You may know Thai cuisine for its spicy reputation but there is a whole other level of complexity to this delicious cuisine. It requires balancing sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy.
Thai cuisine has been influenced by regional ingredients and surrounding cultures. Southern Thailand’s known for seafood, coconut milk, and spicier flavors. Central Thailand likes to incorporate jasmine rice and has a Chinese influence, while Northeastern Thailand opts for sticky rice and stronger flavor profiles.
Read on to discover the different dishes and chef secrets. This detailed guide will help you become a culinary master.
Here are the best tips for cooking authentic Thai food.
Learn About Thai Culture and Traditions
Healthy snacks, like homemade soup or fresh fruit, are popular in Thailand. When it comes to sweeteners, coconut sugar and palm sugar are a favorite throughout Asia. When it comes to dairy -forget about it, instead opt for some sweetened coconut milk.
Use Only Fresh Ingredients
Food markets are common in Thailand. You can visit your nearest Asian grocery store to purchase fresh ingredients from Thailand. You have the option to stock up on most ingredients and replenish them as needed. Thai food is all about layering flavors and you can get the best flavors from using fresh ingredients.
Benefit from the Herbs and Fresh Ingredients
Cooking with the right herbs and ingredients can have health benefits. For example, ginger can help treat the common cold and aid digestion. Turmeric’s an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Use Fish Sauce, Not Salt
Fish sauce has proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Its omega-3 comes from anchovies and sardines. Check the ingredients to ensure it only contains fish, salt, and sugar.
Include More Broth
The broth is how Thais limit oil in stir-fry noodles. You’ll add a small amount of oil in the beginning to fry the garlic and extract the garlic flavor. When you turn up the heat, add your sauces to create your broth to the fried garlic to get perfectly cooked and delicious stir-fry noodles.
Cook Fast and Over High Heat
Thai food is fast to create and healthy to eat. Traditionally you would heat up a wok to get that high heat temperature, but if you don’t have a wok at home just make sure your pan is very hot before throwing your ingredients in! By cooking the food over high heat, you’ll maintain the nutrients commonly lost in longer cooking times. Not only will it be more nutritious, but you’ll also enjoy more texture and a natural flavor.
Balance Nutrients and Sides
Thai meals are balanced in flavor and for the body. When you’re having a heavy meal with coconut milk or deep-fried, serve a side of fresh vegetables with it. These foods will aid in digestion, provide health benefits, and improve the flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Authentic Thai Food
What you eat matters. Food plays a major role in your physical and mental well-being. The following are the top health benefits of authentic Thai food:
- Balances proteins, fats, and carbs
- Offers vitamins and minerals
- Herbs and spices health benefits and protection
The ingredients you cook with make all the difference for your well-being. For instance, glass noodles have unexpected benefits when consumed. Incorporating them in dishes could help combat and maybe even prevent certain diseases and disorders.
Cook Smarter, Not Harder
You can start cooking authentic Thai food with what you read today. This quick guide has the hottest tips. By using the right ingredients and ingredients, you’ll enjoy a complex Thai dish.
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