Authentic Thai Street Food Recipes: Best Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, and Massaman Curry Recipes from Bangkok’s Street Vendors
When it comes to Thai cuisine, street food is an integral part of the culture. Bangkok, the capital city, is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, with vendors serving up mouth-watering dishes that tantalize the taste buds. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of authentic Thai street food recipes, focusing on three iconic dishes: Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, and Massaman Curry. These recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and we’ll share the secrets to making them just like Bangkok’s street vendors.
What is Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is a stir-fry dish made with rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. It’s a staple of Thai cuisine and a must-try when visiting Bangkok.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bean sprouts, carrots, and peas)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp or tofu
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cooked shrimp or tofu. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the tamarind paste, palm sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for another minute.
- Add the cooked noodles and stir-fry until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve with lime wedges.
What is Tom Yum Soup?
Tom Yum Soup is a spicy and sour soup made with a flavorful broth, lemongrass, and your choice of protein. It’s a popular dish in Thailand and a must-try when visiting Bangkok.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, and shiitake)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp or chicken
- 2 tablespoons Tom Yum paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the broth, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
- Add the mixed mushrooms and cooked shrimp or chicken. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Tom Yum paste, fish sauce, and lime juice. Stir-fry for another minute.
- Add the cooked broth and lemongrass to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
What is Massaman Curry?
Massaman Curry is a rich and aromatic curry made with a blend of spices, coconut milk, and your choice of protein. It’s a popular dish in Thailand and a must-try when visiting Bangkok.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon Massaman curry paste
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup cooked beef or chicken
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup peanuts
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions and garlic and stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
- Add the grated ginger and Massaman curry paste. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked beef or chicken, potatoes, and peanuts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the fish sauce and soy sauce. Stir-fry for another minute.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
In this article, we’ve shared three authentic Thai street food recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the classic Pad Thai to the spicy and sour Tom Yum Soup, and the rich and aromatic Massaman Curry, these recipes are a must-try when visiting Bangkok. With these recipes, you’ll be able to recreate the flavors of Thailand in the comfort of your own home. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and indulge in the flavors of Bangkok’s street food scene!
Q: What is the best way to cook Pad Thai?
A: Cooking Pad Thai requires a bit of technique. Make sure to stir-fry the ingredients quickly over high heat to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Q: Can I substitute the protein in Tom Yum Soup?
A: Yes, you can substitute the protein in Tom Yum Soup with your choice of seafood or chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: What is the secret to making Massaman Curry rich and aromatic?
A: The secret to making Massaman Curry rich and aromatic is to use a blend of spices and to cook the curry paste for at least 1 minute to release the flavors.
Q: Can I make these recipes vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, you can make these recipes vegetarian or vegan by substituting the protein with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
Q: How do I store leftover Pad Thai?
A: You can store leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to achieve the perfect consistency.
