Thai Food Healthy Options
Thai food has become famous because of the spicy and aromatic flavours. However, those great flavours can also be calorie rich. So, before you indulge in Thai cooking, it is a good idea to know what are the health benefits of healthy Thai food.
Despite the popularity of Thai cuisine, some traditional dishes can be high in refined carbohydrates and deep fried foods. If you’re on a diet, there are plenty of options available in Thai cuisine that are high in fiber, low in calories, and contain lean protein and Thai herbs and spices.
Pad See Ew (Pad Kee Mao)
Pad See Ew (Pad Kee Mao) is a stir fried rice noodle dish. It is also called as Thai Rice Noodles.
Pad See Ew is a popular dish in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The original recipe of Pad See Ew comes from Southern China where it was first introduced by Chinese immigrants who settled in Thailand during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368).
Pad See Ew has been adapted and modified by various cuisines across the globe. In Europe and America, this stir fry is also known as Pad Thai or Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu.
In Thailand, this stir fry is usually served with chicken or pork meat but you can also have it with beef or shrimp if you like.It is also known as Pad Kee Mao or “Egg Noodles”. It has many variations but the most popular one is stir fried with eggs and flat noodles. The name means “Spicy Stir-Fried”.
Pad See Ew is usually made with flat rice noodles called “Khao Soi”, although other types of noodles may be used. Stir frying the ingredients adds extra flavor to the dish and makes it more appealing to the taste buds.
Pad See Ew has been made using rice noodles which are semi-cooked before adding the other ingredients to it such as tofu, bean sprouts and dried shrimps. The rice noodles are then fried in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy on the edges while still being soft inside like soft boiled egg which makes them stretchy and chewy at the same time making it easier to eat than regular pasta noodles.
Tom Yum Goong
If you love spicy, sour dishes, you will definitely enjoy Tom Yum Goong. This Thai hot and sour soup is often made with shrimp. It originated in Thailand and is one of the country’s most popular dishes. Its name, Tom Yum Goong, means “sour shrimp soup.”
This Thai soup is made with fresh ingredients and requires minimal cooking time. To add flavor, you can use fish sauce or fresh lime juice. Red Boat fish sauce contains fewer additives than other brands and has a cleaner flavor. Coconut milk is another great addition. Make sure to test the flavor of your soup before adding shrimp. After the shrimp are cooked, you can serve your bowl of Tom Yum Goong! Serve it immediately! If you don’t want to cook your shrimp, you can remove the lime leaves and cilantro bunch before serving.
Thai chili sauce is commonly used for this dish. It is considered a healthy dish, and has been proven to help with several health conditions. Some researchers have even speculated that the ingredients in Tom Yum Goong may even cure cancer. Another common ingredient is lemongrass, which gives Thai dishes a fragrant scent and balances the strong flavors. Lemongrass also contains several essential vitamins and is good for reducing coughs and inflammation caused by illnesses.
A bowl of Tom Yum Goong is a refreshingly spicy, sour and salty soup that originated during the Rattanakosin period of Thailand. It first appeared in a local Thai cookbook in 1889. The soup’s intense Thai flavors include lemongrass and lime, and spiciness is heightened with Thai peppers. In short, it is a classic Thai soup, and a delicious way to start the day.
Whether you prefer shrimp or fish, the most popular version of Tom Yum soup is the sour and spicy version of this delicious Thai dish. Traditionally served with rice, Tom Yum is an essential staple of Thai cuisine. You can find Thai restaurants that serve Tom Yum Goong in the U.S. Most of them have it available for order, and you can even try it at home! You can also add chicken or coconut milk if you like.
Panang Curry
Panang Curry is a spicy red Thai curry that is thick, salty, and has a tangy makrut lime flavour. Its first recorded mention was in Mom Somchin Rachanupraphan’s book Tamra Kap Khao, published in 1890. Traditionally made with pork and coconut milk, this dish is an essential part of Thai cuisine. But it’s not just any curry; there are several variations of Panang Curry.
To make Panang curry, you need to buy the ingredients for it. You can buy the sauce in any Asian grocery store. It is available in dairy and gluten-free varieties. Keeping it in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for two to three days. If you don’t find it in your local market, you can even buy it online. The curry will keep for up to 5 days. If you want to serve it later, you can freeze leftovers in the fridge.
To create a vegan version of panang curry, you should omit the shrimp paste. Although most store-bought curry pastes are already vegan, you can still make a delicious dish by using tofu or your meat substitute of choice. You can also use hearty roasted vegetables instead of meat. If you are worried about using too much of any ingredient, you can always try substituting soy sauce or vegan curry paste.
If you don’t have any kaffir lime leaves, you can substitute them with coconut milk or jug coconut milk. The kaffir lime leaves give the curry an unforgettable aroma. You can also substitute the coconut milk with a low-fat variety. If you can’t find kaffir lime leaves, you can always cook the curry in a wok. You can even adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you want your curry to be more spicy, you can add chilies.
