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THAI KITCHEN BASICS
MASTER THE ART OF THAI FLAVORS

The Fundamentals of Authentic Thai Home Cooking

The Holy Trinity (สามเกลอ)

The Holy Trinity: Coriander Root, Garlic & White Pepper

Pounded together in a stone mortar, this aromatic paste forms the savory backbone of marinades, stir-fry aromatics, and rich broth bases.

Coriander Root
Aromatic Garlic
White Peppercorns
THE 5 PILLARS OF THAI FLAVOR

The 5 Foundational Flavor Pillars

Spicy, Sour, Sweet, Salty, and Umami/Creamy — the delicate alchemy that makes Thai cuisine sing.

01

เปรี้ยว (Prieo)

Sour

Crisp vibrancy from fresh lime, tamarind pulp, or pineapple that cuts through richness.

Key SourceFresh Lime, Tamarind
02

หวาน (Waan)

Sweet

Mellow depth from palm or coconut sugar that softens fiery heat into harmony.

Key SourcePalm Sugar, Coconut Sugar
03

เค็ม (Khem)

Salty & Umami

Deep savory backbone from naturally fermented fish sauce, shrimp paste, and sea salt.

Key SourcePremium Fish Sauce, Shrimp Paste
04

เผ็ด (Phed)

Spicy Heat

Vibrant, clean heat from Thai bird’s eye chilies and toasted dried bird peppers.

Key SourceBird's Eye Chilies, Dried Peppers
05

กลมกล่อม (Klom Klom)

Aromatic & Creamy

Lush creaminess of fresh coconut milk fused with essential herb aromatics.

Key SourceCoconut Cream, Galangal, Kaffir Lime
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES

Staple Thai Home Cooking Recipes

From fiery Holy Basil Stir-Fry and Tom Yum Goong to sweet Mango Sticky Rice with easy steps

ผัดกะเพราหมูสับEasy

Authentic Pork Pad Kra Pao & Crispy Fried Egg

The undisputed national everyday dish of Thailand. Wok-tossed at screaming heat with fragrant holy basil and crispy golden eggs.

5 mins2 Servings
ต้มยำกุ้งน้ำข้นMedium

Tom Yum Goong (creamy style)

15 mins3-4 Servings
แกงเขียวหวานไก่Medium

Authentic Thai Green Curry with Chicken

Rich, emerald-tinted curry simmered with fractured coconut cream, bamboo shoots, and sweet Thai basil.

20 mins4 Servings
ผัดไทยกุ้งสดMedium

Classic Prawn Pad Thai with Tamarind Glaze

Wok-tossed chewy rice noodles glazed with authentic tamarind caramel, garlic chives, and crushed roasted peanuts.

10 mins2 Servings
ส้มตำไทยEasy

Som Tum Thai - Green Papaya Salad

Crisp green papaya bruised in clay mortar with roasted peanuts, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and sweet tamarind lime dressing.

5 mins2 Servings
ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วงEasy

Mango Sticky Rice with Warm Coconut Cream

Steamed glutinous rice infused with salted coconut cream, paired with honeyed ripe mango slices.

25 mins3 Servings
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS

Essential Thai Pantry & Aromatics

ใบกะเพรา

Holy Basil (Bai Kra Pao)

Peppery, clove-like, pungent heat distinct from sweet basil.

Storage Tip:Wrap in paper towels inside ziplock, or freeze picked leaves.
ตะไคร้

Fresh Lemongrass (Takrai)

Citrusy, herbal perfume; essential for Tom Yum and curry pastes.

Storage Tip:Slice into 2-inch stalks and freeze up to 6 months.
ใบมะกรูด

Kaffir Lime Leaves (Bai Makrut)

Electric, intensely fragrant citrus oil that defines Thai aromatics.

Storage Tip:Destem and freeze in airtight bag for up to 1 year.
ข่า

Galangal (Kha)

Piney, sharp, earthy-camphor aroma; distinct from standard ginger.

Storage Tip:Slice into coins and freeze.
น้ำปลา

Fish Sauce (Nam Pla)

Rich, savory, anchovy-distilled umami that blossoms when heated.

Storage Tip:Store at room temperature in dark pantry; avoid chilling.
น้ำตาลมะพร้าว

Palm & Coconut Sugar

Smoky caramel sweetness that rounds out pungent spices.

Storage Tip:Store in airtight container; refrigerate if humid.
พริกขี้หนูสวน

Bird's Eye Chili (Prik Kee Noo)

Scoville powerhouse with floral notes; essential for table condiments.

Storage Tip:Stem, dry completely, and freeze in ziplock.
กะทิสด

Pure Coconut Milk & Cream

Silky richness; separating into coconut cream for curry paste frying.

Storage Tip:Transfer to glass jar once opened; use within 3 days.