Elevate your next Thai dinner night with a diverse array of 17 mouthwatering Thai side dishes that are sure to delight. These flavorful accompaniments feature common Thai ingredients that can be easily found in Thailand, making them the perfect addition to your main course. Thai cuisine has gained immense popularity worldwide, and it’s easy to see why – its unique blend of spices and sauces creates a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re in the mood for something straightforward or extravagant, these side dishes offer endless possibilities. Traditional options like soup, salad, vegetables, sauces, and rice are all fair game, so feel free to pick and choose or go all out with a variety of dishes.
Peanut Sauce and Sweet Chili Sauce are two must-try condiments that pack a flavor punch and can be paired with an array of Thai dishes.
Don’t forget to add some crunch to your meal with Sweet Chili Green Beans, or satisfy your cravings with a serving of Thai Sticky Rice – the ultimate Asian dining staple.
Any one (or several!) of these delectable Thai side dishes is sure to elevate your dinner table experience, so start planning your next Thai culinary adventure today!
Thai Cucumber Salad
Kick-starting this list of side dishes is the no-cook Thai salad, an incredibly versatile option that pairs seamlessly with nearly every meal. What’s more impressive is that it requires only four essential ingredients and a pinch of salt to create a flavor profile that’s both fresh and tantalizing.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – you can customize your dressing by combining the bold flavors of Thai sweet chili sauce with the subtle tanginess of apple cider vinegar, allowing you to tailor the salad to your personal taste preferences.
Thai Coconut Rice
The charm of this rice lies in its delicate balance of flavors and textures. While it’s certainly fragrant and fluffy, it never overpowers the dish you’re serving alongside it. The coconut flavor is thoughtfully subtle, making it an excellent match for a variety of Thai meals without becoming cloyingly sweet. What’s more, the method to incorporate this coconut flair is refreshingly straightforward, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve success with ease.
For the most authentic taste experience, we recommend using Jasmine rice in combination with coconut milk.
Creamy Tom Yum Soup
For those who crave a flavorful and spicy kick, this hot and sour soup is sure to satisfy. A symphony of aromatics, including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai chilies, galangal, and Thai basil, come together in perfect harmony to tantalize the taste buds with each spoonful. Meanwhile, coconut milk adds a luxurious creaminess, although you can adjust the level of richness to suit your personal preference.
Thai Peanut Sauce
This delectable sauce boasts a rich, authentic flavor profile that effortlessly complements an array of dishes, from noodles and salads to wraps and beyond. The cornerstone of this culinary delight is undoubtedly red curry paste, which lends an unmistakably traditional taste. For added authenticity and texture, opt for natural peanut butter with the oil separating – a subtle yet crucial nuance.
What sets this sauce apart is its judicious balance of sweetness and umami notes, tempered by a restrained level of spice that never overwhelms.
Thai Curry & Coconut Spiked Dinner Rolls
Indulge in a culinary twist by pairing your meal with something beyond the ordinary bread roll. Instead, try making these curry and coconut rolls from scratch – a process that’s surprisingly fun and can be accomplished in under an hour! The combination of green curry paste and unsweetened coconut milk infuses these dinner rolls with an unparalleled flavor profile, setting them apart from the usual fare.
Thai Sweet Potato Mash
Transforming a classic side dish into a flavorful adventure, this dairy-free sweet potato mash combines the warmth of Thai spices and the nutty taste of coconut flakes to complement any protein-packed meal. A pinch of red chili pepper adds an inviting kick, harmonizing with the creamy sweetness of the mash. As you prepare this delightful accompaniment, you’ll discover that achieving your preferred consistency is a matter of choice – simply adjust your mashing technique to suit your taste.
Crispy Thai Brussel Sprouts
If Brussels sprouts don’t quite hit the mark for you, consider transforming them into a crispy delight by frying them. A drizzle of this easy-to-make Thai fish sauce can elevate their flavor profile. The sauce itself is straightforward to prepare using everyday ingredients found in your pantry. When spooning the sauce over your greens, be mindful of portion control – a small amount is all you need to avoid sogginess and preserve the sprouts’ natural texture.
Thai Quinoa Salad With Creamy Peanut Dressing
While side salads can often feel like an afterthought, this quinoa salad is anything but. The real game-changer here is the rich and indulgent peanut sauce that adds a depth of flavor and sweetness to the dish. With its vibrant medley of colors from the red bell peppers, purple cabbage, and carrots, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a satisfying and filling option that will leave you feeling content rather than neglected.
