The most important ingredients of Thai cuisine

The most important ingredients of Thai cuisine

Thai cuisine is known worldwide for its harmonious balance of hot, sour, sweet and salty flavors. It uses a variety of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices to create distinctive dishes that delight both the palate and the soul. In this blog post, I want to introduce you to some of the most important Thai foods and spices that you can find in our shop. I will also show you how you can use these ingredients to prepare authentic Thai dishes in your own kitchen.

Conclusion: Thai cuisine is a feast for the senses, characterized by a rich tradition and a variety of flavors. With the right ingredients such as fish sauce, palm sugar and other traditional spices, you too can prepare authentic Thai dishes at home. In our shop we offer you a wide selection of Thai foods and spices that are indispensable for preparing these delicious dishes.

Whether you are looking for fish sauce or kaffir lime leaves - with us you will find everything you need to bring the flavors of Thailand into your kitchen. Discover the variety of Thai food and be inspired by the exotic flavors. Order Thai food online now and experience the taste of Thailand!

1. Fish Sauce (Nam Pla) - The Essence of Thai Cuisine Fish sauce is the centerpiece of many Thai dishes. This fermented product is made from fish and salt and adds a deep umami flavor to dishes that is difficult to replace. In Thailand, fish sauce is used like salt in Western cuisine - be it in soups, sauces, marinades or dressings.

Uses: Fish sauce is an essential ingredient in dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup. A dash of it in a simple vegetable dish can add a lot of flavor. Combined with lime juice , sugar and chili, it creates a classic Thai dressing that goes perfectly with salads or grilled meats.

2. Kaffir lime leaves (Bai Makrut) – The secret to freshness Kaffir lime leaves are another essential ingredient in Thai cuisine. These dark green leaves give dishes a unique, intensely lemony flavor that is difficult to replace with other ingredients.

Uses: They are often used in soups such as Tom Yum soup or in curry pastes. The leaves can usually be cooked whole and are removed before serving. Their aroma gives dishes a refreshing touch that completes the experience of Thai cuisine.

3. Galangal (Kha) – The spicy brother of ginger Galangal, also known as Thai ginger, is a root with a sharp, peppery taste that is very different from regular ginger. Galangal is a typical ingredient in Thai cuisine and is used primarily in soups and curries.

Uses: It is often sliced ​​and cooked to add a spicy, earthy note to dishes. Tom Kha Gai, a coconut milk soup with chicken, is a typical dish that would not be complete without galangal.

4. Palm Sugar (Nam Tan Puek) – Natural Sweetness Palm sugar is a natural sweetener extracted from the sap of palm blossoms. It has a deeper, caramel-like sweetness compared to regular sugar and is often used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Uses: Palm sugar is a key ingredient in Pad Thai and various curries. It is often used in desserts, giving them a rich, complex sweetness that is particularly prominent due to the caramel notes.

5. Sriracha Sauce – The versatile spiciness of Sriracha Sauce , which originally comes from Thailand, is now a worldwide phenomenon. This hot sauce consists mainly of chilies, vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt and has a pleasant, not too spicy flavor.

Use: Sriracha goes well with almost everything - from noodles and rice dishes to sandwiches and dips. In Thai cuisine, it is often served as a side dish to various dishes or used as an ingredient in sauces and marinades.

6. Coconut milk - The creamy base Coconut milk is an essential ingredient in Thai cuisine. It is made from the flesh of ripe coconuts and gives dishes a creamy texture and rich flavor. It plays a central role, especially in curries and soups.

Use: Coconut milk is often used in green curry or massaman curry. It balances the spiciness of the chilies and gives the dish a luxurious, velvety consistency. Coconut milk is also indispensable in desserts such as Khao Niew Ma Muang (sticky rice with mango). We recommend Chaokoh coconut milk for curries and Aroy-D for soups.

7. Rice noodles – The base for Pad Thai Rice noodles are common in Thai cuisine and are particularly used in dishes such as Pad Thai or Pad See Ew. They are gluten-free and have a pleasant, slightly chewy texture that makes them perfect for stir-fries.

Use: Rice noodles are ideal for quick, simple dishes. They only need to be soaked briefly in hot water before being fried with other ingredients. They develop their full flavour especially when combined with fish sauce, lemongrass and palm sugar.

8. Tamarind Paste - The Perfect Acid Made from the flesh of the tamarind fruit, tamarind paste adds a pleasant acidity to dishes. It is a staple ingredient in many Thai dishes, including Pad Thai and various curries.

Uses: Tamarind paste is often used in combination with palm sugar and fish sauce to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, sour and salty. It also makes a great base for dips and marinades.


9. Thai Jasmine Rice - The fragrant accompaniment Thai jasmine rice is the staple in many Thai households. It is characterized by its floral aroma and slightly sticky consistency, which makes it the perfect accompaniment to almost any Thai dish.

Use: Jasmine rice is traditionally steamed and served as an accompaniment to curries, stir-fried dishes and grilled foods. Its fragrance and texture make it the ideal accompaniment to the rich and complex flavours of Thai cuisine.

 

Conclusion: Thai cuisine is a feast for the senses, characterized by a rich tradition and a variety of flavors. With the right ingredients, you too can prepare authentic Thai dishes at home. In our shop we offer you a wide selection of Thai foods and spices that are essential for preparing these delicious dishes. Whether you are looking for fish sauce, rice noodles or Sriracha sauce - with us you will find everything you need to bring the flavors of Thailand into your kitchen. Discover the variety of Thai foods and be inspired by the exotic flavors. Order Thai foods online now and experience the taste of Thailand!