Explore vibrant Thai side dishes bursting with flavors. Elevate your meal with our authentic and delicious Thai culinary companions.
Thai cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. While Thai main courses often steal the spotlight, a tasty side dish is equally important in completing a satisfying and authentic Thai meal.
We’ve collected our favorite Thai side dishes that we think you will love You will find the popular side dish you love at local Thai restaurants.
Whether you’re a fan of tangy salads, aromatic stir-fries, or crispy appetizers, this delectable array of Thai sides will perfectly complement your meals.
What Pairs Well with Thai Food?
When it comes to Thai food, there are a variety of delicious sides that complement the main dishes and enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some popular Thai side dishes to consider:
Tangy Thai Green Papaya Salad
Experience the refreshing and tangy flavors of Thailand with a classic Green Papaya Salad. This vibrant salad features shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, peanuts, and a zesty dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, and chili. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors will awaken your taste buds
Spicy Basil Stir-Fried Vegetables
Spice up your meal with a fiery stir-fry of fresh vegetables and aromatic basil. This quick and easy dish combines crisp bell peppers, crunchy green beans, and tender broccoli, sautéed with garlic, chili, and a savory sauce. The fragrant basil leaves add a delightful herbal note that complements the spiciness of the dish.
Crispy Thai Spring Rolls
Add a delightful crunch to your meal with these Crispy Thai Spring Rolls. Filled with a mixture of vegetables, vermicelli noodles, and fragrant herbs, these golden rolls are deep-fried to perfection. Dip them in a sweet and tangy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Jasmine Rice
A staple side dish in Thai cuisine, jasmine rice is fragrant and fluffy, serving as a perfect accompaniment to curries, stir-fries, and other flavorful Thai dishes.
Thai Cucumber Salad
This refreshing Thai cucumber salad features thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy dressing made with vinegar, sugar, and chili. It adds a cool and crisp element to balance the spiciness of Thai dishes.
These are just a few examples of the many delightful sides you can enjoy with Thai food. The combination of flavors, textures, and aromas in Thai cuisine ensures that every bite is a delightful experience.
What vegetables go with Thai food?
Thai cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and generous use of fresh vegetables. Here are some ideas for Thai vegetable side dishes:
Bok Choy
This leafy green vegetable has a mild and slightly crunchy texture. It’s commonly used in stir-fries and soups, adding a nutritious element to the dish.
Green Beans
Crisp and vibrant green beans are frequently used in Thai stir-fries. They add a fresh and crunchy texture to the dish.
Bean Sprouts
Bean sprouts are commonly used in Thai salads, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. They add a crunchy and refreshing element to the overall dish.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are versatile vegetables used in various Thai dishes, providing a crisp texture and sweet flavor. They are often used in stir-fries, curries, and salads.
Relevant Recipes
Tips for Creating Thai Side Dishes
Thai cuisine is all about achieving a perfect balance of salty, spicy, sweet and sour flavors. When preparing Thai side dishes, be mindful of this balance and adjust the ingredients accordingly. Experiment with the combination of ingredients like lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and thai chilies.
Fresh herbs and spices play a crucial role in Thai cooking, adding depth and fragrance to the dishes. Lemongrass, cilantro, Thai basil, galangal and kaffir lime leaves will make a great addition to a refreshing side dish. Incorporate them into your side dishes to infuse them with authentic Thai flavors.
Thai cuisine is known for its delicious dipping sauces that add an extra layer of flavor or a spicy kick to the dishes. Experiment with different sauces like peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce to accompany your side dishes.
When planning your Thai side dishes, consider incorporating a variety of textures to create a more interesting dining experience. Add crispy vegetables, crunchy peanuts or fried shallots for a delightful crunch.
