Craving takeout? Learn to make Thai-inspired and traditional Thai recipes, like pad thai and pork satay, right at home.
43 Thai Recipes You Need to Know
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Easy Pad Thai
Craving Thai recipes? Skip the takeout restaurant and give this easy pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Also check out these 15 essential Thai ingredients you need to know.
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Pork Satay
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings (about 3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Cilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 73 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Thai salad is very fresh and flavorful. The peanut garnish adds a satisfying crunch. —James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 111 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Khao Soi Soup
Khao soi is an ever-popular North Thai dish—and for good reason! It’s a thick, curried soup that’s served over a bed of rice noodles with a handful of savory toppings like pickled mustard greens and chili paste.
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Bubble Tea
Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a popular tea drink filled with tapioca balls. This sipper can be made with a variety of different types of tea, like jasmine, strawberry, mango and oolong.
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Larb Gai
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Larb gai (Thai chicken salad) is a dish made with ground chicken, chiles, mint and basil. Serve as a main dish or as an appetizer in lettuce cups. For a heartier version, serve it with rice. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 262 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1211mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
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Satay Sauce
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy peanut butter and coconut milk mix with the subtle spice of jalapeno peppers and the savory flavors of soy sauce to create this satay sauce. Traditionally used as the sauce for kabobs and skewers, it brings a rich flavor that’ll complement almost any grilled meat! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons sauce: 87 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Tom Kha Gai
Coconut milk makes this soup recipe sing (and gives it that creamy, velvety texture). Tom kha gai is a Thai coconut chicken soup recipe that boasts other aromatics like lemongrass and fish sauce. Serve over jasmine rice or rice noodles to make it a full meal.
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Slow-Cooked Thai Drunken Noodles
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I really love pad kee mao and was inspired to try my recipe in the slow cooker on a really busy day. It came out tasting great! I was so happy to have it ready to go when we got home. You can easily substitute chicken, turkey or beef for pork. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 360 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1467mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
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Thai-Style Green Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thai for two, anyone? Peanut butter, soy sauce and hoisin sauce flavor this quick, fabulous bean dish.—Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 168 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
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Thai Shrimp Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty soup comes together in minutes, and it’s a crowd pleaser. The ingredients are available in my little Maine grocery store, too. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 163 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Vegetarian Pad Thai
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 339 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
Check out more of our favorite Thai recipes!
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Sesame Chicken with Creamy Satay Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These skewers taste as if they came from your favorite takeout place, but they are surprisingly simple to make at home. The sesame dressing keeps the chicken juicy. —Kathi Jones-DelMonte, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
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Thai-Style Brisket
Total Time
9 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an unusual take on brisket that will have you hooked. Peanut butter, soy, crisp-tender veggies and zesty seasonings give it the authentic Thai flavor we crave. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 505 calories, 31g fat (6g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 1455mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 46g protein.
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Thai Red Curry Chicken & Vegetables
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The key to this curry chicken is getting complex flavors without heaviness. For the veggies, I like colorful pea pods, sweet red peppers and water chestnuts. —David Dahlman, Chatsworth, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken curry with 3/4 cup rice and 3/4 cup vegetables: 511 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 41g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Thai Shrimp Salad for 2
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a deliciously different salad that blends grilled shrimp, a lean source of protein, with the low-calorie crunch of cucumber and onion. It’s tossed and dressed with Thai flavors of sesame, cilantro, lime and refreshing mint.
Annette Traverso – San Rafael, California
Annette Traverso – San Rafael, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 212 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
Rolled Ice Cream
Talk about a treat! Made of condensed milk, heavy cream and a flavor of your choosing—this recipe from Izzy Cooking uses Oreos—rolled ice cream is a Thai-style ice cream typically sold by street vendors. All three ingredients are mixed together, spread thinly and rolled.
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Thai Iced Tea
Creamy Thai iced tea is a black tea wonderfully spiced with star anise, vanilla, cardamom, orange blossom and tamarind seed. Black tea is good for you, too! It boosts energy, keeps your arteries healthy and it may even decrease your risk of cancer.
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Mango Sticky Rice
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings (3 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
As a nice contrast to traditional desserts, this Thai mango sticky rice recipe is a refreshing treat with a sweet and simple sauce that perks up your post-dinner taste buds.—Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup rice with 1/3 cup sauce: 341 calories, 10g fat (9g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Saucy Thai Beef Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This stir-fry has been a family favorite for some time. I like to double the recipe and add extra vegetables. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 536 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 795mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
Thai Shrimp Cakes
These Thai shrimp cakes from Simply Suwanee are an easy appetizer to make on the fly! These flavorful bites are seasoned with garlic, lemon, lime, cilantro and shallots. Enjoy them on their own or incorporate them into a simple salad recipe.
