Thai All the Way! Easy Recipes: Drinks Salad Main & Dessert

A Symphony of Flavor: Discover Thai Cuisine
Thai food is a vibrant celebration of contrasts—sweet and spicy, sour and salty—all dancing together in perfect balance. Rooted in centuries of tradition and regional diversity, each dish tells a story through its bold herbs, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients. From the fiery kick of a green curry to the comforting richness of Pad Thai, Thai cuisine awakens the senses and invites you to savor every bite.

Here’s a super easy Thai Iced Tea recipe that tastes just like the one from your favorite Thai restaurant:

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 2 cups water

• 2 tablespoons Thai tea mix (like ChaTraMue brand)

• 2–3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

• 1/4 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half (for topping)

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Boil the Tea:

   • Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.

   • Add 2 tbsp of Thai tea mix. Boil for 3–5 minutes.

2. Strain & Sweeten:

   • Strain the tea leaves using a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

   • Stir in sugar and condensed milk while the tea is still hot.

3. Chill:

   • Let the tea cool slightly, then refrigerate until cold.

4. Serve:

   • Fill a glass with ice.

   • Pour chilled tea over the ice.

   • Top with a splash of evaporated milk or half-and-half. Stir gently.

Here’s a simple and delicious Pad Thai recipe you can try at home:

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 150g (5 oz) rice noodles

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 150g chicken, shrimp, or tofu (optional)

• 1 egg

• 1 cup bean sprouts

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

• Crushed peanuts & lime wedges (for garnish)

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)

• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or 1 tbsp lime juice + ½ tbsp brown sugar)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep Noodles:

   • Soak rice noodles in warm water for 30–45 minutes until soft, then drain.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

3. Cook Protein:

   • Heat oil in a wok or pan. Add chicken/shrimp/tofu and cook until done.

4. Add Garlic & Egg:

   • Add garlic, stir for a few seconds, then push everything aside.

   • Crack in the egg, scramble, and mix.

5. Add Noodles & Sauce:

   • Toss in noodles and pour the sauce over. Stir-fry until noodles are coated and slightly caramelized.

6. Final Touch:

   • Add bean sprouts and green onions. Stir briefly.

7. Serve:

   • Plate your Pad Thai and top with crushed peanuts, a lime wedge, and more chili if you like heat.

Here’s a quick and easy Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum) recipe — spicy, tangy, and bursting with flavor!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups green (unripe) papaya, shredded

• 1 small tomato, sliced

• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts

• 1–2 garlic cloves

• 1–2 Thai chilies (adjust to your spice level)

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegan)

• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)

• ½ cup green beans, cut into short pieces (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Papaya:

   • Peel and shred the green papaya using a julienne peeler or grater. Set aside in a bowl.

2. Make the Dressing:

   • In a mortar and pestle (or use a bowl and spoon), pound garlic and chilies until crushed.

   • Add palm sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce. Mix until sugar dissolves.

3. Combine:

   • Add shredded papaya, tomato, green beans, and peanuts to the dressing. Lightly pound or mix to combine and soften the papaya slightly.

4. Serve:

   • Plate the salad, top with extra peanuts and a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Best served fresh and slightly chilled.

• Pairs well with sticky rice or grilled meats.

• For a vegan version, skip the fish sauce and use soy sauce or tamari.

Enjoy the flavors of Thai Cuisine!