and the bright, zesty salad. It truly represents the best of Thai cuisine’s textural and flavor contrasts.
17. Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Satay skewers are a beloved Thai dish featuring marinated meat (often chicken) grilled on skewers. The real star is the peanut sauce served alongside.
This sauce combines peanut butter, coconut milk, and Thai red curry paste for authentic flavor. You can easily make this at home to rival your favorite Thai restaurant.
The sauce typically includes other ingredients like soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, and fish sauce to create a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
You can cook these skewers on a grill, in the oven, or even in a skillet. The versatility makes it perfect for any cooking setup.
18. Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)
Gaeng Daeng, or Thai Red Curry, is a classic dish known for its spicy coconut milk base. You can prepare this flavorful curry in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
The dish typically features chicken simmered in a rich sauce made from red curry paste and coconut milk. Some versions include kabocha squash, which adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
Despite its name meaning “spicy curry,” you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste. The key to authentic flavor is using quality red curry paste (prik gaeng), which forms the foundation of this beloved Thai dish.
19. Pad Woon Sen (Stir-fried Glass Noodles)
Pad Woon Sen is a classic Thai stir-fry dish featuring chewy glass noodles as the star ingredient. These translucent noodles absorb the savory sauce beautifully, creating a flavorful meal.
The dish combines glass noodles with crunchy vegetables like carrots and cabbage. Eggs are typically added for richness, while the sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
You can enjoy Pad Woon Sen as a meatless meal or customize it with your protein of choice. It’s an excellent option for those new to stir-frying as the technique is straightforward.
For a complete meal, serve your Pad Woon Sen hot with a squeeze of lime for brightness.
20. Yam Talay (Spicy Seafood Salad)
Yam Talay is a vibrant Thai seafood salad that delivers bold flavors. This dish combines fresh seafood like shrimp, squid, and fish with crisp vegetables.
The salad features a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory notes. Its dressing typically includes lime juice, fish sauce, and chili for that signature Thai heat.
Common ingredients include tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and green onions. The seafood is usually briefly cooked before being tossed with fresh herbs and vegetables.
You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This refreshing salad makes an excellent appetizer or light meal, especially on warm days.
21. Khao Soi (Northern Thai Noodle Curry)
Khao Soi is a beloved curry noodle soup from Northern Thailand, especially popular in Chiang Mai. This dish features egg noodles in a rich, creamy coconut milk curry broth.
What makes Khao Soi special is the combination of both soft and crispy noodles. The soft noodles swim in the curry while crispy fried noodles are placed on top for texture.
You can make Khao Soi with chicken, shrimp, or tofu according to your preference. The flavor is complex yet balanced with a hint of spice.
This comforting dish can be prepared in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something flavorful but quick.
Essential Ingredients for Thai Cooking
Thai cuisine relies on a balance of flavors and fresh ingredients. To create authentic Thai dishes at home, you’ll need to stock your pantry with some specific staples that form the foundation of this vibrant cuisine.
Fish Sauce and Its Role
Fish sauce (nam pla) is the backbone of Thai cooking. This amber-colored liquid adds a deep umami flavor that’s essential for authentic Thai taste. Look for bottles labeled “premium” or “first pressing” for the best quality.
Fish sauce is used in nearly everything – from pad thai to curries and dipping sauces. Just a few drops transform dishes by adding saltiness and complexity.
When cooking, start with less than you think you need. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away. A good fish sauce should smell pungent but taste balanced and savory, not overwhelmingly fishy.
Try mixing fish sauce with lime juice, sugar, and chilies to make a simple dipping sauce that showcases its versatility.
The Importance of Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs provide the aromatic foundation that defines Thai cuisine. Thai basil, with its anise-like flavor, differs from Italian basil and adds distinctive character to many dishes.
Cilantro (including roots and stems), mint, and lemongrass are other essential herbs. Lemongrass adds citrusy notes to soups and curries, while kaffir lime leaves contribute a unique floral aroma.
When possible, use fresh rather than dried herbs for the brightest flavors. To keep herbs fresh longer, wrap them in damp paper towels and store in the refrigerator.
Galangal, while technically a rhizome, provides a sharp citrusy flavor different from ginger. It’s essential for authentic tom kha soup and many curry pastes.
Cooking Techniques in Thai Cuisine
Thai cuisine relies on specific cooking methods that bring out the authentic flavors and textures of dishes. Mastering these techniques will help you create restaurant-quality Thai food at home.
Balancing Flavors
The hallmark of Thai cooking is achieving the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. You’ll need to taste as you cook, adjusting ingredients until the balance feels right.
Fish sauce adds saltiness, while lime juice or tamarind paste contributes sourness. Palm sugar or regular sugar provides sweetness, and chili peppers deliver heat.
Start with small amounts of each element and gradually add more until you reach the desired taste profile. This balance varies by region—southern Thai cuisine tends to be spicier, while northern dishes often feature more sour notes.
Don’t hesitate to adjust recipes to your preference. The goal isn’t extreme heat or sourness but rather a harmonious blend where no single flavor dominates.
Wok Cooking for Authentic Taste
A wok is essential for authentic Thai cooking due to its unique heat distribution and ability to quickly stir-fry ingredients.
When using a wok, follow these steps:
- Heat the wok until very hot before adding oil
- Cut ingredients into uniform sizes for even cooking
- Stir constantly to prevent burning
- Cook in small batches to maintain high heat
The high heat creates “wok hei” (breath of the wok), a subtle smoky flavor that’s characteristic of properly prepared Thai stir-fries. Carbon steel woks work best as they heat quickly and evenly.
For stir-frying, use oils with high smoke points like peanut or rice bran oil. Add aromatics like garlic, shallots, and ginger first to infuse the oil with flavor before adding other ingredients.
