70 Easy Thai recipes for beginners: Perfect for those who are new to Thai cooking.
Read my collection of healthy Thai recipes next!
These dishes are quick, simple, and undeniably better than takeout. Try some of my vegetarian recipes, easy desserts, classic noodle dishes like pad Thai, and irresistible chicken favorites like pad priew wan.
This guide is your shortcut to making authentic Thai food effortlessly and delicious without experience.
Enjoy simple, authentic cooking.
These favorites are all really easy to make at home with all the best flavors rolled into one – a bit salty, a touch sweet, perfectly sour, and just the right amount of spicy.
It’s all about balance and simplicity here.
Happy cooking!
Easy Thai recipes for dinner
Wrap up your day with the easiest Thai dinner ideas around!
These easy dishes are perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Think savory stir-fries, comforting curries, and effortless dishes with just the right kick.
1. Nam tok moo recipe
Nam tok moo isn’t just a salad; it’s a waterfall of Thai flavors. With grilled pork, a zesty lime dressing, and spicy chilies to taste, this is my top pick for an easy Thai dinner recipe.
Quick to prep with a protein of your choice and the best dressing you’ll ever taste.
2. Moo manao
Moo manao features the juiciest pork ever drenched in a chili lime dressing so good you’ll want to drink it, seriously.
Whip up this easy Thai salad and serve it as a light dinner or as part of a larger meal.
3. Pad prik sod
Late nights? Try pad prik sod, a stir-fry hero for busy weeknights.
Fresh chilies, onions, and crisp veggies tossed in a spicy and savory sauce make this simple dish an easy Thai meal that beats any takeout.
4. Pad prik pao
Who needs takeout when you can effortlessly create the best chili paste stir-fry at home?
This simple recipe is packed with crispy chicken and vegetables with the most incredible savory-spicy sauce.
5. Nua pad prik
Nua pad prik brings heat and flavor in one easy package.
Tender beef, fiery chilies, and a sauce that’ll have you licking the plate. Switch up the protein for endless quick Thai dinner possibilities.
6. Shrimp larb recipe
Larb is one of the easiest Thai salads. Fresh herbs, tangy lime, and hot chili flakes come together in this easy dinner idea.
This straightforward recipe is easy to customize with your favorite protein for a refreshing dish any day of the week.
7. Pan-fried catfish no breading
Keep dinner simple with a delicious pan-fried catfish. No breading, no fuss, no mess.
Seasoned to perfection and cooked to crispy golden goodness, it’s a perfect choice with rice.
8. Thai black pepper beef stir-fry
Perfect for when you crave something quick and peppery. Thai black pepper beef stir-fry is a fast dish with juicy beef and an unforgettable stir-fry sauce.
It’s simple Thai cooking at its finest!
9. Pad pong karee talay
A medley of your favorite seafood coated with fragrant yellow curry.
This is an easy Thai recipe that you can totally customize with your favorite protein and crispy veggies to turn it into a crowd-pleaser.
10. Larb ped recipe
Enjoy spicy weeknights with larb ped, a simple salad featuring duck.
It’s hot, quick, and loaded with nutrients. Perfect for when you want something unique, but still easy and delicious.
11. Thai beef panang curry recipe
This Thai beef panang is an easy curry recipe that puts your local Thai restaurant to shame.
Use my homemade panang curry paste or store-bought, either way, you’re in for an amazing dinner!
12. Pad ped talay
Perfect for seafood lovers, this simple Thai stir-fry is easy to make and anything but boring.
13. Thai roasted duck curry
Ready to fall in love? This Thai roasted duck curry is so rich in flavor and infused with aromatic spices, it’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
It’s my absolute favorite for an easy yet impressive meal!
14. Tom yum fried rice
Spicy, tangy, and so delicious. Fried rice is the easiest recipe ever, and this simple Thai dish combines the best of tom yum flavors with comforting rice.
15. Thai green curry pork
Green curry is where tender meat meets creamy curry and veggies.
Better than takeout, this easy Thai curry recipe is comfort food that you can whip up in no time.
16. Som tum Thai
Crunchy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy, this is the green papaya salad you’ve been craving.