Thai Chili Summer Corn Salad
Envision the bold flavors of Thailand and Mexico merging in perfect harmony. The combination of crumbly cotija cheese and char-grilled corn creates a summer-inspired side salad that’s equal parts exotic and familiar. Picture elotes tossed with a zesty dressing infused with the aromas and spices of Southeast Asia, then imagine serving this vibrant delight at your next backyard bash, Taco Tuesday gathering, or fusion feast.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
This extraordinary sauce is the perfect blend of flavors, combining sweetness, savory notes, spicy kick, and tanginess all in one harmonious mixture. With only ten minutes of preparation time, you’ll be delighted to discover that it can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it a staple condiment in your kitchen.
Its versatility allows it to pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes, including rice, meats, stir-fries, sandwiches, and many more, adding an unforgettable boost to each meal.
Thai Style Cabbage Salad
When craving a light and refreshing side dish, look no further than this delectable cabbage salad. Its subtle charm belies its ability to complement a variety of meals, yet is equally satisfying as a standalone snack. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together beautifully over time, with the creamy peanut dressing infusing the cabbage with an added depth and richness. Whether you’re looking for a quick accompaniment or a filling treat, this versatile salad checks all the right boxes.
Thai Cabbage & Fish Sauce Stir Fry
This delectable stir fry may seem straightforward with only four ingredients, but its rich umami flavor makes it an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of dishes, regardless of their cultural origins. With its simplicity comes the beauty that this recipe is effortlessly elevated into a culinary masterpiece, requiring minimal effort to achieve maximum satisfaction. The instant you take a bite, you’ll discover that every component has been carefully balanced, leaving no room for disappointment.
Thai Sweet Chili Green Beans
Elevate the humble green bean to new heights by cooking it with sweet chili sauce, a game-changing addition that adds a burst of flavor and excitement to your Thai-inspired meals. What’s more, this quick-cooking method is perfect for busy days or picky eaters – even the most skeptical kids can’t resist the allure of slightly sweetened veggies!
Thai Sticky Rice
To elevate your Thai dinner game, it’s essential to have a go-to sticky rice recipe that pairs perfectly with all your dishes. The good news is that you don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets to achieve this; your standard kitchen equipment will do just fine. In fact, making authentic-tasting sticky rice in the comfort of your own home is surprisingly straightforward. Just be sure to keep it warm to prevent drying out, as this can have a significant impact on the final texture and flavor.
Two effective methods for maintaining moisture include wrapping everything tightly in plastic wrap or using a dedicated sticky rice holder – both of which will help ensure your rice stays tender and flavorful.
Thai Tomato Salad
Why settle for a small amount of tomato in your salad when you can create a dish that celebrates the star ingredient? Take inspiration from the flavors of Thailand and craft a salad where tomatoes take center stage. The addition of cilantro and Thai bird’s eye chilies adds depth and heat to each bite, while fish sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes without overpowering them with salty seafood notes.
Thai Mango Salad
Indulge in the sweet taste of summer with a refreshing mango salad that’s as easy as it is delicious. This colorful creation combines the tropical fruit with an array of vibrant ingredients, including red bell peppers, cilantro, onions, and peanuts. The real showstopper, however, is the creamy sesame dressing that brings everything together. Best of all, this no-cook recipe requires minimal effort, making it a perfect side dish to add a pop of color and freshness to your kitchen table.
Plus, its simplicity means you can whip it up in no time, making it an ideal option for hot summer days when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Sweet & Sour Stir-Fried Vegetables
The sweet and sour flavors that veggies bring are enhanced by a subtle kick from added spices. The choice of vegetables is entirely yours, but a solid starting point includes carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, snow peas, and cucumber. A crucial consideration is the cooking order: start with harder veggies and gradually move to softer ones to maintain a harmonious texture and a satisfying crunch throughout.
Even when paired with a simple hot bowl of rice, this flavorful veggie medley can elevate your next meal.
The bottom line
When it comes to enjoying a truly authentic Thai meal, the right selection of side dishes can make all the difference. To take your culinary experience to the next level, I’ve compiled a list of 17 must-try Thai side dishes that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. With these easy-to-make and flavorful accompaniments, you’ll be able to add an authentic touch to your meal that’s reminiscent of dining in Thailand itself.
For more inspiration, be sure to check out our comprehensive list of Thai appetizers as well. Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple dinner or impress friends and family with a special night in, these 17 Thai side dishes are the perfect addition to any meal.