Food

Best Finger/Party Foods from the Thai Kitchen!

Top Thai Finger Foods

Surprise your friends and family with a delicious Thai appetizer or party food treat! Your guests will be 'wowed' when they bite into these fresh and oh so flavorful finger foods - excellent whether served on their own or paired with your favorite cocktail, lager, or wine. ENJOY!

1. Mini Thai Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

If you and your friends like spicy, zesty foods, try making up a platter of these Thai Shrimp Mini Lettuce Wraps! These bite-size wraps are just perfect for a party finger food. Each mini wrap provides a burst of Thai flavors that are meant to hit different parts of the palate all at once, awakening your taste-buds and sending you straight to food heaven. ENJOY!

2. Chicken Satay Party Sticks! (for the Oven OR Grill)

Beautiful Thai Chicken Satay (all dressed up for a party!), served here with peanut satay sauce

D.Schmidt

Satay is always a huge hit with any crowd, as well as a special taste treat for your family. This recipe is straightforward and not hard to make, with results that will be sure to impress your guests. Here I've arranged the serving of the satay for a party, but feel free to serve it anyway you want - it's all Thai, and it's all good!

3. Thai Spring Rolls (Vegetarian, or with Shrimp)

D.Schmidt

This spring roll recipe can be made vegetarian with tofu, or with baby shrimp if you prefer. Brimming with vegetables and lots of flavor, these spring rolls make a great appetizer or party food. And they're far fresher and healthier than the spring rolls you'll find in most restaurants. ENJOY!

4. Easy Fried Wontons

D.Schmidt

These fried wontons are the perfect party food. Make some and watch them disappear - fast! They're easy and fun to put together and can also be made vegetarian/vegan so everyone can enjoy them. Choose between a shrimp or tofu-onion filling; either one is ready to use in just minutes. Then just fry them up and serve. They can be made up ahead of time too. Enjoy!

5. Thai Fish Cakes

Thai Fish Cakes are a common street food in Thailand, and are very flavorful compared to most Western fish cake recipes. They aren't battered, which I find allows for more of the fresh taste of the fish, spices, and herbs to come through. Accompany these cakes with Thai sweet chili sauce for dipping, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime juice. Simply delicious! And since they are much smaller than Western-size fish cakes (more like mini cakes), they're perfect for serving at a party with drinks. ENJOY!

6. Coconut Shrimp (Fried)

Imagine biting into a succulent deep-fried shrimp covered in a light tempura-like batter flavored with the taste of coconut - scrumptious! This Coconut Shrimp recipe is fantastic to serve as an appetizer, tapas plate, or party food. Excellent eaten on its own, or served with a dip (like my fresh mango salsa - see next recipe below). As a bonus, this coconut shrimp recipe includes instructions for a gluten-free version (which is just as yummy!), so no one has to miss out. ENJOY!

7. Coconut Shrimp (Baked)

This Easy Baked Coconut Shrimp recipe is great if you're looking to make something special to serve as an appetizer or finger food, but don't want to spend too long making it. Unlike most coconut shrimp recipes which are deep-fried, this one is easily baked up in the oven, which means less fat and calories. Excellent served with Thai sweet chili sauce (available in most supermarkets), or for an extra special treat, accompany with my Easy Mango Dip. ENJOY!

8. Vegetable Platter with Thai Peanut Dip (Vegan)

D.Schmidt

While most Western versions of peanut sauce are made with peanut butter, this Thai peanut sauce recipe starts with real peanuts - and you'll taste the difference! At the same time, it's super easy and quick to make. This peanut sauce can be used for a variety of purposes, from a dip for veggies to a sauce for chicken or beef satay. Or use it to make a yummy cold noodle salad. A very easy and delicious peanut sauce recipe!

9. Corn Fritters (Vegetarian)

This scrumptious recipe for corn fritters is a real treat, and it's also vegetarian plus gluten free! - made with corn, tofu, and a variety of vegetables. The corn fritter batter takes only minutes to stir together, then just drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry for a few minutes. An easy treat that is terrific as an appetizer, snack, or finger food for a party. For a dip, I like them with Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (look for it in the Asian section). Enjoy!

10. Easy Chili-Lime Shrimp Roll-ups

Fresh Thai Chili-Lime Roll-ups, perfect for a party!

D.Schmidt for About.com

This fun appetizer offers a wonderful mixture of tastes and textures on the palate: hot and cold, sweet and sour, spicy and cool, crunchy and melt-in-your mouth good! It's a cinch to make too. Great for a party or to welcome guests to your home.