10 Must-Try Thailand Recipes You Can Make At Home

Discover the vibrant world of Thai cuisine with these 10 essential recipes.

Thai food is celebrated for its bold flavors, fragrant spices, and harmonious balance of taste. From iconic street foods to comforting curries, these dishes capture the essence of Thailand’s culinary heritage.

Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, these recipes will guide you through creating authentic Thai meals in your own kitchen.

1. Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a quintessential Thai street food known for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. This stir-fried noodle dish features rice noodles tossed with shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and bean sprouts, all coated in a tangy and slightly sweet tamarind sauce.

Fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro are added just before serving, providing a burst of freshness and brightness to this classic dish. Pad Thai is both flavorful and versatile, making it a favorite among Thai cuisine enthusiasts.

Ingredients: Rice noodles, shrimp, peanuts, bean sprouts, tamarind paste, fish sauce, lime.

Variations: Swap shrimp for chicken, beef, or tofu depending on your preference. Adjust the amount of chili powder to make it as spicy or mild as you like. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added crunch.

2. Thai Green Curry

Thai Green Curry is renowned for its aromatic and creamy qualities. Made with green curry paste and coconut milk, this dish features a blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s typically cooked with chicken and a variety of vegetables like bamboo shoots and bell peppers, simmered in a fragrant coconut broth.

The addition of fresh basil leaves at the end enhances the curry with a burst of herbal freshness. This curry is best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the rich and flavorful sauce.

Ingredients: Coconut milk, green curry paste, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, basil, chicken.

Variations: For a vegetarian alternative, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth. You can also experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to suit your taste.

3. Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour Thai soup that’s beloved for its bold and tangy flavors. This aromatic soup features shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh herbs simmered in a clear broth flavored with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal.

The addition of fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste creates a perfect balance of heat and acidity. Tom Yum Goong is often served with a side of jasmine rice and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Ingredients: Shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, lime juice, chili paste.

Variations: Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu, and adjust the amount of chili paste based on your spice preference. Adding a splash of coconut milk can also mellow out the soup’s heat.

4. Thai Basil Chicken

Thai Basil Chicken is a savory and spicy stir-fry dish featuring ground chicken cooked with fresh basil leaves, garlic, and chili peppers.

The dish is seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar, creating a complex flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly sweet.

Served over rice, this dish makes for a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients: Ground chicken, basil, garlic, chilies, soy sauce, fish sauce.

Variations: You can use ground pork or beef instead of chicken. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.

5. Mango Sticky Rice

Mango Sticky Rice is a traditional Thai dessert that combines sweet, creamy coconut milk-soaked sticky rice with ripe, juicy mango slices. This simple yet delightful dessert is often enjoyed during mango season and provides a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

The sticky rice is cooked with coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt, creating a smooth and velvety texture that pairs beautifully with fresh mango.

Ingredients: Sticky rice, coconut milk, sugar, salt, ripe mango.

Variations: Top the dessert with toasted sesame seeds or coconut flakes for added texture. You can also drizzle extra coconut milk on top for a richer taste.

6. Thai Red Curry

Thai Red Curry is known for its deep, rich flavors and vibrant red color, which comes from red curry paste. This curry is made with coconut milk, which provides a creamy base that complements the spicy curry paste.

Chicken or tofu is typically used, along with vegetables like bell peppers and bamboo shoots. The curry is garnished with fresh basil leaves and served with jasmine rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients: Red curry paste, coconut milk, chicken or tofu, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, basil.

Variations: Substitute chicken with beef, pork, or shrimp. Adjust the amount of curry paste to control the spiciness, and experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini or carrots.

7. Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

Som Tum, or Thai Papaya Salad, is a refreshing and tangy salad made from shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, and peanuts. The salad is tossed in a spicy lime dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers, giving it a zesty and vibrant flavor.

This dish is a popular street food and is often enjoyed as a light appetizer or side dish. The combination of crisp papaya and crunchy peanuts provides a delightful contrast in texture.

Ingredients: Green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, lime juice, fish sauce, chili peppers.

Variations: Add shredded carrots or green beans for extra crunch. Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice tolerance, and use tamarind paste for a slightly different flavor.

8. Thai Fried Rice

Thai Fried Rice is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that incorporates jasmine rice stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of protein. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce and often includes ingredients like carrots, peas, and green onions.

Thai Fried Rice is perfect for using up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite add-ins. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that works well for both lunch and dinner.

Ingredients: Jasmine rice, egg, carrots, peas, green onions, soy sauce, chicken or tofu.

Variations: Use shrimp, beef, or pork in place of chicken. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra vegetables. Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added flavor.

9. Thai Chicken Satay

Thai Chicken Satay features skewered and grilled chicken marinated in a flavorful mix of coconut milk, curry powder, and spices. The chicken is served with a creamy and slightly spicy peanut sauce for dipping.

This popular Thai appetizer is perfect for parties or as a tasty snack. The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful bites.

Ingredients: Chicken breast, coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, soy sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice.

Variations: Substitute chicken with beef or tofu for different flavor profiles. You can also adjust the spice level of the peanut sauce by adding more or less chili paste.

10. Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

Tom Kha Gai is a soothing and aromatic Thai soup made with coconut milk, chicken, and a blend of fragrant herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal.

The soup is lightly spicy and tangy, with a creamy coconut base that complements the tender chicken and mushrooms.

Tom Kha Gai is often served with a side of jasmine rice and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Ingredients: Coconut milk, chicken, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, mushrooms, fish sauce, lime juice.

Variations: For a vegetarian version, use tofu and vegetable broth. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or bamboo shoots for additional texture and flavor.