Light, easy, and so delicious, it’s perfect as a light dinner or tasty side.
17. Thai basil pork belly
Crispy pork, fragrant basil, and the best stir-fry sauce around. Simple Thai cooking doesn’t get any better!
18. Pad kra pao
The ultimate Thai street food option made so easily right at home!
Holy basil, chilies, and your choice of meat, all ready in minutes. Quick and easy, this is a MUST-TRY.
19. Thai ribs
These Thai ribs are perfect for your next party!
Marinated to perfection and finger-licking good, they’re a Thai twist on everyone’s favorite.
20. Thai pork larb
Pork larb is one of my most popular easy Thai recipes. It’s meaty, it’s fresh, and full of spices.
Turn it into lettuce cups or serve with rice for an easy dinner.
21. Thai crispy fish with tamarind sauce
Crispy fish with a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce is way easier to make than it looks.
It’s a Thai dish you’ll crave over and over once try it.
22. Thai steamed fish recipe
Flavored with just the right herbs and spices, Thai steamed fish is a healthy dish that’s simple to make.
It’s light, lovely, and doesn’t skimp on taste.
23. Easy fried rice with leftover rice
Turn that leftover rice into the best-ever fried rice! This easy Thai recipe is all about making something tasty and quick with what you’ve got.
24. Minced pork omelette
A minced pork omelette is perfect for an easy meal. Fluffy eggs, savory pork, and the perfect amount of seasoning make this Thai omelet perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick dinner.
25. Garlic pepper pork
Garlic lovers, this one’s for you.
Garlic pork is a simple stir-fry that’s full of garlic flavor. Quick to cook and delicious to eat, it’s an easy weeknight dinner favorite that pairs great with rice.
26. Khua kling
Khua kling is a Southern Thai dry curry that’s all about the spice. Quick to whip up and packed with flavor, it’s a bold dish for those who love a little fire.
It’s the perfect last-minute dinner with rice.
27. Crying tiger steak
Juicy, spicy, and served with a can’t-get-enough sauce, this Thai beef recipe won’t dissapoint.
28. Yum nua
Fresh veggies, a zesty dressing, and thin slices of beef make this easy salad the perfect option for something hearty yet light.
29. Tom kha gai
Tom kha gai is a classic Thai soup where coconut milk, fresh herbs, and tender chicken come together for a simple, comforting dish.
30. Tom yum kung
Tom yum kung is a famous Thai spicy soup loaded with shrimp, mushrooms, and lots of herbs and spices.
It’s quick to make and a staple in Thai cooking, a must-try if you’re new to Thai cuisine.
Easy Thai vegetarian recipes
Calling all veggie lovers!
These vegetarian Thai dishes are anything but bland. Packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and all that good stuff, they’re here to show how greens can steal the show.
Quick, easy, and exploding with flavor, these veggie recipes are irresistibly tasty.
31. Vegetarian Thai green curry recipe
This creamy, dreamy Thai vegetarian curry is a cozy bowl of coconut milk packed with your favorite vegetables and optionally tofu.
It’s spicy, aromatic, and ridiculously easy to whip up! Perfect for when you want a cozy night in with bold flavors.
32. How to make Thai sticky rice
Master the art of making Thai sticky rice, a comforting staple of Thai cuisine.
It’s perfect as a side for your vegetarian dishes or paired with ripe mangoes for a classic dessert. Once you try it, you’ll forget about jasmine rice in an instant!
33. Thai corn fritters
Crispy to perfection, gluten-free, vegan, and perfect as an appetizer or snack.
They’re quick and easy to make – the perfect blend of sweet corn and a hint of spicy curry paste, making them an irresistible Thai treat.
34. Thai hot sauce recipe
Spice up your meals with your very own homemade Thai hot sauce.
Quick to make and impossible to resist, it’s a spicy lover’s dream.
35. Thai pomelo salad recipe
Perfect for summer, this refreshing Thai pomelo salad is full of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
It’s a healthy dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.
36. Thai basil recipe vegetarian
One of the easiest Thai recipes ever – stir-fried holy basil is a flavor-packed meal that comes together in no more than 30 minutes.