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Thai Curry Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My go-to Thai restaurant inspired this curry soup. Shiitake mushrooms are my favorite, but any fresh mushroom will work. Fresh basil and lime add a burst of bright flavors. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 289 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 772mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
Thai Basil Chicken
Thai basil chicken, also known as gai pad kra pao, is a light Thai dish that can be served at any time of day. Simply Suwanee swears that it makes for a delicious brunch main. This street food includes seasoned chicken served with jasmine rice, fried egg and green beans.
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Peanut Butter Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To get that luscious taste of Thai cuisine, combine ginger, basil, lime and peanut butter in a sauce for linguine. It's so good, we've never had leftovers. —Allil Binder, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 365 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 10g fiber), 14g protein.
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Thai Coconut Beef
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice and toppings): 421 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 731mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
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Thai Chicken & Slaw
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is foolproof and well worth the prep time. Kids love the sweetness of the honey, and I serve the slaw on the side so my vegetarian friends can enjoy it, too.—Karen Norris, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 2/3 cup slaw: 326 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Shrimp Pad Thai Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pad thai is one of my favorite dishes, but it is often loaded with extra calories. This soup is a healthier option that has all the flavor of traditional versions. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without optional ingredients): 252 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Thai Chicken Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my family goes out, I can count on someone ordering chicken pad thai. I decided to make an easy version at home. Top it with a sprinkle of peanuts and cilantro. —Sandra Dombek, Camillus, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 578 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 784mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
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Thai Shrimp Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Peanut butter gives this tasty blend of red peppers, snow peas and shrimp its Thai flavor, while ginger and red pepper flakes spice it up. Serve this colorful main dish over pasta. —Jeanne Fisher, Simi Valley, California.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
For national soup month in January, I came up with a new recipe every day. This one
is my favorite! It’s so easy, with just a touch of special Thai flavors. For an even richer flavor, try using whole coconut milk. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
is my favorite! It’s so easy, with just a touch of special Thai flavors. For an even richer flavor, try using whole coconut milk. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 244 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
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Thai Red Curry Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recreated a favorite red curry chicken dish from a restaurant, and now I cook it almost weekly for my family. On a busy night, frozen stir-fry veggies really speed things up. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
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Slow-Cooker Pad Thai
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love pad thai, but I hate standing over a hot stir-fry—especially in the summer. This slow cooker version lets me keep my cool and enjoy pad thai, too. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 482 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 891mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
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Thai Spinach Beef Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a main-dish salad that's just plain fun to eat. It's crunchy, beefy and has a little kick. Best of all, it's good for you. —Janet Dingler, Cedartown, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 207 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
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Peanut Turkey Satay
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe years ago and immediately served it for a company dinner. It’s easy and fun and takes only minutes to cook, but it makes a fancy entree for special occasions. The peanut butter and soy sauce lend a nice Asian flavor. —Lisa Mahon Fluegeman, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 202 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
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Thai Noodle Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined several recipes to come up with my healthier twist on traditional pad thai. My version has only one-third the sodium of frozen versions you find in the store. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 400 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
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Udon Noodles with Pineapple Vinaigrette
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thai cuisine has such wonderfully intense flavors, but the dishes can be heavy and time-consuming. My answer is a refreshing salad with mango, gingerroot and a pop of jalapeno. —Melanie Stevenson, Reading, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 370 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
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Thai Chicken Thighs
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup sauce (calculated without rice): 261 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Thai Beef Stir-Fry
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A distinctive peanut sauce complements this colorful combination of tender sirloin strips, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and mushrooms. I like to dish it up over spaghetti, but you could use fried noodles instead. —Janice Fehr,
Austin, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 586 calories, 32g fat (6g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 974mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 5g fiber), 42g protein.
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Vegetable Pad Thai
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic flavors of Thailand abound in this fragrant and flavorful dish featuring peanuts, tofu and noodles. New to tofu? It gives the entree its satisfying protein, for a delicious way to introduce it to your diet. —Sara Landry, Brookline, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 402 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 1054mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
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Thai Salmon Brown Rice Bowls
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This speedy salmon recipe couldn’t be any easier. The store-bought sesame ginger dressing saves time and adds extra flavor to this healthy dish. — Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 486 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
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Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a colorful and comforting Thai peanut chicken stir-fry with just a touch of heat from crushed red pepper. If you want even more color, add frozen stir-fry veggies. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 384 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
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Thai Pork Satay
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe since it can be made as a main dish or as an appetizer. For appetizer portions, use short skewers and half the amount of pork. —Stephanie Butz, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 skewers: 515 calories, 37g fat (13g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1082mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
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Coconut Mango Thai Beef Curry
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My recipe provides a lot of sweet heat. The mango and coconut milk taste tropical while the curry paste adds a little fire. It’s a perfect dish to spice up the traditional offerings of the season. To make a milder dish, just reduce the amount of curry paste. —Terri Lynn Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 578 calories, 38g fat (23g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 793mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
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Shrimp Pad Thai
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can make this yummy Thai classic in no time. Find fish sauce and chili garlic sauce in the Asian foods aisle of your grocery store. —Elise Ray, Shawnee, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 338 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 1675mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
