Stir Fried Chicken with Tamarind Sauce (Gai Pad Makahm)

Thai Translation - Gai = Chicken, Pad = Stir-Fry, Makaham = Tamarind

This dish has been made at the request of one of our readers who had the pleasure of sampling it at a restaurant some years ago in Germany. It is a thai-take on the sweet-and-sour dish that is very popular all over the world, but combines the crunch of cashew nuts and the crispiness of the basil too! Ensure that your work is hot and your ingredients are all ready before you make it as it is a quick and fast dish to make.

Stir Fried Tofu with Basil (Pad Krapow To Hu)

Thai Translation - Pad = Stir Fried, Krapow = Holy Basil, To Hu

Pad Krapow is a very popular and full flavoured dish that usually is made with pork or chicken. It has a uniue earthy flavour but can also be very spicy. In this version, I made it using tofu, cauliflower and mushrooms which makes it very nutritious and delicious too! The key ingredient to Pad Krapow is krapow – or holy basil. Holy basil can be substituted for regular Italian basil but it wont have the same earthy taste to the dish. You should be able to find holy basil in some supermarkets or specialty Asian grocery stores and it can be identified by the woody stems and slightly furry leaves.

Stir Fried Chinese Broccoli with Crispy Pork (Pad Khana Moo Grob)

Thai Translation - Pad = Stir Fried, Khana = Chinese Broccoli, Moo Grob = Crispy Pork

This delicious dish with a hint of the Chinese influence on thai cooking is super easy and super yummy. Made with only a couple of ingredients, it can be quickly whipped up and served with steamed rice. This is a dish I fell in love with at Spice I Am restaurant in Sydney. The flavours were amazing and I had never eaten Thai food like it before. This recipe will definitely have you wanting more!

Chicken with Lemongrass (Gai Sai Takrai)

Thai Translation – Gai = Chicken, Sai = Add, Takrai = Lemongrass

Gai sa takrai is a deliciously spicy and herb laden dish. It has an unusual taste, unlike other Thai dishes but you wont be dissatisfied if you take the plunge and eat it. If you prefer your dishes on the mild end of the scale, leave out some of the chilli, but add a little just for taste.

Chicken with Cashew Nut (Gai Pad Met Mamuang)

Thai Translation – Gai = Chicken, Pad = Stir Fry, Mamuang = Cashew Nut

This is a really tasty dish that is a popular introduction into Thai food. It is very popular in Thai restaurants and has virtually no chilli so its perfect for all kinds of eaters. It comprises of chicken, cashew nuts and vegetables combined with a delicious sauce that coats all the ingredients perfectly.

Chicken with Green Peppercorns (Gai Pad Prik Thai On)

Thai Translation – Gai = Chicken, Pad = Stir Fry, Prik = Chilli, Thai On = Green Peppercorns

This delightfully fresh dish is easy to prepare and cook any day of the week. The key ingredient, green peppercorns, can be bought fresh or preserved in brine. They have a zesty and fresh smell, nothing like dried black peppercorns. They are easy to crunch down into and only have a very mild spice.

Pork with Basil (Pad Krapow Moo)

Thai Translation – Pad = Stir Fried, Kaprow = Holy Basil, Moo = Pork

This dish is a quick and tasty meal that has a spicy earthy flavour in it thanks to the holy basil which is used in the dish. It is a great beginner dish to try and even kids will have fun helping in the kitchen. It has only a few ingredients which are the basis of most Thai dishes.

Stir Fried Wide Rice Noodles with Soy Sauce (Pad See Ew)

Thai Translation – Pad = Stir Fried, See Ew = Dark Soy Sauce

Pad See Ew is as popular as Pad Thai and is a very delicious noodle dish, often eaten for lunch. It can be made with any type of meat or vegetables. The key to the flavour is the use of dark soy sauce. This caramel-flavoured soy sauce can be found in most supermarkets or asian grocery stores.

Basil Clams (Hoi Lai Pad)

Thai Translation – Hoi Lai = Clam, Pad = stir fry

Basil clams are a healthy, tasty and always popular dish that are very easy to cook. This dish can be made as spicy or as mild depending on your own preference.. The sauce is particularly tasty when it is soaked up with some steamed rice or you could even serve with some fresh bread too. This dish can be cooked in under 10 minutes and very little preparation is required. You should cook the clams over a very hot heat and for not too long otherwise you will find they will become tough and chewy.

Pork with Garlic and Pepper (Moo Pad Gratiem Prig Thai)

Thai Translation – Moo = Pork, Pad = Stirfry, Gratiem = Garlic, Prig Thai = White Pepper

Garlic and pepper pork is a delicious and spice-free dish that will be enjoyed by everyone. It does not contain any chilli so is perfect for children or those who do not enjoy spicy food. It is also delicious when eaten as a leftover meal, or as a packed lunch.

Stir Fried Morning Glory (Pad Pak Boong)

Thai Translation – Pad = Stir fried, Pak Boong = Morning Glory/Water Spinach

Pad Pak Boong is a healthy and flavoursome dish that is made up of only a few ingredients. Morning glory is a delicious green vegetable that is found throughout Asia and when quickly fried with some garlic and chilli makes a great dish on its own or is perfect as a side. I love to eat it for breakfast as its quick, healthy and a perfect way to start the day. Its best cooked and eaten straight away as the morning glory can go a little soft and it changes the flavour.

Fish with Thai Herbs (Pla Pad Cha)

Thai Translation: Pla = Fish, Pad = Stir Fry, Cha = Sizzle

This spicy and fragrant dish is one of my favourite dishes to eat and cook. It is one dish that is bound to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Made with fresh fish that is carefully stir-fried with a fantastic mix of galangal, green peppercorns, lemongrass and chilli. A touch of chilli paste, some eggplants and some rice make this dish just incredible to make, look at and of course eat!

Stir Fried Prawns with Snow Peas (Pad Thua Lin Tao Goong)

Thai Translation – Thua Lin Tao = Snow Peas, Pad = Stir Fry, Goong = Prawn

This is a fresh and very tasty dish that is cooked in a chinese-style. The influence of Chinese cooking on Thai cuisine is quite important and many different dishes are cooked in this way. The dishes are usually not as spicy as regular thai food and can be distinguished by the presence of a thicker sauce.

Pork With Bean Shoots (Moo Pad Thua Ngok)

Thai Translation – Moo = Pork, Pad = Stir Fried, Thua Ngok = Mung Beans

Mung bean shoots are a super healthy food and when coupled with lean pork mince make for a filling and healthy meal. Served with steamed rice and a side of nam pla prik, it is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner meal.