With aromatic basil, punchy garlic, spicy chilies, and tofu, it’s an easy vegetarian meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner.
37. Thai cucumber salad for satay
Cool off with this vegetarian side that’s perfect for any dish.
Its tangy dressing complements the crisp cucumbers, making it an easy, refreshing choice for any meal.
38. Thai shrimp rolls with peanut sauce
Not into shrimp? No problem! Simply swap them out for tofu in these easy Thai rolls and dip into the same irresistible peanut sauce.
39. Authentic Thai peanut sauce recipe
Drizzle, dip, dress – this vegetarian-friendly topping for veggies, tofu, or noodles, adds a rich, nutty flavor that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
40. Fried banana chips
Crunchy, sweet, and so addictive, these fried banana chips are the perfect vegetarian snack.
They’re a Thai-inspired treat with no more than a handful of simple ingredients!
41. Vegetarian Thai fried rice recipe
Your new favorite vegetarian fried rice recipe!
Quick, delicious, and totally customizable, it’s the perfect dish for when you want something tasty without effort.
42. Thai vegetables stir-fry
Stir up some healthy vegetables with this Thai vegetable stir-fry.
Loaded with crunchy veggies and those sweet-savory flavors you love, it’s an easy, nutritious option for a quick side or main.
Note: swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian mushroom sauce alternative.
43. Khao tom
Start your day right with khao tom, a comforting rice soup that’s a staple in Thailand.
For an easy vegetarian recipe – omit the pork and enjoy it with just rice and vegetables!
Simple Thai dessert recipes
End your meal with these easy-to-follow Thai desserts that are brimming with authentic sweetness and the comfort of Thailand.
Authentic, creamy, and just plain delicious, these easy dessert ideas are my kind of comfort food.
44. Authentic Thai mango sticky rice recipe
Sweet, sticky rice paired with ripe, juicy mangoes and a drizzle of creamy coconut sauce.
This Thai dessert is a treat that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying some me time.
45. Bananas in coconut milk
Warm, soft bananas swimming in a sweet, creamy coconut bath.
It’s an easy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for winding down after a spicy meal or whenever you need a little sweetness in your life.
46. Thai grilled bananas with coconut caramel sauce
One of my favorite desserts, these grilled bananas are like heaven!
Drizzled with an irresistible coconut caramel sauce that’s simple to prepare and insanely delicious, it’s the perfect sweet ending to any meal.
47. Thai fried bananas recipe
Sweet, crispy, and insanely delicious, these Thai fried bananas are a snack or dessert option you don’t want to miss.
It’s a street food favorite you can easily recreate at home.
Easy recipes with chicken
Thai-style chicken, it’s as good as it gets.
Quick to cook and packed with spices, these easy Thai chicken recipes are way better than any takeout!
48. Thai honey chicken
Thai honey chicken is a sticky, sweet oven-baked dish that’s perfect for a simple meal. Juicy chicken is coated in a glistening honey sauce with just the right amount of seasonings to turn it into a crowd favorite.
It’s sweet, it’s sticky, and so delicious. Just marinate ahead of time then toss it in the oven and that’s it.
49. Pad krapow chicken recipe
This pad krapow chicken recipe comes together in minutes. It’s a fast and flavorful lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Basil, chilies, and a quick stir in the pan. It’s a favorite in Thai homes that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
50. Thai lemongrass chicken recipe
Thai lemongrass chicken is citrusy, herby, and so quick to whip up. It’s a light dish that leaves you feeling full but not stuffed – just how we like it!
51. Chicken pineapple fried rice
A little bit of sweet, a little bit of savory, and a whole lot of yummy. Quick, easy, and a surefire hit at any table that’s impossible to resist.
52. Thai fried chicken
This Thai-style fried chicken is made with simple spices. Golden, crispy, and perfect for sharing as a party snack.
53. Thai massaman chicken curry
Massaman curry is rich, nutty, and just a hint of sweet. It’s packed with tender chicken and potatoes, and so easy to customize with your favorite proteins and flavors.
It’s the comfort food you didn’t know you needed.
