A Glossary of Thai Ingredients & Cooking Terms
Banana Leaves
definition of banana leaves
Basil
Thai Holy Basil definition
Black Rice
Black Rice definition
Chilies
Chilies, green & red
Chili Powder
Find out what you need to know about Thai cooking terms - galangal, turmeric, key limes - all explained.
Coconut
coconut definition
Coriander
coriander definition
Curry - Curry Definition, Nutrition and History
Everything you wanted to know about one of the world's favorite dishes - and spices (curry is also a spice). Learn more about this fascinating dish and the spices that flavor it, from Indian curry to Thai and Chinese curry. Includes historical notes, nutritional information, and even recipes for making both curry and curry powder.
Fish Sauce (Nam Pla)
What is fish sauce and where do you buy it? How do you cook with fish sauce, and is there a vegetarian substitution? Find out the answers to these questions (and more), and learn how to use this most basic of Thai ingredients in your cooking.
Galangal
Galangal definition
Garlic
Garlic definition
Golden Mountain Sauce
Golden Mountain Sauce is often thought to be a secret Thai ingredient, at least here in North America (in Thailand, it is used too frequently to be a secret). One of the good things about this sauce is that it is fine for vegetarians (it even contains plant protein). Find out more about the ingredients of this mysterious Thai sauce.
Green Peppercorns
green peppercorns description
What is Jackfruit?
What is jackfruit, and what are its health benefits? How do you buy jackfruit, and how can you cook with it? These are just some of the questions that are answered for you in this quick article on jackfruit.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass used in Thai cooking
Lime
Lime definition
Lime Leaves
Kaffir lime leaves definition
Mushrooms
mushrooms definition
Noodles
Thai noodles explained
Oils in Thai Cooking
Oils in Thai cooking
Palm Sugar
Palm Sugar and Coconut Sugar are actually two different types of sugar. Learn more about these two natural sugars, how to buy them, and how to use them in your cooking and sweetening. Both coconut sugar and palm sugar are found in Southeast-Asian countries and can also be purchased at Asian stores across North America.
Pandan Leaves
Using Pandan leaves in Thai Cooking
Rice
Thai Rice definition
Shallots
Shallots definition
Shrimp Paste
Shrimp Paste in Thai Cooking
Soy Sauces, light and dark
Soy Sauces, light and dark definition
Tamarind Paste: How to Buy, Make & Use Tamarind (+ Substitutions!)
Learn more about tamarind paste - what it is, where to buy it, how to cook with it, even how to make it yourself, plus substitutions for tamarind if you can't find it where you live. Tamarind is an exotic fruit that grows all over Asia. Thai and many other Southeast-Asian cuisines use it, as well as Indian cuisine. You can make tamarind paste...
Tamarind
Tamarind definition
Tapioca
Tapioca definition
Tofu
Tofu definition
Turmeric
Turmeric definition
Wheat Gluten
Wheat Gluten definition
Shopping for Thai Ingredients at An Asian Market
What is galangal? What do I do with Kaffir lime leaves? Where can I find lemongrass? Shopping for Thai ingredients in an Asian market can be a daunting experience if you don't know what to look for and where to find it. This page will take you through the labyrinth of Thai specialty ingredients and foodstuff in a typical Asian market.