Basics
By Darlene Schmidt, About.com Guide to Thai Food
Cooking Thai food can be complicated or easy, depending on your knowledge of the basic ingredients, cooking techniques, and how a Thai menu is put together. You'll find all of this useful information here, plus you'll learn some helpful Thai cooking tips, as well as background information on Thai food & culture, and how the two intermingle.
Thai Food Ingredients
Once you're familiar with the basic ingredients of Thai cuisine, you'll be able to cook dozens of tantalizing Thai recipes without a hitch. While some Thai food ingredients are familiar, others are strangely exotic and require a closer look. Find out more about these ingredients, including what they look like, and where you can purchase them. Also, learn about common Thai fruit and how to prepare them, including fresh papaya, mango, pineapple, mangosteen, and more!
- Thai Ingredients Glossary
- Lemongrass - How to Prepare and Cook with Fresh Lemongrass
- Fish Sauce - A Key Ingredient in Thai Cooking
- Thai Fruit - How to Prepare Various Thai Fruits, Plus Buying Tips!
- Tofu - How to Cook with Tofu
- Shopping for Thai Ingredients at an Asian Food Store/Market
Equipment/Cooking Techniques
Find out what you will need to create wonderful Thai dishes. Plus, learn some nifty cooking techniques that will make your Thai food look and taste truly authentic!
- The Thai Kitchen: Cooking with a Wok
- How to Cook (and Serve!) with Banana Leaf
- How to Cook with a Clay Pot
Thai Cooking Tips
Learn a few savvy cooking tips that will make your Thai cooking extra easy - and extra delicious too!
Menu Planning: Staying in / Dining Out
Whether you're planning to cook up a Thai dinner party for your friends, or need some advice on dining out, you'll want to check out these useful articles. Includes menus for special occasions such as Oscar night or Valentine's Day, as well as barbecue/cookout ideas. So go ahead - get inspired, and then get eating!
- Tantalizing Thai Food!
- Is Thai Food Good for You?
- Dining Out the Thai Way
- Throwing a Thai Dinner Party!
- Creating a Truly Thai Atmosphere
- Setting the Table - AND the Mood!
- A Thai Barbecue Party: Menu Planner
- What to Drink? Serve this Exotically-Thai Cocktail!
- The Food of Love: Valentine's Day Menu
- Celebrate the Stars in Your Life! - Oscar Party Menu
- Creating a Thai Centerpiece for Your Table
- Creating Thai Chili Flowers (for Your Party Platters)
- Top 10 Thai Appetizers & Party Foods!
- Barbecue Recipes Photo Gallery - Choose Your Favorite!
- Thai Recipes Photo Gallery - a Sample of Recipes Available on This Site
Thai Food & Culture
Find out a little more about Thai food and how it relates to Thai culture. Also, take a "culinary tour" and learn about how Thai cooking varies from region to region.
Thai Cookbooks & Resources
Discover the right Thai cookbook for you (or as a gift for a friend)! Plus find other resources such as cookware shopping links, buying curry pastes, etc...
