When it comes to eating healthy, most people would probably think of eating salads and vegetables. While those are good for you, you should also consider other healthy foods. In particular, Thai food is high in protein and contains ingredients that help you keep your weight in check.
Papaya salad
Papaya is a good source of potassium and papain. It is also a good source of Vitamin A. The skin of papaya is very good for skin wounds. In addition to being healthy, papaya salad is a low-calorie food.
Som tum is a green papaya salad that is eaten in Thailand. It is usually served with grilled meat or chicken. This salad is spicy. Adding other ingredients such as dried shrimp, fried onions, and bell peppers can add variety to the dish.
Thai green papaya salad can be a tasty side dish, but it is also great as a starter. A large bowl of the salad can be prepared ahead of time and can keep in the refrigerator for a week.
Green papaya is the perfect vehicle for the dressing. You can mix the dressing in a glass or metal mixing bowl.
For the dressing, combine palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. If you have trouble finding limes, you can substitute lime zest and Kafir lime zest. Keep in mind that different types of sugar will change the flavor of the dish.
To prepare the shredded papaya, you can either use a knife or a vegetable peeler. You can also cut the papaya into halves and julienne it with a mandolin.
When you are ready to serve, you can top your salad with peanuts, basil, and romaine lettuce. Some people also garnish their salad with raw Chinese long beans. Alternatively, you can garnish with cabbage and a wedge of cabbage.
You can also add more herbs or spices to your salad. Fried onions, roasted peanuts, cucumber, bell peppers, and even dried beef can make your salad taste delicious.
Spring rolls
Spring rolls are a tasty, crunchy snack, and can be a great source of nutrition. Spring rolls are filled with raw vegetables, and can be baked or deep fried. They are commonly served with a plum dipping sauce. Depending on the filling, you may need to make adjustments.
Fresh spring rolls are usually steamed, or a lighter version can be fried. This version can be served with peanut sauce, or other dipping sauce. The fillings can be a variety of different things, including vegetables and shrimp. Some people like to add tofu, which is very popular in a vegetarian version.
Spring rolls are easy to prepare. Start by making sure your rice paper is unbroken, and that there are no cracks. It should be folded inward at the bottom and left and right sides.
After you have made a filling, roll it up into a tight ball. Don’t use a large amount of filling, or you will not get a good roll. You can then store your rolls in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Before rolling, you should soak the rice paper in water to soften it. Then you need to seal the edges with some water to prevent it from falling out.
To serve, place the rolls on a plate with some lettuce. Make sure to cover each roll with a damp paper towel to keep the wrapper from drying out.
For a healthy twist on a traditional Thai dish, try vegetable spring rolls. You can add tofu, bean sprouts, and lettuce to the mix. These are great as an appetizer, or as a side dish.
To make the most out of your rolls, make sure to brush them with a light flavored oil. If you are cooking them in a deep fryer, you can control the temperature. Be careful, though, as too much oil can burn the outside of the roll.
Clear broth noodle soups
If you’re looking for a quick meal that’s healthy and filling, then clear broth noodle soups in Thai food are for you. These soups are simple to make and they’re also very soothing and nourishing.
This easy-to-make dish has loads of health-boosting ingredients, like fresh carrots and garlic. And the best part is that it’s all gluten-free!
To start, boil about four cups of water in a large saucepan. Add in two tablespoons of fish sauce and let it simmer. Once it’s ready, you can add in the rest of the ingredients.
You’ll need some spices, a bit of garlic oil and the star of the show: bok choy. The stalks of this cruciferous vegetable give the soup a nice crunch and add a tasty flavor to the whole dish.
For a more complex flavor, you can use a homemade spicy sauce. This is an excellent way to enhance all the flavors of your broth.
Before adding in the noodles, you should first bring the broth to a boil. After a few minutes, you can start putting in the chicken balls. Make sure to cover the broth until it’s heated to the correct temperature.
You can use glass noodles or mung bean vermicelli. These noodles are available in Asian grocery stores. They have a light texture and are great for stir-fries. A spiralizer makes it a breeze to cook these.
Another ingredient you may want to include is tofu. It’s a protein-rich ingredient that will keep you warm all season long.
For an additional kick, you can add in crushed red pepper flakes for a little zing. Depending on your taste, you can even try a pinch of Thai chili powder.
Grilled meat satay
Grilled meat satay is a popular meat snack in Southeast Asia. This simple recipe includes skewered meat, grilled over charcoal, and served with satay sauce. These savory skewers can be eaten alone or with a variety of other accompaniments.
Satay was introduced to the region by Muslim traders who brought an Indian kebab to the island of Java. It evolved over time to become the dish we know today.
Satay is a meat preparation, typically chicken or beef, that has been marinated. A marinade is usually made of sweet soy sauce, lime juice, and spices. The meat is grilled on charcoal or wood and served with various spicy seasonings and satay sauce.
Satay can be found in most countries in Southeast Asia. Some of the more popular varieties include pork satay and chicken satay. Depending on the region, the satay can be accompanied by pickles and acar (pickled vegetables). Another common accompaniment is acar plecing, a red-curry-based dipping sauce.
For a healthy version, try using high protein tofu instead of chicken. Instead of soy sauce, use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar. If you like spicy foods, sambal kecap is a common sauce used to complement satay.
The meat is skewered on bamboo skewers and grilled over glowing coals. Common accompaniments for satay are satay sauce, peanut gravy, and acar plecing. Be sure to add fish sauce to the sauce, as it adds a nice, umami flavor.
Traditionally, satay is served with a satay peanut sauce. This spicy peanut sauce is a mixture of palm sugar, caramelized peanuts, and shrimp paste. It is a must-have for any satay lover.
Satay is a great meal when you want to enjoy a delicious, flavorful dish without spending a fortune. Just make sure you soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Coconut milk
Thai food and coconut milk are both very healthy. This is because they contain antioxidants, minerals, and fibre. Coconuts are also rich in vitamins and iron.
In Thai cuisine, coconut milk is often used in dishes like curries and soups. It is also used in oatmeal and smoothies.
Coconuts contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of fatty acid that has been associated with weight loss. MCTs are also believed to stimulate energy production through thermogenesis.
Coconuts are also an excellent source of magnesium and potassium. These minerals are helpful in preventing osteoporosis.
Coconut milk is a great alternative to dairy products in many recipes. However, it is important to choose high-quality products.
For example, if you are a vegan, then coconut milk is an ideal substitute. It is easy to metabolize and provides quick energy.
Coconuts also contain lauric acid, which is believed to have anti-carcinogenic and antimicrobial properties. Some health experts suggest that this fat may protect against viral infections.
Coconuts also provide selenium, which is an antioxidant. Selenium has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps prevent osteoporosis.
Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides, which are believed to promote weight loss. There has been little research to show that it actually does.
However, a high-protein diet can help manage food intake and reduce abdominal fat. A study showed that rats that were fed a diet containing coconut milk and protein lost a significant amount of weight.
Another interesting nutrient is manganese, which contributes to bone health. Manganese is also rich in iron and selenium.
When looking for coconut milk, look for products that don’t have artificial thickeners, preservatives, or added sugar. Also, check the calorie count.