I am obsessed with finding the perfect starters to kick off a meal. My trip to Thailand introduced me to an incredible variety of market foods that I cannot stop thinking about.
These 13 Thai appetizers bring those vibrant flavors right into your kitchen. You will love how simple and festive these recipes are for your next gathering.
1. Supreme Thai Ribs
Ribs are a true treat in my home. I always buy them from the butcher to ensure they are juicy and thick.
You can cook them low and slow in the oven or use a slow cooker. The sauce features a unique blend of maple syrup and fish sauce with garlic and chili.
2. Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce
I was so happy to find new ways to use peanut butter in savory dishes. This recipe is the best version of satay I have ever tasted.
The chicken is salty and spicy while the dipping sauce offers a spiced creamy finish. You might even want to turn this appetizer into your main course.
3. Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts
This is the perfect option if you dislike salads made with wilted lettuce. The bowl is packed with crunchy peanuts and cucumbers alongside red onions and spicy jalapeños.
I bet you already have the ingredients for the dressing like garlic and fish sauce. It also uses lime juice and sugar for a refreshing finish.
4. Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Discovering rice paper at the grocery store changed my snacking game forever. These wrappers are super easy to handle and create the most colorful rolls.
You can keep them vegetarian or stuff them with that savory Thai chicken mixture. Just make sure you have plenty of peanut sauce ready for dipping.
5. Thai Fried Bananas กล้วยแขก (gluay kag)
You actually need to use plantains or a specific banana variety for this dish. Plantains are ideal because they are less sweet and hold their shape without turning to mush.
Make sure you slice them thick and coat them completely in the batter. The mix of sugar and coconut in the coating is absolutely delicious.
6. Dragon Fruit Cocktail with Vodka
Dragon fruit looks intense on the outside but hides a tender flesh inside. It tastes like a lovely mix of pear and kiwi.
The mild flavor means you can be generous when mixing this tropical drink. You can serve it over ice or blend it up for a fun slushy.
7. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
You have to try these lighter bites when you want something totally delicious without the heaviness. The lettuce adds a wonderful crunch that keeps the carb count low.
I love that they feature a sauce made with peanut butter and sweet chili. You can also swap that out for teriyaki BBQ sauce or hoisin if you prefer.
8. Baked Thai Coconut Shrimp with Lemongrass Guacamole
The idea of lemongrass guacamole immediately caught my attention. This recipe recreates a dish I tasted at a street cart in Thailand perfectly.
You must chop the lemongrass very finely to let the minty citrus notes shine. It is the perfect companion to the crispy coconut shrimp.
9. Thai Style Popcorn
Popcorn is one of those snacks that I simply cannot stop eating. This version combines sweet and spicy notes by using sriracha and a touch of lime.
You bake the coated kernels to create a salty caramel corn texture. People will go absolutely crazy for this unique flavor combination.
10. Thai Corn Fritters
These are definitely not the standard corn fritters you might be used to eating. They are packed with exciting flavors like garlic chili and ginger and coconut.
The red chili paste adds the perfect level of heat to balance the sweet corn kernels. I serve these alongside roast chicken or a big plate of ribs.
11. Thai Pinwheels with Peanut Sauce
This appetizer takes all the best parts of a spring roll and puts them into a tortilla. You just roll everything up and slice it into easy bite-sized portions.
Spinach tortillas add a beautiful pop of color to the presentation. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables to suit your taste.
12. Peanut Dipping Sauce
You will want to drizzle this sauce on absolutely everything once you taste it. I keep a batch in my refrigerator because it never goes to waste.
Try using coconut milk instead of water to get an extra creamy texture. It works perfectly on noodles or as a dip for fresh spring rolls.
13. Thai Peanut Salad Wonton Cups
Sometimes you need a little more substance than a lettuce wrap can provide. Grocery stores sell wonton wrappers that make creating your own cups incredibly simple.
The Thai-inspired slaw uses peanut sauce for a huge burst of flavor. Every bite offers a crunch from green onions and chopped peanuts.