70 Easy Thai Recipes for Beginners

This collection of 70 easy Thai recipes for beginners is perfect for those new to Thai cooking. Enjoy the tasty flavors of Thailand at home with straightforward, foolproof dishes that guarantee delicious results every time!

Collage of easy Thai recipes for beginners featuring red curry, grilled bananas, fried rice, and sweet and sour chicken.

These dishes are simple to make and undeniably better than takeout. Try the easy vegetarian Thai green curry or classic chicken pad Thai. Plus, don’t miss the irresistible pad priew wan for sweet and sour chicken. Perfect for a quick, delicious, and easy dinner!

This guide is your shortcut to making authentic Thai food effortlessly and delicious without experience.

A wooden spatula lifting Thai prad piew wan over a black dish with stir-fried chicken and vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce.

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.

Happy cooking and don’t forget to read my collection of healthy Thai recipes or Thai breakfast recipes next!

Easy Thai recipes for dinner

Wrap up your day with the easiest Thai dinner ideas around! These are the best Thai dishes for beginners.

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.

Overhead view of nam tok moo, a Thai grilled pork salad, seasoned with fresh mint and chili, surrounded by a portion of sticky rice and fresh vegetables.

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.

Moo manao, a Thai pork salad with lime, garlic, and chili served on a bed of cabbage.

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.

A plate of pad prik sod, stir-fried chicken with fresh chili and vegetables served with steamed jasmine rice.

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.

Spicy pad prik pao chicken stir-fry with vegetables, garlic, and chili paste on a banana leaf mat.

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.

Nua pad prik, a spicy Thai beef stir-fry served over steamed jasmine rice in a black bowl.

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.

Shrimp larb salad, larb goong, presented in a wooden bowl on a banana leaf, accompanied by sticky rice and fresh herbs.

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.

Pan-fried catfish no breading with crispy edges, topped with fried garlic, in a blue and white dish.

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!

Thai black pepper beef stir-fry with bell peppers and onions in a light sauce.

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.

Pad pong karee talay, stir-fried yellow curry seafood with vegetables on a traditional Thai-patterned cloth.

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.

Side view of Thai duck larb with crispy skin, red onion, and fresh herbs tossed in roasted rice and chili powder.

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!

Close-up of tender beef slices in creamy Thai panang curry with pea eggplants and shredded kaffir lime leaves.

12. Pad ped talay

Perfect for seafood lovers, this simple Thai stir-fry is easy to make and anything but boring.

Spicy Thai pad ped talay stir-fry with shrimp, squid, long beans, and kaffir lime leaves in a rich red chili paste sauce.

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!

Thai red curry with roasted duck, pineapple chunks, and herbs surrounded by tropical flowers.

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.

Tom yum fried rice served in a black bowl with a sunny-side-up egg, fresh shrimp, and cucumber slices, garnished with flowers.

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.

Authentic Thai green curry pork, known as gaeng keow wan, served in a coconut shell bowl with vegetables on a banana leaf.

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.

Close-up of sum tum Thai, an easy Thai papaya salad perfect for a quick dinner.

17. Thai basil pork belly

Crispy pork, fragrant basil, and the best stir-fry sauce around. Simple Thai cooking doesn’t get any better!

Holy basil pork belly with a deep-fried egg and white rice.

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.

Authentic pad kra pao with minced pork and red chilies served over white rice, with a deep-fried egg. Served alongside a spicy chili sauce in a glass cup.

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.

Grilled Thai ribs, garnished with coriander and crispy fried garlic, served on a white dish. In the background, a black cup with nam jim jaew chili dipping sauce, a lime wedge, dried chilies, garlic, and coriander.

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.

Thai pork larb with fresh vegetables and sticky rice, perfect 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.

Thai crispy fish topped with a rich tamarind sauce, garnished with fried garlic, dried and fresh chilies, served with steamed jasmine rice.

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.

Thai steamed fish with lime and garlic topped with cilantro and coriander.

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.

Close-up of fried rice with leftover rice in a black pan.

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.

Thai minced pork omelette in a black dish, perfect for an easy Thai recipe.

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.

Thai garlic pepper pork with sticky rice and a lime wedge.

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.

Khua kling on a banana leaf in a clay dish, there's also a portion of white rice behind it.

27. Crying tiger steak

Juicy, spicy, and served with a can’t-get-enough sauce, this Thai beef recipe won’t dissapoint.

Crying tiger steak arranged around a chili dipping sauce, garnished with red and white edible flowers on a wooden plate.

28. Yum neua

Fresh veggies, a zesty dressing, and thin slices of beef make this easy salad the perfect option for something hearty yet light.

Yum neua, Thai spicy beef salad with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and red chili flakes for a bold, vibrant look.

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.

Tom kha gai or Thai coconut chicken soup with mushrooms, chilies, and herbs in a patterned soup bowl.

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.

Spicy Thai tom yum kung soup with shrimp, lemongrass, chili, and mushrooms in a patterned bowl, garnished with cilantro.

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.

Thai vegetarian green curry with eggplants, bell peppers, and yard long beans in coconut milk served in a coconut bowl

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!

