How to Cook Thai Dinner with Fresh Herbs

Cooking a Thai dinner at home can be a delightful experience, especially when you use fresh herbs that are central to Thai cuisine. This article will guide you through the essential herbs commonly used in Thai cooking and provide you with a simple menu to create a delicious Thai dinner.

Essential Fresh Herbs for Thai Cooking

Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, often stemming from the use of fresh herbs. Here are some key herbs you should have on hand:

  • Basil: Thai basil (bai horapa) has a slightly spicy flavor and is perfect for stir-fries and soups.
  • Cilantro: Also known as coriander leaves (bai phed), cilantro adds freshness to salads and curries.
  • Mint: Mint (bai cha phlu) can be used in salads or as a garnish for various dishes.
  • Lemongrass: This herb gives a citrusy aroma and is often used in soups and curries.
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves: With their unique flavor, these leaves enhance the taste of soups and stir-fries.

Simple Thai Dinner Menu

To enjoy a complete Thai dinner, consider the following menu:

  • Thai Green Curry with Chicken
  • Jasmine Rice
  • Yum Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad)
  • Mango Sticky Rice for dessert

Thai Green Curry with Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons green curry paste
  • 1 cup Thai eggplants (or regular eggplants)
  • 1 cup bamboo shoots
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Fresh kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • Fish sauce and sugar to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, heat a little oil and add the green curry paste. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the sliced chicken and cook until it starts to turn white.
  3. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add eggplants and bamboo shoots, and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through.
  5. Stir in the torn kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and sugar to balance the flavors. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  6. Finally, fold in fresh basil leaves right before serving.

Cooking Jasmine Rice

For a fragrant side, cook jasmine rice:

  1. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Combine the rinsed rice with 1 ½ cups of water in a saucepan.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Yum Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad)

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz glass noodles
  • 1 cup shrimp, cooked
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup chopped mint
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions:

  1. Soak the glass noodles in hot water for about 10 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, cilantro, mint, red onion, and softened noodles.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar until well combined.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.