10 Easy Thai Meal Prep Ideas You Can’t Live Without!
Here are 10 easy Thai meal prep ideas for quick and delicious make-ahead meals! Make your busy weeknight dinners faster and tastier with these time-saving Thai dishes that you can easily customize to match anyone’s cravings.
PS, if you love quick and easy cooking like I do, be sure to check out my collection of easy Thai recipes for beginners and healthy Thai recipes next!
Easy meal prep recipes
Discover my best tips for prepping Thai dishes in advance and try 10 delicious recipes that make mealtime a breeze!
1. Chicken pad Thai
Chicken pad Thai is a total game-changer for meal prep! Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also perfect for those hectic nights when you want something homemade without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
So, how do you pull this off? Here’s my secret: Make a big batch of my authentic pad Thai sauce recipe ahead of time and freeze it for later! When you’re ready to eat, combine the sauce with noodles and your favorite protein to have dinner on the table in 15 minutes flat. Plus, you can also easily reheat the stir-fried noodles for later.
Also check out my recipes for beef pad Thai and vegetarian pad Thai vegetables!
2. Pad kra pao (holy basil stir fry)
Busy bees will love pad kra pao, the best Thai street food option for quick, flavorful meals. Swap out the ground pork for chicken, or better yet, use my recipe for Thai basil chicken!
This dish is perfect for meal prep – you can make it ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready. Or, if you’re in a rush, whip it up on the spot since it’s done in just 10 minutes!
Insider tip: Serve your pad kra pao with prik nam pla, a spicy Thai table condiment that you can easily prep in advance and keep on hand for whenever you need that extra kick of spice.
3. Thai green curry for meal prep
Did you know that Thai curries freeze like a dream? Coconut milk curries are one of my all-time favorites because they’re both delicious and incredibly convenient! Make a batch of your favorite curry, like gaeng daeng (a healthy chicken curry) and stash it in the freezer for those busy nights when you need a quick Thai restaurant-worthy meal.
Whether you love the aromatic green curry with Thai basil or the rich flavors of gaeng massaman, these dishes are so versatile you’ll never get bored. Just reheat them, serve over rice, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s ready in minutes!
4. Kanom jeeb (Thai dim sum)
Kanom jeeb (Thai dumplings) are one of my favorite Asian snacks!
You can prep a big batch, freeze them, and when you’re ready just steam them up. They’re perfect for parties and gatherings – kids can’t get enough of them, and adults love them just as much. Just serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear!
5. Thai fish cakes (tod mun pla)
Tod mun pla are perfect when you’re planning ahead for busy days. You can prepare a big batch, shape them into patties, and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pull them out and cook them up—they’re just as flavorful and crispy as if you made them fresh.
What’s great about my recipe for fish cakes is that they maintain their texture and flavor beautifully, even after being frozen. Whether you choose to fry them or bake them, they come out golden and delicious every time, promise!
6. Thai salad meal prep
Looking for a healthy lunch prep for work? Thai salad bowls are your answer! They’re light, packed with flavor, and easy to assemble when you’re on the go. With everything prepped and ready, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal waiting for you tomorrow.
My favorite Thai salad meal prep options are som tum Thai (papaya salad), som tum tua, or classics like this pork larb recipe. The key to keeping your Thai salads fresh and crunchy is to store the dressing and other ingredients separately until you’re ready to eat.
7. Thai fried rice (khao pad)
Fried rice is a lifesaver for busy days! Whether you like vegetarian Thai fried rice or the spicy khao pad krapow, these dishes are perfect to cook ahead and enjoy later. Just make a big batch, and you’ve got a tasty dish for the coming days!
The best part of fried rice? You can toss in whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand, making it one of the best options for stress-free meals throughout the week!
8. Pork and chicken satay with peanut sauce
Moo ping is a crowd-pleaser that’s beloved in Thailand and beyond. You can marinate the pork ahead of time and freeze it, so when you’re ready to cook, all you have to do is thaw and grill. Just pop those skewers on the grill, and you’re all set!
Chicken satay with peanut sauce is another favorite that’s perfect for prepping in advance. The satay is easy to marinate and grill, but don’t forget about that addictive peanut sauce! Make it ahead and keep it in the fridge, so it’s ready to drizzle over your satay whenever the craving hits.
9. Thai beef jerky
Thai beef jerky is a simple snack that’s always good to have on hand. Just marinate the beef, dry it out, and you’re set with a stash of tasty bites. Perfect for road trips, mid-afternoon cravings, or just having around when you want something delicious.
10. Thai spring rolls
Thai spring rolls are a lifesaver when it comes to prepping ahead. There’s nothing wrong with making these in advance – they’ll taste just as crispy and fresh as the day you made them! Even in Thai restaurants, spring rolls are often rolled and frozen ahead of time because there’s usually no time to make them on the spot.
Stuff them with a mix of healthy vegetables and your favorite protein, then just air fry or deep fry them when you’re ready to eat. Also try my recipe for Thai egg rolls!
What to cook next
Enjoyed these Thai recipes for meal prep? I’ve got plenty of Thai dishes to explore!
- Recipes with Thai red curry paste
- Thai Christmas food ideas
- Low carb Thai food ideas
- Thai breakfast recipes
- Thai meat recipes
Conclusion
Thai cuisine offers a wide array of dishes that are perfect for making ahead of time! With these 10 easy Thai meal prep ideas and recipes, you’ll have delicious, ready-to-go meals that save you time and keep you looking forward to tomorrow’s lunch all week long. Follow me on social media for more deliciousness! Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.