Compared to red curry, Panang curry has a milder flavor. It contains more coconut, which gives it a creamy, sweet taste that is not too hot. It also has ground cashews, which give it an nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a curry that is not too spicy, try massaman curry. It’s milder than most Thai curry dishes. Unlike most Thai curries, it has a thick, creamy texture.
In contrast to red curry, Panang curry is mild and sweet. Its curry paste contains less red chili pepper and peanuts, which makes it more sweet and less spicy. You can serve it with rice or vegetables, which make it a perfect meal. If you’re a fan of Thai food, you’ll want to try Panang curry. It’s the perfect dish for your next party or family gathering. The flavor is truly delectable!
Thai Green Papaya Salad
To make Thai Green Papaya Salad, you can use shredded green papaya or roasted peanuts. You can also use a mortar and pestle. You must pound the ingredients lightly to avoid dilution. After chopping the green papaya, you should add it to the dressing. When you serve it, garnish it with chopped peanuts or cilantro leaves, if desired. It is delicious either way.
The ingredients of the salad should be mixed well together. First, make the dressing. It should be sweet and spicy. Then, add the peanuts and lime juice. If you don’t have any, you can buy roasted peanuts at the supermarket. Add the shredded green papaya, a few peanuts, and some extra lime. Then, you are ready to serve the Thai Green Papaya Salad!
The green papaya should soak for about 10 minutes before moving to a large salad bowl. Add the dressing mixture to the papaya and mix well. Sprinkle with more chopped peanuts if you prefer. The green papaya can also be substituted with carrots, which have similar texture but a milder flavour. Once prepared, the salad is great for the entire week, and can be stored in the refrigerator.
For a quick and healthy salad, Thai Green Papaya Salad can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. It is also delicious with protein or rice or noodles. Raw green vegetables are often served along with it to balance out its spiciness. This salad is naturally vegan, but you can add optional fish sauce to make it a little more palatable for vegans. This recipe is also gluten-free and vegan!
The green papaya retains its flavor when shredded. The dressing includes a mix of fish sauce, palm sugar, garlic, chilli, and lime juice. The original version of this salad originated in Laos, but its variations are widespread throughout Southeast Asia. Other ingredients in the Thai version include dried beef, pickled crabs, and smoked fish. It is also commonly called “som tum”.
Making Thai Green Papaya Salad is a breeze. It is incredibly healthy and tastes scrumptious! The fresh green papaya will be the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken or sticky rice. Just remember to pair it with a side dish of Thai grilled chicken. You’ll be glad you did! You’ll want to make this salad for dinner or lunch every day! You can find it in Asian markets across the United States or at a specialty market.
How Many Calories in Thai Food?
If you’re on a diet, you’re probably wondering how many calories in Thai food. While there are many delicious dishes on the menu, many of them are high in calories and fat.
One of the biggest questions people ask about Thai food is how many calories it contains. The answer varies widely. A generous portion of pad Thai contains approximately 1,220 calories. And don’t forget the side dish! A bowl of papaya salad and a cup of fried fish cakes have about 1,386 calories. When you think about it, the calorie count in Thai food can be a lot lower than you might think!
Pad Thai, for example, isn’t typically the highest calorie option on a Thai menu. This stir-fried dish is also high in sugar and sodium. In fact, you’ll want to pair half of your order with a vegetable-heavy side dish. You’ll probably find a way to enjoy pad Thai while still maintaining a healthy diet! If you’re trying to lose weight, calorie counting may not be a realistic option.
The dish is made up of rice noodles, grilled shrimp or chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, and spices. There are several versions of this dish, but most of them are between 300 and 400 calories per serving. To keep the serving size to a minimum, order a half-cup of this dish. While the portion size is generous, you can opt for a cup and add extra veggies if you wish.
One of the best ways to cut down on the number of calories you consume is to stick to low-fat, low-calorie curries. While the coconut milk used in Thai curries is high in saturated fat, it is also rich in lauric acid, which has been shown in 60 studies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. And make sure to add extra vegetables and lean proteins to your dishes. Alternatively, you could opt for rice-based dishes. You might even want to consider brown rice instead of white rice to cut down on the calories.
For vegetarians, fresh Thai spring rolls contain just 58 calories and only a small amount of fat. Thai spring rolls usually contain vegetables and fresh shrimp. The wrappers are not fried, so you don’t have to worry about the calories and fat content.
Most Thai restaurants have extensive menus. It can be overwhelming if you’ve never tried Thai food before. Ask your server for recommendations. Let your server know if you have a low-calorie, low-fat, or low-carb diet. If you’re unsure, you can also specify the type of food you want, and the server will take care of finding the right option for you. So now you know how many calories are in Thai food!
Conclusion
Although many famous dishes in Thai cuisine are low in fat and cholesterol, they are still highly nutritious. The best thing to do is to check the menu at a Thai restaurant and ask about the healthy options.
