Taste for Thai

17 years ago

I LOVE the flavors, but find myself in a rather strange position. I am not sure "what" it is that provides that....fish sauce, galanga, hoisin, peanuts, or what???

I have no problems experimenting with familiar things - like onions, garlic, hot sauce, and the like - but I am absolute afraid to experiment in this new to me domain.

I do understand about rice noodles, so there is that business already out of the way.

So - I am asking for SIMPLE Thai beginnings with products that are generally available. We don't have an Asian store handy.

Am I making any sense at all???

Thanks

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Comments (7)

Gina_W
17 years ago
Here's a good video channel on Youtube - Thai Food Tonight.

Thai flavors and ingredients include Thai chiles, Thai basil, cilantro and mint, galangal, lemon grass, fish sauce, jasmine rice, onion, coconut milk.
susytwo
17 years ago
I'm not sure what you're looking for. When I think of basic thai seasonings, I think of lemongrass, cilantro, peanuts, coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce, lime, basil, and galangal (or ginger).

I can find pretty much all of those at my local grocery store.
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wannadanc
Original Author
17 years ago
Gina and Susy - thank you SO much!!! Gina - that link is perfect - especially because I just NOW am on DSL instead of dial up - it means I can join the internet main stream!!!!!!
bunnyman
17 years ago
Thai Kitchen brand seems to be everywhere. I don't know how authentic it is but the curry paste has wonderful flavor in my book.

: )
lyra

Here is a link that might be useful: Thai Kitchen
rachelellen
17 years ago
I have taught myself, over a number of years, to prepare a variety of ethnic cuisines. The trick is to begin simply, so as not to become overwhelmed. Pick a dish you have enjoyed at a restaurant, and find out how it is made. As in your own cooking, there are ingredients that can be substituted successfully and there are those that cannot. Then, plan on serving the dish with others that you are already familiar with rather than trying to make several unfamiliar dishes at one meal.

In Thai food, for example, ginger root can be substituted for galangal (disclaimer: yes, there is a flavor diff) if you cannot find galangal. I have subbed cilantro for kaffir lime leaves when I couldn't get the leaves (have a tree now) with tolerable results. I have also frozen them, and while they lose a lot in flavor, it's better than going without.

Lemon grass can be bought fresh at Asian markets, and you can often find it frozen as well. I have frozen it myself when buying some meant a long trip, and while not as good as fresh, it works. Dried isn't worth using. You can use a squirt of lemon juice instead, but it really isn't the same.

Have fun! :D
lyndaluu2
17 years ago
Gina, thanks for the website....
Lee was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War...
He absolutely loves Pad Thai!!
Now I can surprise him and make it for him.

Linda
wannadanc
Original Author
17 years ago
I like that idea about keeping it simple, Rachel. I have purchased many of the Thai Kitchen products - but that IS the problem as I have NO clue what to DO with them.

I can get totally turned over with smiles when I buy a package of noodles and sauce and then just add a scrambled egg!!! So - I will keep on this simple bent, and learn as I go.

I SO appreciate the input provided here!!!!!!!

Vicki

Taste for Thai

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Gina_W

susytwo

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Taste for Thai

Comments (7)

Gina_W

susytwo

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