Essential Thai Ingredients

In Thai cooking there are several ingredients that show up in nearly every dish. These ingredients are what make Thai cuisine so delicious and flavorful. Unfortunately, for us outside of Thailand, these  essential ingredients are not as common in our cooking, commonly known or available. Thankfully, especially those living in the West, there are still ways to find them at Asian Markets, large chains & online. It may take some time or be a small inconvenience to find them but trust me the time and trouble will be worth it in the kitchen. If you love Thai cuisine here are the special ingredients to stock up on!  keffir lime & keffir lime leaves The juice and peel are commonly used in curry paste & soups 

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The leaves are used in soups much like we use bay leaves for flavoring

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Galangal

Used in curry paste, hot and sour soup and coconut milk soup

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Lemongrass

Used in Tom Yum and curry paste

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Sweet Holy Basil

Often used with fish dishes

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 Lemon Basil

Usually sprinkled over Thai salads & curries

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Thai Basil

Used in Thai curries

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Thai Ginseng 

Used with fish dishes

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Turmeric

Used in yellow curries

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Oyster Sauce

Used for flavoring in several Thai dishes

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Thai Chili Paste
Thai's like their food with a kick! Used in most dishes

Fish Sauce

Used in everything from Pad Thai to Tom Yum Soup

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Palm Sugar

Used to bring out flavor, make things sweeter and tone down the spicy

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Palm Oil

Used in place of regular oil

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Other less exotic seasoning ingredients commonly used in Thai cooking are cilantro or coriander, chillies, lime and soya sauce.