54. Larb gai salad
A fresh, zesty salad with fresh herbs and a tangy lime dressing. It’s a light, spicy dish that’s full of flavor, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
55. Gaeng daeng recipe
Gaeng daeng is a spicy, coconutty classic that never disappoints. Serve Thai red curry with rice and watch it disappear in an instant.
56. Thai boiled chicken with fish sauce
Sometimes simple and easy is best, and this Thai boiled chicken with fish sauce is proof.
Fall-off-the-bone tender chicken served in an umami-rich sauce for an easy dinner that comes together with minimal effort.
57. Gai pad med mamuang
My most popular chicken stir-fry, gai pad med mamuang, is easy to make at home for a hearty dinner with rice.
Think juicy chicken stir-fried with crunchy cashews and your choice of colorful veggies.
58. Pad priew wan
Sweet and sour chicken with a perfect balance of flavors.
It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for the family and the kids.
59. Hat yai fried chicken
A Southern Thailand’s classic, this easy fried chicken is marinated in a blend of spices. It’s crispy, juicy, and so irresistible.
60. Thai ginger chicken recipe
Thai ginger chicken is an easy stir-fry with a fresh kick.
It’s quick to whip up and packed with ginger, it’s a midweek hero.
61. Spicy fried chicken recipe without buttermilk
Crispy, spicy, and made without buttermilk, this straightforward recipe delivers spicy chicken with a crunchy layer.
62. Thai chicken wings
Authentic marinated wings – grilled to perfection.
The perfect snack for game night, movie night, or just because.
Simple Thai noodle recipes
Quick and easy noodles, Thai-style!
Always amazing, these easy Thai noodle dishes are about to become your new go-to for busy weekdays.
Slurp up flavors that are bold, balanced, and oh-so-good. Whether you like pad Thai or a traditional noodle salad, I got you covered.
63. Authentic chicken pad Thai
Pad Thai is a dish that needs no introduction.
With a homemade pad Thai sauce that you can easily make in advance, this chicken stir-fry is whipped up within minutes.
64. Chili garlic noodles recipe
These noodles are super spicy, wonderfully garlicky, and ridiculously easy to make.
If you’re all about spicy heat, these noodles are your perfect match!
65. Beef pad see ew
Beef pad see ew is everyone favorite’s noodle dish featuring a savory sauce, thick noodles, and crunchy Chinese broccoli.
Street food at home just got easy, and you’re going to love it.
66. Thai noodle bowl
Mix in your chosen proteins, vegetables, and silky noodles for an effortlessly delicious meal that’s all you.
67. Pad mee korat
Easy to make, spicier than pad Thai, and perfect for those new to Thai cooking.
68. Yum woon sen pork
Light, tangy, and packed with flavor, this glass noodle salad is refreshing and a change from the usual.
Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick lunch or light dinner made easily at home.
69. Kua mee (noodles with egg)
Stir-fried noodles, eggs, and a hint of sweet. A cozy, easy noodle stir-fry that’s perfect for a busy day.
70. Pad kee mao (drunken noodles)
Drunken noodles are always a hit! They’re bold, spicy, and not for the faint-hearted.
This easy recipe is complete with a kick of heat and a sprinkle of basil, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
Thai cooking tips and tricks
- Practice and practice: Don’t be discouraged if a recipe doesn’t turn out perfect. Practice will bring you closer to perfection, and don’t be afraid to hit me up with any questions you might have.
- Use fresh ingredients: Thai food is all about freshness and aroma. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Most ingredients can be found at Asian grocery stores or Asian markets.
- Balance the flavors: A Thai chef does not serve before taste testing. Thai cuisine is all about balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Taste and adjust as you go.
- Customize the heat: Some Thai dishes can be rather spicy, but it doesn’t have to be! Simply adjust the number of chilies to suit your family’s taste. If you happen to add a bit too many chilies, try adding some sugar to balance out the spicy flavor.
- Prep ahead: Thai cooking moves quickly, especially stir-fries. Make sure you have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking.
Conclusion
Also read my collection of Issan Thai food recipes!
You’ve got the recipes, now all you need are the ingredients! With these easy Thai recipes for beginners, you’re ready to whip up some serious deliciousness right in your kitchen. Please make my day by dropping a comment below! Follow me onFacebook,Instagram, andPinterest.
