How to Cook Thai Food

By Tamarind in Wethersfield and Thai Palace in Bloomfield

Not a lot of people are familiar with Thai food or how to cook it, but it’s delicious and is worth a try if you’re in the mood for something different.

A Thai meal generally consists of soup or salad, a main course, a dip, and a side or two. Also, the portions are pretty small. Most Thai dishes are relatively easy to cook, and the preparation is not an exact science. Measuring cups are unimportant, and recipes are more of a guide than a set of instructions. Don’t be afraid to tailor your cooking to suit your tastes.

With Thai food, there is a balance of flavors, and it is not just limited to sweet versus sour and spicy versus salty. All of the flavors work together to balance one another out, allowing your taste buds to appreciate all the elements of the meal.

In order to achieve the necessary balance, there are several quintessential ingredients that are found in virtually every Thai meal. These items include rice, fish sauce, coconut milk, chili peppers, lemongrass, and a meat.

Other common seasoning in Thai food include galingale (khaa), black pepper, ground peanut, tamarind juice, and ginger.

When you’re cooking a Thai meal, be prepared to take a lot of time doing so. A Thai meal involves a lot peeling, chopping, and pounding so you need time to prepare for it!