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Thai cooking is known for its rich flavors and aromatic ingredients. One common element in many Thai dishes is the use of various types of onions. But what types of onions are used in Thai cooking? Let's explore the different kinds of onions that add depth and character to this beloved cuisine.
1. Shallots
Red shallots are a staple in Thai cooking. Their slightly sweet, mild flavor makes them perfect for creating the base of many dishes. You'll find shallots in everything from curry pastes to salads. Thai shallots are red and are typically smaller with a more intense flavor than Western varieties. However, if you can't find Thai shallots, you can use Western orangish-brown shallots as substitutes. Just keep in mind that Western shallots have more moisture, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.
Buying the healthiest/ best quality. If you are buying for Thai food, why not buy them from the Thai brand, TastPadThai. Here's a link for a 2 pound bag of fresh shallots, delivered from Amazon.
Fried and Dried Shallots from the Thai brand, Maesri, are also a staple we keep in our house and use often. I like extra of these on my soups. They add texture and bite to the experience.
2. Green Onions
Green onions, also known as scallions, are another essential ingredient in Thai cuisine. They add a fresh, vibrant flavor to soups, stir-fries, and salads. Green onions come from one of two sources: the tall stems of onions that don't form a bulb, or they are young onions that are harvested before they form a bulb. You can grow your own green onions outdoors for a fresh, healthy addition to your favorite recipes. They're versatile and can be used both raw and cooked. Add them at the end of cooking to maintain their crisp texture and bright color.
Organic Green Onions from Whole Foods, $1.29 a Bunch
Conventional Green Onions from Whole Foods, $.69 a Bunch
Generic Dehydrated Green Onion From Amazon, 100% Natural 4 Oz.
I love to eat, green onion with eggs the way my Cherokee ancestors did. Here is a recipe with Thai flavors combining my roots and my wife's Thai flavors.
3. Garlic
While not technically an onion, garlic is closely related to the onion family. It also plays a crucial role in Thai cooking. Its pungent aroma and bold flavor make it a key ingredient in many dishes. From stir-fries to sauces, garlic is often pounded into pastes or finely chopped to release its full flavor. Don't underestimate the importance of garlic in achieving the authentic taste of Thai food.
As usual, I will try to buy garlic that is organic and locally sourced if the price is not outrageous. Whole Foods has fresh organic garlic for $5.99 a pound and it stores pretty well in our pantry. They have a delivery option as well as a order through Amazon or their site and pick up in-store.
Fried garlic is often used to top soups, salads and really anything you want to add the flavor to in Thailand. The Thai brand Maesri, is our favorite for most Thai ingredients and it's available on Amazon for $9.29 for a 10.5 ounce bottle.
4. Red Onions
While not standard in traditional Thai cooking, red onions are a common substitute for red shallots in Western kitchens. Their vibrant color and mild sweetness add both visual appeal and a pleasant crunch to dishes. They are often sliced thinly and used raw, adding a different dimension to the flavor profile of the dish. Red onions are also a great addition to pickled accompaniments that are served with Thai meals.
Understanding what types of onions are used in Thai cooking can elevate your culinary skills and bring authentic flavors to your dishes. From traditional red shallots to fresh green onions and bold garlic, each type of onion plays a unique role in creating the complex flavors of Thai cuisine.
Fresh conventional from Whole Foods, red onion is $1.99 a pound.
Fresh organic red onion from local growers via Amazon, $12 for 2 pounds.
Summary
You can use the different types of onions in almost anything but you will want to think it out. Understanding the different flavors they bring helps you think about how the flavor will interact with the other ingredients. I once got chewed out for putting onions in a Thai red curry. I liked it, but aficionados will know when something is different if you are trying to impress.
Some Onion Heavy Recipes I Love
Below are some different recipes using the kinds of onions listed above. I found these just by searching for the key word, onions, in the search at the top of the page. You can do the same and find a lot more if you need ideas for the onions in your fridge.
Thai Basil is a Thai recipe made popular by the American Pan Asian Restaurant, Pei Wei.
Yum Nua, or Thai beef salad, features red onions with beef, combining to make a simple but really flavorful salad, common in Thai restaurants.
Nam Khao is a recipe from Laos that leans into the crisp texture and flavor of red onions well. It's one of my absolute favorites.
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