• Home
  • About
  • Partner with us
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • About Lovoni’s Lark

Fresh Hunger

a simplistic approach eating thoughtfully & living abundantly

  • Home
  • about
  • recipes
    • Afternoon tea
    • Air-Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Apples
    • Asian Inspired
    • Bacon & Pork
    • Baking & Desserts
    • Beef, Lamb & Wild
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Chicken & Other Birds
    • Condiments & Dressings
    • corn
    • Drinks
    • Entertaining
    • Fast & Fresh
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Game Day Food
    • Grilling
    • Holidays
    • Lunch
    • Low-carb
    • Mains
    • Make-ahead & Freeze
    • Menus
    • Mexican inspired
    • Pies, Tarts & Pastries
    • Salads
    • Salmon
    • Sides & Veggies
    • Seasonal – fall & winter
    • Seasonal – spring & summer
    • Soups, Stews & Casseroles
    • Under 500 Calories
    • Vegetarian
  • cookery help
    • how to
    • from scratch
    • pantry essentials
  • blog
  • Partner with us
  • Contact
  • The Weighting Room

Thai cooking essentials

March 21, 2019 by Lovoni +

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Thai cooking is one of the most exciting, vibrant & flavorsome cuisines in the world. Most of the influence on the Thai cuisine has been by proxy through its neighboring South East Asian countries – Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia & Malaysia – over the course of history, each has had its influence over Thailand.

As with many countries, the dishes vary from one part of Thailand to another. What is a common thread across the country is the exotic aromatics of the spicy, salty, sweet & sour flavors synonymous to Thai recipes. With a few essential ingredients, you can easily replicate authentic Thai flavors so many of us love.

Thai cooking essentials

Almost any Thai recipe will have one or more of these ingredients (from top) – ginger, shallots, Thai red chilies, garlic, galangal. The ginger, chilies & galangal can be stored in the freezer in a seal jar container or re-sealable bag. Galangal, like ginger is a rhizome but unlike ginger, you don’t want to eat it. Galangal infuses soups & stir-fries with its piney, astringent flavor that is so unique & it adds the authenticity to Thai recipes – look for it in Asian markets in the produce section.

Thai cooking essentials

These ingredients (pictured above) give recipes the essential flavors needed for Thai cooking. Once opened, Thai sauces & pastes will keep indefinitely in the fridge as long as they’re sealed. Keep a store of fresh limes to add juice to salads or towards the end of cooking for brightness & sourness. (left to right from the back) – limes, soy sauce (pictured is a Japanese soy I consider to be the best flavored soy), sambal oelek (South East Asian chili paste), shrimp paste (its pungency adds a depth of flavor), dried tamarind (keep in the pantry to rehydrate in boiling water, this also adds sourness to a recipe), curry pastes (there’s an array of Thai curry pastes available – the ones from Asian markets are the best – such as Mae Ploy or Maesri. Both brands are available online & in Asian markets.), palm sugar (store in the pantry, grate it when needed), star anise (beautiful aniseed flavor, store in a jar in the pantry), green peppercorns in brine & sesame oil (store in fridge once opened to prevent oxidation).

Thai cooking essentials

These fresh elements add the bright, floral, herbaceous notes to Thai cooking. (from the back right to left) – Thai basil – easily identified by its purple stem, Thai basil is easy to grow in warmer months. Thai basil imparts a flavor that is so unique to Thai cooking. Lemongrass – bright, citrus flavor, use the white & tender green part only – trim & keep it wrapped up in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for 6 months. Cilantro/coriander – the root of the plant is used to make curry pastes, stems are leaves can both be used in cooking. To store: wrap in paper towel & place in a plastic bag to keep fresh for up to 5 days. Kaffir lime leaves – one leaf is actually two pieces, joined. Kaffir lime leaves are also so uniquely Thai – they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or in a sealed jar in the freezer for 6 months. They’re also available dried. Buy them fresh or frozen from Asian markets. Fresh mint – wrap in paper towel & place in a resealable plastic bag to store. Mint is very easy to grown inside or outside although outside, it will die off over winter but if you keep it in a pot you can bring inside during the winter.