Cooked Thai sticky rice served in a traditional bamboo basket with grilled chicken, dipping sauce, and sides in the background.

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.

Crispy Thai corn fritters with visible corn kernels and herbs, served with sauce.

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.

Homemade Thai hot sauce in a clay bowl surrounded by fresh garlic and dried chilies on a rustic wooden board.

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.

Top-down view of Thai pomelo salad in a blue/white bowl, topped with kaffir lime leaves, red chilies, roasted coconut, and other garnishes.

36. Pad krapow tofu

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.

Tofu pad krapow with crispy fried egg tofu, stir-fried onions, yard long beans, red and green chilies, and holy basil, served with white rice and a fried egg.

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.

Thai ajaad salad with cucumber, shallots, and chili in a vinegar-based dressing, perfect as a side for grilled meat or satay.

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.

Fresh Thai shrimp rolls with peanut sauce topped with crushed peanuts.

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.

Authentic Thai peanut sauce with coconut milk in a black spoon on a wooden background, garnished with roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro.

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!

A basket of crispy Thai fried banana chips, served on banana leaves with tropical flowers around.

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.

Top-view of Thai vegetarian fried rice featuring golden-browned tofu, fresh vegetables, and aromatic jasmine rice.

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.

Thai stir-fried vegetables with baby corn, mushrooms, carrots, and leafy greens in a light brown sauce.

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!

Khao tom, Thai rice soup with pork meatballs, chopped scallions, and cilantro in a blue patterned bowl.

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. 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.

Thai sweet sticky rice in a coconut bowl, glowing green and topped with sesame seeds, paired with cubed mango slices and a decorative pandan bundle on a rustic mat.

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.

Thai bananas in coconut milk served in a blue bowl.

46. Thai grilled bananas

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.

Grilled bananas on a skewer being drizzled with coconut caramel sauce that's in a black cup.

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.

Crispy Thai fried bananas with sesame seeds served in a bamboo tray lined with banana leaf.

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.

Top view of sticky honey glazed Thai honey chicken served on a bamboo plate, surrounded by flowers.

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.

Thai pad krapow chicken stir-fry with holy basil and a fried egg, with jasmine rice.

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!

Thai lemongrass chicken with red chilies and fresh herbs on a woven tray.

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.

Thai chicken pineapple fried rice served in a pineapple boat, topped with scallions, cashew nuts, and colorful vegetables.

52. Thai fried chicken

This Thai-style fried chicken is made with simple spices. Golden, crispy, and perfect for sharing as a party snack.

Thai fried chicken tenders on a white dish with a lime wedge. Above it are 2 dipping sauces in black cups; mayonnaise and ketchup.

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.

Close-up of authentic Thai massaman chicken curry with bite-sized pieces of potato and roasted peanuts in a clay dish on a white wooden background.

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.

Authentic Thai larb gai salad served on a banana leaf with sticky rice, fresh herbs, lime, and sliced shallots.

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.

Traditional Thai red curry chicken (gaeng daeng) with rich coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and colorful bell peppers on a banana leaf background.

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.

Thai boiled chicken thighs with fish sauce aka kai tom nam pla served on a banana leaf with steamed rice and condiments in the background.

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.

Gai pad med mamuang featuring stir-fried chicken, cashews, peppers, onions, and green onions.

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.

Pad priew wan served in a black bowl with red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, pineapple, and tomato.

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.

Close-up of Thai-style Hat Yai fried chicken drumsticks with fried shallots and sticky rice in bamboo basket.

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.

Thai ginger chicken in a white dish with red chilies, green onions, and cloud ear mushrooms. There are also decorative flowers.

61. Spicy fried chicken recipe without buttermilk

Crispy, spicy, and made without buttermilk, this straightforward recipe delivers spicy chicken with a crunchy layer.

Spicy fried chicken drumsticks served on a clay plate with a banana leaf.

62. Thai chicken wings

Authentic marinated wings – grilled to perfection.

The perfect snack for game night, movie night, or just because.

Top-view of Thai chicken wings on a banana leaf, with sticky rice in a traditional basket.

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.

Chicken pad Thai served in a woven bamboo plate with lime, chili flakes, and fresh bean sprouts on the side.

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!

Thai chili garlic noodles served in a patterned dish.

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.

Thai noodle bowl with bean sprouts, meatballs, and green onions in a rustic bowl.

67. Pad mee korat

Easy to make, spicier than pad Thai, and perfect for those new to Thai cooking.

Pad mee korat on top of a banana leaf in a clay serving tray. On top of it is some dried chili flakes with wooden chopsticks, a wedge of lime, and flowers are spread around as decoration.

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.

Close-up of Thai yum woon sen salad with glass noodles, ground pork, tofu slices, peanuts, fresh herbs, and a tangy chili dressing.

69. Kua mee

Stir-fried noodles, eggs, and a hint of sweet. A cozy, easy noodle stir-fry that’s perfect for a busy day.

Lao kua mee noodles with egg strips, bean sprouts, and herbs served in a bamboo plate with a floral garnish

70. Pad kee mao

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.

Pad kee mao noodles with chicken, baby corn, and chilies, topped with green peppercorns, captured mid-bite with chopsticks.

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 on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.