Easiest and Quick Thai Dishes for Beginners

Looking for an easy and quick Thai dish to whip up at home? Look no further! Below, we explore some of the simplest and most delightful Thai recipes that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. We'll start with the iconic Thai Basil Chicken Pad Krapow Gai and then move on to a traditional Thai egg omelette, followed by a crispy and savory Moo Tod Gratiam.

Thai Basil Chicken Pad Krapow Gai

If you're looking for a dish that is both flavorful and quick to prepare, Thai Basil Chicken Pad Krapow Gai (often referred to as Gai Pad Krapow) is an excellent choice. This recipe features fresh Thai basil paired with aromatic garlic and spicy chilies, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground chicken or chicken breast minced 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 2-4 Thai bird chilies, chopped (adjust to taste) 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon sugar 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves Cooked jasmine rice for serving

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic and chop the chilies. Measure out the sauces and sugar. Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chilies, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Add sauces: Once the chicken is cooked, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add basil: Turn off the heat and stir in the Thai basil leaves until they wilt. Serve: Serve the Thai basil chicken over cooked jasmine rice.

Tips: Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or green beans if desired. Enjoy your quick and delicious Thai meal!

Thai Egg Omelette (Khai Jiao Kai / Mo0 / Shrimp Saap)

Another delightful quick Thai dish is the Thai egg omelette, often referred to as Khai Jiao Kai (with chicken), Mo0 (with pork), or Shrimp Saap (with shrimp). This dish is simple, yet incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Ingredients

2-4 cups ground pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables 3 eggs 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper A few cilantro, chopped 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method

Crack the eggs and mix them in with your desired choice of meat, soy sauce, pepper, and cilantro. Whip with a fork until the egg becomes foamy. Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Ensure that the oil is really hot. Test with a few drops of egg; the egg should sizzle and turn brown very quickly. Pour the egg into the pan, spreading it over the pan and allowing it to cook for about 1 minute or so. Flip the egg when you notice browning along the edges. This may not be easy and requires practice and the right spatula. The egg should be brown on both sides.

Tip: The trick is to ensure there is sufficient oil on the pan and that the oil is really hot. As you can see from the above picture, you will notice that the egg is almost floating on top of the oil.

Moo Tod Gratiam (Fried Garlic Ground Pork)

Another quick and easy Thai dish to try is Moo Tod Gratiam, which means fried garlic ground pork. This dish takes only about 5 minutes to prepare and is incredibly delicious, especially for those who love garlic.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground pork 3-4 cloves garlic Salt, pepper, and any other seasonings to taste Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Cook the ground pork in a pan or wok over medium-high heat until well-done. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings to taste. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve warm with steamed jasmine rice.

Tip: Garlic lovers will enjoy this dish, as it captures the essence of roasted garlic perfectly.