Craving delicious Thai food without breaking the bank? This 3-Dish Thai Budget Meal plan proves that authentic Thai flavors don't require a hefty price tag. We'll guide you through creating a satisfying and flavorful two-person meal for under a specified budget (adjust as needed to your local prices), showcasing the incredible value and versatility of Thai ingredients. Forget expensive takeout; learn to whip up restaurant-quality dishes in your own kitchen, using simple techniques and readily available ingredients.
This recipe plan focuses on three complementary dishes: a vibrant and refreshing salad, a hearty and aromatic main course, and a subtly sweet and savory side. Each dish is designed to maximize flavor and minimize cost, utilizing common pantry staples and fresh produce. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own delightful and affordable Thai feast.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Mortar and pestle
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Golden needle mushrooms: 20 baht
- Jinda chili
- Karen chili
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Coriander leaves
- Mint leaves
- Water: 1 liter
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Eggplant
- Chicken thighs (with skin): 2 pieces, 30 baht
- Minced pork: 20-30 baht
- Powdered sugar
- Seasoning (for pork)
- Cornstarch
- Thai pepper
- White pepper
- Soy sauce
- Mushroom sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Egg tofu: 2 pieces, 20 baht
- Carrots
- Spring onions
- Chives
- Olive oil
- Red curry paste
- Coconut milk: 250ml
- Basil leaves
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Rice
- Boiled eggs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Marinades
- Roast chili peppers and garlic until fragrant.
- Cut golden needle mushrooms into small pieces.
- Prepare shallots, coriander, and mint leaves for garnish.
- Prepare water with salt (1 liter water, 1 tablespoon salt) to prevent eggplant from turning black. Alternatively, add sugar.
- Cut eggplant and soak in salted water.
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate minced pork with powdered sugar, seasoning, cornstarch, chili, white pepper, soy sauce, mushroom sauce, and oyster sauce for 10 minutes.
- Cut egg tofu into 4 equal parts.
- Cut carrots.
- Pound chili paste ingredients in a mortar until finely blended. Add mushrooms and pound together.
Step 2. Cook the Main Dishes
- Heat oil, add chili paste, stir-fry, season with fish sauce.
- Heat water, add pork balls, carrots, soup cube, egg tofu, white soy sauce, mushroom flavoring, and chives.
- Heat olive oil, add red curry paste, stir-fry. Add coconut milk gradually, then add chicken and stir-fry until cooked.
Step 3. Finish the Curry and Soup
- Add water and coconut milk to the curry. Add eggplant while the soup is boiling, pressing it down to prevent discoloration.
- Season with fish sauce, add fresh chili, kaffir lime leaves, and basil leaves. Turn off heat immediately.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Adding sugar to the eggplant water prevents it from turning black.
- Adding pork balls to the soup while the water is not yet boiling makes the pork soft.
- Adding basil leaves at the end and turning off the heat immediately prevents them from turning black.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Where can I find affordable Thai ingredients?
Local markets and Asian grocery stores usually offer the best prices on ingredients like rice, vegetables, and herbs. Check for sales and specials!
2. Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?
Yes! Thai cooking is adaptable. Feel free to substitute similar vegetables or herbs based on availability and preference. The key is to maintain balance of flavors.
3. What if I don't have all the necessary cooking equipment?
Many Thai dishes are simple to prepare with basic cooking tools. A wok is helpful but not essential; a large skillet will work fine. Focus on the core techniques and adapt as needed.
So, there you have it – a delicious and affordable Thai meal for two, all within a 100 Baht budget! This proves that enjoying authentic Thai cuisine doesn't require a large expense. Now go forth and impress yourself (and perhaps a friend!) with your newfound culinary skills.