Thai cooking essentials

Fragrant/jasmine rice is consumed with most meals in Thailand. Rice noodles are also popular & are used to make Thai classics such as pad Thai. Coconut milk is used in many Thai curries & in coconut rice. Peanuts are roasted & chopped to add texture & flavor to many recipes.

A wok is a good idea for Thai cooking. Also a large, non-stick frying pan. A food processor ensures easy work when making curry pastes & recipes such as fish cakes.

When setting the Thai table remember – spoons & forks only. Knives are not welcome at the Thai table as they symbolize aggression. And the people of Thailand do not use chops sticks so keep those for your Vietnamese or Chinese meals. Plates & small bowls are both used.

To get started on your Thai cooking journey here are three typical Thai recipes: Thai Fish Cakes, Pork Larb & Coconut Chicken Soup.

share this
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on yummly
Yummly
Share on tumblr
Tumblr
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print

You may also like

  • thai basil mussel & shrimp stir-fry
    Appetizers
    thai basil mussel & shrimp stir-fry
    There are few countries whose cuisine can boast of the exotic allure of Thailand...
  • Thai Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry
    Asian Inspired
    Thai Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry
    During the holiday malarky it's still important to eat right. Wish all you want,...
  • coconut chicken soup
    Asian Inspired
    coconut chicken soup
    Coconut Chicken Soup - 'Tom Kha Gai', its Thai name - is one of the most flavors...
  • pork larb
    Asian Inspired
    pork larb
    Pork larb is an intensely flavored Thai salad - pungent fish sauce, fragrant her...
  • How to cook asparagus perfectly
    Bacon & Pork
    How to cook asparagus perfectly
    For several years I was a big fan of cooking asparagus on the barbecue. I s...
  • Have you been making pesto incorrectly? Here’s how to make it right…
    Condiments & Dressings
    Have you been making pesto incorrectly? Here’s how to make it right…
    If you make your own pesto, you've probably been making it in a food processor. ...

Filed Under: Asian Inspired, How-to... Tagged With: thai, thai cooking, thai ingredients

hello there...

I'm Lovoni - an Aussie living abroad for the last 21 years. Working in food media, I'm a cookbook author; food stylist; cookery teacher & I had a TV food show when I lived in Canada. As a certified nutritionist I believe in nourishment not punishment & love pastry, good wine & afternoon teas. Full of wanderlust, I'm always on the lookout for my next adventure...

Read more...

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
A health, wellness & lifestyle podcast
Subscribe!

for recipes & tips on eating thoughtfully & living abundantly


Archives

Sticky Curry Mango Shrimp - sweet, sticky & ready Sticky Curry Mango Shrimp - sweet, sticky & ready in a jiff. Freshhunger.com for the recipe. 

https://freshhunger.com/2022/12/06/sticky-curry-mango-shrimp/
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstylingandphotography #recipedeveloper #nutritionist #shrimp #shrimprecipes #seafood #mango
Hoisin Beef Noodles. I mean, who doesn’t like a Hoisin Beef Noodles. I mean, who doesn’t like a midweek quickie!? These noodles are sticky, with a touch of sweetness, a little heat (add more heat if you’re like me & love things spicy) and take but mere minutes to cook. Head to freshhunger.com for the full recipe. I’ll also add it in comments below. 
https://freshhunger.com/2023/01/17/hoisin-beef-noodles/
Enjoy! L xo
Have to add these #noodles were inspired by @marionskitchen ‘s cookbook ‘Always Delicious’. Check it out there’s some great recipes in it & her other two cookbooks. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #eggnoodles #hoisin #slurping #foodstylist #foodstylingandphotography #lovoni #nutritionistapproved #eatyourveggies #5aday
30-Minute Creamy Chicken Chili - as the name sugge 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Chili - as the name suggests, this is comes together quickly & is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie or homemade roasted chicken. Wholesome & warming, freezes well. Perfect for a portable lunch or dinner served with a crisp green salad. 
Grab the link: https://freshhunger.com/2023/01/10/30-minute-creamy-chicken-chili/
.
.
.
#chili #chilirecipe #whitebeans #whitebean #freshhunger #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodblogger #foodstylingandphotography #rotisserie #leftovers #freshhunger #lovoni
Our darling mum passed away last year. I hear her Our darling mum passed away last year. I hear her voice every day offering support & advice. One of my favourites is this simple ‘start how you want to finish’ advice. It was told to her when she decided she’d take care of her mum, my nan, at home when she became very ill & needed around the clock care. 
As a new year lies before us & we can make it anything we want. So go forth how you want to continue. For me that’s with intent, small reasonable goals, simplifying home & life where possible & taking care of myself both my mental & physical health. 
Last year was a fucker, this year I’m taking care of me. We are nothing without our health. 
Happy 2023 to those who’ve stuck around with me, especially during my absence over the last 12 months, & to the newcomers who’ve joined the Fresh Hunger community. Thank you for your support. I’ve got some fun, helpful projects coming your way I can’t wait to share with you all. L xo
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #quotestoliveby #quotesdaily #2023goals #2023planner #newyeargoals
Brie Apple Cherry & Almond Tarts - grab the recipe Brie Apple Cherry & Almond Tarts - grab the recipe for these delicious bites on freshhunger.com
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #brietarts #christmasappetizers #pastry #pastrylove #brie #bakedbrie #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #foodphotography
Pear & Ricotta Cake: it’s gluten-free with a bea Pear & Ricotta Cake: it’s gluten-free with a beautiful moist crumb, seasonal & festive. Serve it with a dollop of clotted cream & call it done! Add this dessert-like cake to your holiday menu. Click link in profile for the recipe. L xo

