Thai Poultry Dishes That Use Handmade Thai Pastes

Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and intricate aromas, often derived from the use of handmade pastes. These pastes are essential for creating authentic dishes, particularly when it comes to poultry. Below are some delicious Thai poultry dishes that showcase the rich taste of handmade Thai pastes.

1. Thai Green Curry Chicken (Gaeng Khiao Wan Gai)

Thai green curry is a beloved dish that features tender chicken simmered in a coconut milk base infused with aromatic herbs. The star of this dish is the green curry paste, made from a blend of fresh green chilies, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, galangal, and Thai basil. This unique paste not only provides a beautiful green color but also brings a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

To prepare, sauté the green curry paste in coconut milk, add chicken pieces, and let the flavors meld together with vegetables like eggplant and bell peppers. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and accompanied by steamed jasmine rice.

2. Thai Red Curry Chicken (Gaeng Phed Gai)

Red curry is another classic that uses a vibrant red curry paste, which includes dried red chilies, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste. The result is a deeply flavorful and slightly spicy dish that pairs beautifully with chicken.

To create this dish, brown pieces of chicken in a pan, add the red curry paste, and simmer in coconut milk until cooked through. Adding veggies like bamboo shoots or zucchini enhances the texture and nutrition. Serve it with a side of rice to soak up the savory sauce.

3. Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Chicken satay is a popular street food found throughout Thailand. This dish features marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and traditionally served with a rich peanut sauce made from roasted peanuts, coconut milk, and spices. The marinade often includes a homemade curry paste blended with coconut milk, turmeric, and brown sugar, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

For a complete meal, serve the satay with a side of cucumber salad, and enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors.

4. Stir-Fried Chicken with Thai Basil (Gai Pad Krapow)

Gai Pad Krapow is a quick and easy dish that combines ground chicken with fragrant Thai basil and a potent stir-fry sauce made from handmade chili paste. The essence of this dish lies in the paste which contains roasted chilies, garlic, and Thai palm sugar, ensuring a delicious balance of sweetness and spice.

Fry chicken until golden, add the paste and fresh basil, and stir-fry until the basil is wilted. Serve it over hot rice with a fried egg on top for the perfect local experience.

5. Thai Lemongrass Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

Tom Kha Gai is a traditional chicken soup that features the refreshing flavor of lemongrass and galangal. The accompanying paste blends these ingredients with chili and other herbs, creating a well-balanced soup base that highlights the delicate taste of the chicken.

Combine coconut milk, chicken, mushrooms, and fresh herbs in a pot. Allow it to simmer until the chicken is tender. A squeeze of lime juice at the end elevates the soup, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

Using handmade Thai pastes can elevate your cooking, especially when preparing poultry dishes. They not only deepen the flavors but also maintain the authenticity of traditional Thai cuisine. Explore these recipes and enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Thailand right at your table!