Thai Food

Using the right marinade can make the difference between an amazing meal and a mediocre one. Though I am constantly trying other types, I've found the best marinades come from Thai cuisine. It's the sweet-sour flavor combined with spice and just the right amount of saltiness that does it for me. The good thing is, you needn't go out to a Thai restuarant or buy a Thai marinade to get that wonderful flavor. Instead, make your own Thai marinade easily at home with one of these Top Thai Marinade Recipes. As a bonus, most of these marinades can also be served as a side sauce when you're ready to serve - just reserve a little of the marinade when you're making it, and you have a ready-to-eat sauce to drizzle over your finished creation, adding even more taste-satisfaction. ENJOY! (pictured: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce Marinade, photo & recipe by D. Schmidt)

Celebrate the warmth of early summer by whipping up one of these beautiful Thai Dessert Recipes. Light and tropical-tasting, with a pleasant hint of the exotic, these desserts are perfect for late spring/early summer eating and will be sure to please one and all. And as a bonus, Thai desserts are naturally lower in fat and calories than most Western-style desserts, while remaining high in flavor, texture, and taste, so you don't have to feel guilty eating them (and second-helpings are allowed!). Many are also lactose and gluten free as well as vegan, which makes it easy to please everyone if you happen to be cooking for a crowd this weekend. ENJOY! (pictured: Mango-Pineapple Upsidedown Cake with Caramel Sauce, photo & recipe by D. Schmidt)

It's nearly summer, and that means salmon is back in season! But don't fall into the rut of always cooking this delectable fish the same way. For a little culinary inspiration, check out these amazing Top Thai Salmon Recipes! The 'big four flavors' of Thai cuisine (sweet, sour, salty, and spicy) marry extremely well with salmon, providing plenty of taste without overwhelming the rich flavor of the fish. And the marinades/sauces that make up these dishes are good for you too: low in fat and calories, but very high in taste - a perfect compliment to the health benefits of salmon. Give one a try for dinner tonight! (shown here: Fillet of Salmon in a Tangy Thai Sauce - photo & recipe by D.Schmidt)

Summer is just around the corner, and what could be more summery to serve at dinner than a fresh & beautiful new salad? These incredible-tasting Thai Salad Recipes will have you loving your salad and eating plenty of it! Refreshingly original, Thai salads are incredibly scrumptious, amazingly healthy, plus low in fat and calories (many of my readers have written in to tell me they have been losing weight since trying my salads).  In fact, Thai salads are so flavorful, you forget all about needing a heavy dressing to achieve total taste satsifaction.  Great as side dishes for any meal OR as your main course, Thai salads are eye-catchingly beautiful and wonderful to serve guests as well as family - they tend to impress at any kind of get-together. Here's to a fresh & flavor-exciting salad season ahead! (shown here: Thai Pomelo/Grapefruit Salad)

If you enjoy sweet & sour dishes from Chinese or Thai restaurants, I encourage you to try making it at home with this fantastic Thai Sweet & Sour Chicken. This recipe isn't difficult to make, and you'll love the results. It's fresher tasting than most restaurant sweet & sour dishes, and not as heavy or 'bready' (the restaurant's way of creating bulk). In Thailand, sweet & sour dishes are very popular, and though they do come from the Chinese tradition and are similar, you'll notice a few Thai additions that give the dish more depth of flavor. If you're a sweet and sour fan, put this recipe on your 'must make' list, and ENJOY!

Summer is just around the corner, so why not celebrate by serving up a fresh & oh so scrumptious Thai salad? A dinner salad can be a delicious start to summer eating, especially if it's as hearty and satisfying as this scrumptious Thai Waterfall Beef Salad, which provides a feast of flavor and richness in every bite. This special Thai dish is based on the famous "Waterfall Beef" served on the streets in Thailand, so called because of the splashing sound of juices over a hot grill. But you don't need to cook outside to make this dish; you can do it easily in your oven too (perfect for 'ify' early summer cooking!). The beef is sliced thinly and served over a mixture of salad greens with a special Thai dressing that marries beautifully with the meat. Serve as the main course for a nutritious, delicious dinner that's naturally high in protein and low in carbs. And welcome summer eating! (photo by D.Schmidt)

Celebrate the warmth of the early summer by whipping up one of these beautiful Thai Dessert Recipes. Light and tropical-tasting, with a pleasant hint of the exotic, these desserts are perfect for late spring/early summer eating and will be sure to please one and all. And as a bonus, Thai desserts are naturally lower in fat and calories than most Western-style desserts, while remaining high in flavor, texture, and taste, so you don't have to feel guilty eating them (and second-helpings are allowed!). Many are also lactose and gluten free as well as vegan, which makes it easy to please everyone if you happen to be cooking for a crowd this weekend. ENJOY! (pictured: Mango-Pineapple Upsidedown Cake with Caramel Sauce, photo & recipe by D. Schmidt)

Grilled chicken is a favorite with everyone, and if you haven't yet tried grilled Thai chicken, you're in for a pleasant surprise. The grilled chicken tradition in Thailand is long and very developed, with many centuries of spices and flavorings added generation by generation. These days, Thai chefs call for fresh ingredients plus traditional sauces and spices that turn into incredible marinades/sauces to marry beautifully with chicken. Whether you're looking for a simple grilled recipe to enjoy with your family or want to try cooking up a special dinner for friends, check out these Best Thai BBQ/Grilled Chicken Recipes! And if the weather doesn't cooperate, many of these recipes can also be cooked indoor in your oven. (pictured: new Thai Mango Grilled Chicken, photo by D. Schmidt)

Grill up something fantabulous this weekend with one of these Thai Grilling/BBQ Recipes! When it comes to grilling, few cuisines can match Thai's incredible depth of flavor. In Thailand many of the very best dishes are cooked outside on a makeshift grill or brazier, often right on the beach. The following recipes are taken from this wonderful grilling tradition, calling for fresh ingredients that turn into incredible gourmet-good dishes you'll be proud to serve. Whether you're looking for a simple grilled recipe to enjoy with your family or want to try cooking up a special dinner for friends, the exquisite flavors of Thai cuisine are sure to please! (pictured: Grilled Shrimp Brochettes, photo by D. Schmidt)

For a beef recipe that really sings with flavor, check out this popular Thai Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. This dish is even more delicious than the Chinese version, with more depth of flavor and slightly more spice (this can be adjusted according to your liking). The beef is cut thinly and stir-fried quickly and easily together with broccoli, red pepper, and a delicious stir-fry sauce. The broccoli really works in this dish, as it fully absorbs the sauce and provides that nice added bit of crunch. Serve with plain steamed jasmine rice for an easy Asian comfort food dish your family will absolutely love. (photo by D.Schmidt)