Thai Cooking is a unique style of cooking, one that is very different from contemporary western cooking. The Western system requires exact measurements, while Thai cooking relies more on improvisation. Because of the nuances of the system, internalizing it can be difficult. Although this site does include recipes and measurements, it can be difficult to grasp all the subtleties of Thai cuisine. Four key elements of Thai cooking are flavor, heat, texture, and balance.
Recipes
There are a large number of recipes for Thai food. Although most are homestyle, there are also some traditional recipes from Thailand that are available in cookbooks. Many of these recipes are very adaptable and use ingredients that are easily available in the United States. The key to Thai cooking is balancing the flavor of the dish.
Thais are huge fans of steamed fish and usually steam it in a steamer. They then make a sauce while it cooks and pour it over the fish. A popular choice among families and kids alike is the steamed fish with ginger and shiitake mushrooms. Others enjoy a spicy, tart sauce or a garlic and lime sauce.
Ingredients
Thai cuisine is a blend of many influences. Its long land borders have led to many differences in ingredients and climate. Early traders from India and China introduced dried and fresh spices to the region. Many of these ingredients are used in Thai cooking today. The following are some important Thai ingredients. They can be found in most Thai dishes:
The first step in Thai cooking is to grind spices. You can use a food processor or use a mortar and pestle. A mortar and pestle is more traditional. You can also use a spice mill. Make sure to measure the spices into small ramekins. Next, line up your vegetables and sauces in the order in which you’d like them to be cooked.
Techniques
The Thai cuisine uses a variety of cooking techniques to bring out the true flavors of the ingredients. Stir-frying and deep-frying are some of the most common methods used in Thai cooking. These cooking methods usually use large amounts of oil and heat. The ingredients are submerged in the hot oil until they are cooked to a crispy crisp. The most popular Thai food prepared in this way is the spring roll, or poh pia tod.
Lime is the primary ingredient used in Thai cooking, but lemongrass is also commonly used. Both lemongrass and tamarind are used to impart their unique floral and sour flavor. These ingredients can be purchased at most Asian grocery stores.
Variations
Thai cooking is a complex combination of flavors and textures. It has elements of both hot and sour, sweet and salty. A little of each is present in almost every dish, and each dish has a unique flavor profile. Thai cooking styles include a wide variety of ingredients and cooking techniques.
Thai cooking is divided into four regions, each with its own distinctive characteristics and flavors. In southern Thailand, spicy flavours are prevalent. Turmeric is a signature ingredient used in almost every dish. This spice helps heal stomach ulcers. In northern Thailand, cooler climates and mountainous terrain call for less-spicy and more hearty dishes.
Cultures
The cuisine of Thailand is a mix of different cultures. It is characterized by a unique balance of flavors and spices. Lemongrass and galangal, both related to ginger, are key ingredients. These citrus-scented spices add brightness to dishes. The cuisine also uses cilantro, coriander seeds, shallots, and garlic.
Thai food is influenced by the cultures of Burma and Laos. This cuisine features main dishes accompanied by rice, such as Khao Soi and Kaeng Hangle.
Style
Thai cooking style is characterized by the use of fresh seafood. Fresh seafood is often eaten with sweet and sour flavored dips. The use of coconut milk is common, providing a rich texture to soups and curries, and it is an important ingredient in Thai cuisine. Coconut milk is also widely used in desserts.
The Thai cooking style has evolved over the centuries. It has many different regional variations. The Central region focuses on sweet, sour, and salty flavors. Most of the soups are served alongside jasmine rice. Northern Thailand features dishes with hot and sour flavors, originating from the mountainous regions.
