A snack made with raw green papayas is called papaya salad. In contrast to how papayas are typically eaten, raw green papayas in this case are eaten like raw cucumbers and green bell peppers.

The green papayas are julienned before being combined with a dressing that includes lime juice, fish sauce, and tamarind sauce. To give the dish more taste and texture, additional ingredients are frequently added, including garlic, dried shrimp, crushed peanuts, and red chiles. Beta-carotene and lycopene are two antioxidants found in papayas. Vitamin A, which supports a strong immune system, is a precursor of beta-carotene. According to some recommendations, consuming 3-6mg of beta-carotene daily from food sources, 100g of papaya provides almost 3mg. Although lycopene is not converted into vitamin A the same way beta-carotene is, it may still be helpful in preventing UV-induced skin damage. Vitamin C, another noteworthy nutrient found in papayas, functions as an antioxidant and may, among other things, support healthy skin aging. One small papaya provides the necessary amount of vitamin C for the day.

With fruitiness from the shredded pomelo, sourness from the lime juice, and umami from the fish sauce, pomelo salad combines a variety of flavors into one dish.

Shrimp, cilantro, and shredded coconut are optional additions. For more spiciness, add Thai chilies. This salad is traditionally made with Pomelo but if you don't have access to it, you can use grapefruit as the perfect replacement. Pomelo and grapefruit, which come in red and yellow types, are similar in texture. Pomelos are considerably larger and have a lot thicker outer skin than grapefruits. Vitamin C is abundant in pomelos. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties in addition to helping in the absorption of iron, wound healing, gum health maintenance, and collagen formation. The daily required amount of vitamin C is found in just one cup (190g) of pomelo.

The Thai fresh spring rolls are similar to Vietnamese versions. Rice wrappers, cooked rice vermicelli, bean sprouts, and shrimp are the same ingredients in both. Fresh coriander and holy basil in Thailand are used in the Thai version.

Thai holy basil is comparable to other types of basil. According to research, this traditional herb may have anti-inflammatory properties and help with stress management. Bean sprouts typically give fresh spring rolls a crunch. Vitamin K, a necessary ingredient for blood clotting, makes up 30% of the daily value (DV) in one cup (104 grams). Basil, for example, has only 5.5 calories per cup, making veggies low in calories, but frying the ingredients might increase the overall calorie content of the dish. Making your own spring rolls from fresh vegetables is an option if calories are a concern. With a dipping sauce like fish sauce or tamarind sauce, Thai spring rolls go well.

Among the most well-known dishes of Thai cuisine is this hot and sour soup. Chilis provide the "hot" taste, while lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves give the soup its tangy flavor and "sour" flavor.

Traditional recipes include shrimp, which adds to the soup's vibrant orange color. Different types of chicken or seafood may be used in different versions. The soup is finished with vegetables like cilantro, tomatoes, white onions, and mushrooms. A variation of the original soup called tom yum goong nam kohn uses evaporated milk or coconut milk in place of the original broth. The milk thickens and sweetens the soup while reducing the heat and sourness. The source of high-quality protein is shrimp, which provides 17 grams in a 3-ounce serving. Additionally, shrimp contain astaxanthin carotenoids, which are what give shrimp their red-orange color. Older research suggests that astaxanthin may have a number of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and triglyceride levels to combat high blood pressure and the risk of chronic diseases and reducing inflammation

Khao man gai is the Thai variation of Hainanese chicken rice, a dish that’s extremely popular throughout Southeast Asia. You can't walk more than a few blocks in Thailand, and particularly in Bangkok (same goes for Chiang Mai), without coming across a chicken rice cart or restaurant.

The rice in the Thai version is prepared with chicken broth and garlic. The broth is additionally provided as a side dish of soup. A complete protein of the highest quality and one that helps maintain good health is chicken. One of the most important nutrients is protein, which is especially crucial for creating new body cells, building and repairing muscles, and boosting the immune system. Poaching is used to cook Hainanese chicken, therefore it is regarded as a nutritious food. There are 31g of protein in a 3.5 ounce serving of chicken.

Whole fish is used in most Asian steamed fish recipes, and this is also typical of Thai steamed fish. Scales and internal organs are frequently removed before serving barramundi, a variety of Asian sea bass.

If barramundi is not easily available where you live, you can substitute other kinds of sea bass or other fish. In a steamer, the fish is cooked in broth with lime juice and garlic pieces while being laid flat. Thai chilies are an additional option. Garlicky, umami, sour, and spicy flavors are all present in the mixture of ingredients. Chinese celery is used as a garnish on the dish, and soup or dipping sauce is made from the fish broth that was used to steam the fish. Fish is a high-quality protein source that also contains a variety of important nutrients, including iodine and the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Iodine is a necessary vitamin because it is used to make thyroid hormones, which are crucial for fetuses' growth and development as well as metabolism.

Coconut lemongrass clams are a great saucy option. In coconut milk and chicken broth, the clams are cooked with Thai chilies, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, and kaffir lime leaves.

A type of shellfish, clams provide selenium and vitamin B12 as well as other important nutrients. Blood cell production, neuron health, and DNA synthesis all depend on vitamin B12. Notably, every 68-gram serving of clam meat has three times the DV for B12, showing clam meat has high B12 concentrations. Selenium is a mineral recognized for helping the thyroid. Reduced cell damage may also strengthen the immune system. More than a third of the daily value (DV) of selenium is found in one serving of clam meat.

This Pad Pak Thai is fresh, flavorful, and also incredibly easy for you to prepare at home! It is packed with the best bold flavors and healthy ingredients. This dish is great for a light lunch, dinner, or healthy meal prep!

Broccoli, baby bok choy, carrots, mushrooms, and water chestnuts are some of the vegetables that Pad Pak provides. Vegetables are crucial sources of key nutrients. Garlic, galangal, shallots, Thai fresh basil, and chili flakes are typical ingredients used in Thai cuisine to enhance the flavor and aroma of vegetables. Vegetables have a number of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, increasing fiber intake, lowering the risk of some cancers, preventing blood sugar spikes, promoting mental health, and much more.

The classic Thai dessert known as khao niaow ma muang (mango sticky rice) is heavenly and scrumptious. It is famously served as street food in Thailand and at Thai restaurants throughout the world. This dessert is made with just four ingredients: cooked glutinous rice, cooked sticky rice, coconut milk, and sugar.

The cooked rice is flavored with coconut milk, which is also drizzled on top as a sauce. This recipe can be made healthy by using unsweetened coconut milk and little to no added sugar. Both vitamin A and beta-carotene are found in mangoes. 10% of the DV for vitamin A is found in one cup (165g) of pitted mangoes. Vitamin A supports healthy eyes, skin, and immune system function and is essential for growth and development. Mangoes contain a lot of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. Mangoes contain 46 mg of vitamin C per cup or almost 75% of the DV.

A glass of coconut water perfectly completes a healthy Thai meal. Coconut water is naturally sweet and hydrating, and it also contains a number of essential elements, such as minerals that many people don't get enough of.

The liquid that comes from a young coconut is called coconut water, and it contains potassium, which is necessary for the health of the heart, bones, nerves, muscles, and kidneys. Although coconut water is hydrating and rejuvenating, it does include some carbs. 15 grams of the 17 grams of carbs in one serving (330mL) of coconut water are from natural sugars. When buying coconut water, try to go for unsweetened varieties without added sugars.