What makes a Thai recipe easy?
The easiest Thai dishes share three things: a short ingredient list, one hot pan or pot, and a cooking time under 30 minutes. Street-food classics like basil stir-fries and fried rice were designed to be cooked to order in minutes, which makes them perfect for home kitchens.
Most of the effort is in preparation. Slice your protein, mince your garlic and chilies, and mix your sauce before you turn on the heat. Once the wok is hot, Thai cooking moves quickly.
Easy Thai dishes to try first
Thai basil chicken (pad kra pao)
Minced chicken, garlic, chilies and holy basil, ready in about 15 minutes and served over rice with a crispy fried egg.
Read the guide →Thai fried rice (khao pad)
The best use for day-old jasmine rice. Egg, onion, a splash of fish sauce and a squeeze of lime.
Read the guide →Pad Thai
A little more prep, but once your tamarind sauce is mixed it comes together in one pan.
Read the guide →Thai green curry
With a good store-bought curry paste, a weeknight green curry takes about 30 minutes.
Read the guide →Mango sticky rice
A simple dessert of soaked and steamed glutinous rice with sweet coconut sauce and ripe mango.
Read the guide →Pantry staples for easy Thai cooking
Keep fish sauce, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, palm or brown sugar, jasmine rice, coconut milk and a jar of curry paste on hand. With fresh garlic, shallots, chilies and limes, you can cook dozens of Thai dishes without a special shopping trip.
Tips for better results
Taste and balance
Thai cooking balances salty, sweet, sour and spicy. Taste at the end and adjust with fish sauce, sugar, lime or chili.
Use high heat
A very hot pan gives stir-fries their smoky flavor. Cook in small batches so the pan stays hot.
Add herbs last
Basil, cilantro and lime leaves lose their aroma quickly. Stir them in just before serving.
