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27 Easy Thai Recipes That Are Better Than Takeout

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khao soi  delishcom
Joel Goldberg

There is no denying that we are obsessed with Thai takeout. But how many savory noodle dishes, rich curries, and perfectly balanced soups can you order before you test your skills and give them a try on your own? It's easier than you think to master your favorite dishes, and the bright, full flavors are here to make sure your rotation stays fresh. Haven't tried to cook your favorite Thai dishes yet? Well, today is the day. And if you need to add items to your pantry, it's worth it. Looking for more ways to switch it up? Check out our best quick chicken weeknight dinners and ways to use leftover rice.

1

Panang Curry

panang curry
Joel Goldberg

In central Thailand, you're likely to come across this popular dish: panang curry. Though it's typically meat-heavy (like this version), you can find variations with bell peppers and other vegetables.

Get the recipe from Delish.

2

Easy Shrimp Pad Thai

easy shrimp pad thai
Anna Watson Carl

This recipe is way tastier (and faster) than delivery.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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3

Chicken Satay

chicken satay
Parker feierbach

Satay, considered to be a national dish of Indonesia, is a popular Southeast Asian street food that usually involves a marinated meat being skewered and grilled, then served with a simple saucy dip.

Get the recipe from Delish.

4

Thai Chicken Coconut Soup

thai chicken coconut soup delishcom
Parker feierbach

Known as Tom Kha Ghai, this coconut soup paired with ginger and lime is one we are always craving.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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5

Thai Basil Chicken

thai basil chicken
Parker Feierbach

Grown throughout Southeast Asia, Thai basil is - no surprise here - used quite predominantly in Thailand, as well as in Vietnam, Laos, Taiwan, and Cambodia. It's a bit sweeter than traditional basil, with a more pronounced floral note, and a slight licorice-y bite.

Get the recipe from Delish.

6

Mango Sticky Rice

mango sticky rice
PARKER FEIERBACH

This is a classic take on the Thai dessert cooking in coconut milk gives you the most flavorful rice, without any effort. This is a great dessert to be able to make ahead as it's good either cold or at room temperature.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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7

Scallion Pancakes

scallion pancakes with soy dipping sauce
Andrew Bui

Scallion pancakes might be one of our favorite appetizers ever. Crispy, flaky, and with the *slightest* bit of chew, it's easy to polish off a whole plate of them in minutes.

Get the recipe from Delish.

8

Thai Iced Tea

thai iced tea
Erik Bernstein

Thai iced tea, or Cha Yen, has an interesting place in Thai cuisine. Most Americans would consider it iconic and essential to Thai cuisine, but in reality it's only essential to American Thai food.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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9

Khao Soi

khao soi
Joel goldberg

Khao Soi is a delicious noodle soup that with a variety of textures and fresh flavors. Typically, the dish uses yellow egg noodles and is made with chicken.

Get the recipe from Delish.

10

Chicken Curry Laksa w/ Shrimp

chicken curry laksa
LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY

Broadly speaking, laksa paste typically contains chilis, nuts, shrimp, lemongrass, and spices. And while it can be made from scratch, we streamlined this version using the prepared kind.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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11

Thai Chicken Fried Rice

thai fried rice
Lucy Schaeffer

Fried remains the best thing to do with leftover rice. The slightly dried out rice will absorbed more of the flavors and crisp up slightly as is cooks.

Get the recipe from Delish.

12

Prik Nam Pla

prik nam pla
Erik Bernstein

This simple, classic condiment of Thai cuisine hits all the marks: salty, sweet, spicy, umami. Just beware: A little goes a long way.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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13

Laab Gai: Lao Minced Chicken Salad

laab gai
LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY

While also a Thai staple, laab is the national dish of Laos. While it has evolved throughout history and in neighboring countries, it's always filled with fresh herbs and aromatics, and punchy flavors.

Get the recipe from Delish.

14

Perfect Sticky Rice

sticky rice
Saeng Douangdara

The secret to perfect sticky rice is the rinsing, soaking, and steaming.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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15

Pumpkin Curry

pumpkin chili  delishcom
Joel Goldberg

The earthy, sweet flavor of kabocha squash is the perfect base for a spicy, Thai-inspired coconut curry.

Get the recipe from Delish.

16

Easy Pad Thai

easy pad thai
Ethan Calabrese

It also comes together in 20 minutes.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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17

Easy Coconut Rice

coconut rice
Emily Hlavac Green

Replacing half of the water with coconut milk makes the rice slightly sticky and much more flavorful. We want to eat with everything! Especially with our favorite pineapple baked salmon.

Get the recipe from Delish.

18

Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups

thai chicken lettuce wraps
Parker Feierbach

Getting tired of making the same ol' chicken breast recipe? Shake up your routine with these easy and delicious lettuce cups. Loaded with crunchy fresh veggies and flavorful marinated chicken, all you need is a squeeze of lime juice to tie everything together.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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19

Garlic-Lemongrass Roast Chicken

roast chicken
Erik Bernstein

Lemongrass is underrated: With a strong citrus scent and floral flavor, it adds serious zing to this marinade.Fish sauce, which magnifies the deliciousness, and two heads (!) of garlic also do a lot heavy lifting here.

Get the recipe from Delish.

20

Thai Glazed Chicken

thai glazed chicken
Jonathan Boulton

The sauce is irresistible.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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