https://freshhunger.com/2022/12/06/pear-ricotta-cake/
.
.
.
.
.
.
#glutenfree #glutenfreerecipes #ricotta #pears #uspears #photooftheday #freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #foodphotography #foodphotographer
Sticky Curry Mango Shrimp - sweet, sticky & ready Sticky Curry Mango Shrimp - sweet, sticky & ready in a jiff. Freshhunger.com for the recipe. 

https://freshhunger.com/2022/12/06/sticky-curry-mango-shrimp/
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstylingandphotography #recipedeveloper #nutritionist #shrimp #shrimprecipes #seafood #mango
Hoisin Beef Noodles. I mean, who doesn’t like a Hoisin Beef Noodles. I mean, who doesn’t like a midweek quickie!? These noodles are sticky, with a touch of sweetness, a little heat (add more heat if you’re like me & love things spicy) and take but mere minutes to cook. Head to freshhunger.com for the full recipe. I’ll also add it in comments below. 
https://freshhunger.com/2023/01/17/hoisin-beef-noodles/
Enjoy! L xo
Have to add these #noodles were inspired by @marionskitchen ‘s cookbook ‘Always Delicious’. Check it out there’s some great recipes in it & her other two cookbooks. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #eggnoodles #hoisin #slurping #foodstylist #foodstylingandphotography #lovoni #nutritionistapproved #eatyourveggies #5aday
30-Minute Creamy Chicken Chili - as the name sugge 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Chili - as the name suggests, this is comes together quickly & is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie or homemade roasted chicken. Wholesome & warming, freezes well. Perfect for a portable lunch or dinner served with a crisp green salad. 
Grab the link: https://freshhunger.com/2023/01/10/30-minute-creamy-chicken-chili/
.
.
.
#chili #chilirecipe #whitebeans #whitebean #freshhunger #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodblogger #foodstylingandphotography #rotisserie #leftovers #freshhunger #lovoni
Our darling mum passed away last year. I hear her Our darling mum passed away last year. I hear her voice every day offering support & advice. One of my favourites is this simple ‘start how you want to finish’ advice. It was told to her when she decided she’d take care of her mum, my nan, at home when she became very ill & needed around the clock care. 
As a new year lies before us & we can make it anything we want. So go forth how you want to continue. For me that’s with intent, small reasonable goals, simplifying home & life where possible & taking care of myself both my mental & physical health. 
Last year was a fucker, this year I’m taking care of me. We are nothing without our health. 
Happy 2023 to those who’ve stuck around with me, especially during my absence over the last 12 months, & to the newcomers who’ve joined the Fresh Hunger community. Thank you for your support. I’ve got some fun, helpful projects coming your way I can’t wait to share with you all. L xo
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #quotestoliveby #quotesdaily #2023goals #2023planner #newyeargoals
Brie Apple Cherry & Almond Tarts - grab the recipe Brie Apple Cherry & Almond Tarts - grab the recipe for these delicious bites on freshhunger.com
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #brietarts #christmasappetizers #pastry #pastrylove #brie #bakedbrie #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #foodphotography
Pear & Ricotta Cake: it’s gluten-free with a bea Pear & Ricotta Cake: it’s gluten-free with a beautiful moist crumb, seasonal & festive. Serve it with a dollop of clotted cream & call it done! Add this dessert-like cake to your holiday menu. Click link in profile for the recipe. L xo

https://freshhunger.com/2022/12/06/pear-ricotta-cake/
.
.
.
.
.
.
#glutenfree #glutenfreerecipes #ricotta #pears #uspears #photooftheday #freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #foodphotography #foodphotographer
Sticky Curry Mango Shrimp - sweet, sticky & ready Sticky Curry Mango Shrimp - sweet, sticky & ready in a jiff. Freshhunger.com for the recipe. 

https://freshhunger.com/2022/12/06/sticky-curry-mango-shrimp/
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstylingandphotography #recipedeveloper #nutritionist #shrimp #shrimprecipes #seafood #mango
Hoisin Beef Noodles. I mean, who doesn’t like a Hoisin Beef Noodles. I mean, who doesn’t like a midweek quickie!? These noodles are sticky, with a touch of sweetness, a little heat (add more heat if you’re like me & love things spicy) and take but mere minutes to cook. Head to freshhunger.com for the full recipe. I’ll also add it in comments below. 
https://freshhunger.com/2023/01/17/hoisin-beef-noodles/
Enjoy! L xo
Have to add these #noodles were inspired by @marionskitchen ‘s cookbook ‘Always Delicious’. Check it out there’s some great recipes in it & her other two cookbooks. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #eggnoodles #hoisin #slurping #foodstylist #foodstylingandphotography #lovoni #nutritionistapproved #eatyourveggies #5aday
30-Minute Creamy Chicken Chili - as the name sugge 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Chili - as the name suggests, this is comes together quickly & is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie or homemade roasted chicken. Wholesome & warming, freezes well. Perfect for a portable lunch or dinner served with a crisp green salad. 
Grab the link: https://freshhunger.com/2023/01/10/30-minute-creamy-chicken-chili/
.
.
.
#chili #chilirecipe #whitebeans #whitebean #freshhunger #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodblogger #foodstylingandphotography #rotisserie #leftovers #freshhunger #lovoni
Our darling mum passed away last year. I hear her Our darling mum passed away last year. I hear her voice every day offering support & advice. One of my favourites is this simple ‘start how you want to finish’ advice. It was told to her when she decided she’d take care of her mum, my nan, at home when she became very ill & needed around the clock care. 
As a new year lies before us & we can make it anything we want. So go forth how you want to continue. For me that’s with intent, small reasonable goals, simplifying home & life where possible & taking care of myself both my mental & physical health. 
Last year was a fucker, this year I’m taking care of me. We are nothing without our health. 
Happy 2023 to those who’ve stuck around with me, especially during my absence over the last 12 months, & to the newcomers who’ve joined the Fresh Hunger community. Thank you for your support. I’ve got some fun, helpful projects coming your way I can’t wait to share with you all. L xo
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #quotestoliveby #quotesdaily #2023goals #2023planner #newyeargoals
Brie Apple Cherry & Almond Tarts - grab the recipe Brie Apple Cherry & Almond Tarts - grab the recipe for these delicious bites on freshhunger.com
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #brietarts #christmasappetizers #pastry #pastrylove #brie #bakedbrie #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #foodphotography
Pear & Ricotta Cake: it’s gluten-free with a bea Pear & Ricotta Cake: it’s gluten-free with a beautiful moist crumb, seasonal & festive. Serve it with a dollop of clotted cream & call it done! Add this dessert-like cake to your holiday menu. Click link in profile for the recipe. L xo

https://freshhunger.com/2022/12/06/pear-ricotta-cake/
.
.
.
.
.
.
#glutenfree #glutenfreerecipes #ricotta #pears #uspears #photooftheday #freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #foodphotography #foodphotographer

Copyright © 2023 · Fresh Hunger · Designer Blogs