Thai Seafood Dishes Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these add a sweet and tender texture to the dish.

Squid: Cleaned and sliced, it provides a slightly chewy and unique flavor.

Fish sauce: A salty, umami-rich liquid that is essential in Thai cuisine.

Garlic: Minced, it adds a pungent and aromatic base to the dish.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed, it brings a bright and tangy flavor.

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing, it helps to cook the ingredients evenly.

Basil leaves: Fresh, they add a fragrant and slightly sweet note to the dish.

When stir-frying shrimp and squid, ensure that the wok is hot enough before adding the vegetable oil. This will help to sear the seafood quickly, locking in the flavors and preventing it from becoming rubbery. Additionally, be mindful not to overcook the basil leaves; they should be added at the very end to maintain their fresh, aromatic quality.

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with firm tofu: Firm tofu can mimic the texture of shrimp and absorb the flavors of the dish well, making it a good vegetarian alternative.

• cleaned and sliced squid - Substitute with sliced mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, can provide a similar texture and umami flavor to squid.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar salty and umami flavor, making it a good alternative for those who do not consume fish products.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it may lack the same intensity of flavor. Use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.

• freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good substitute for lime juice.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used in place of vegetable oil, though it may impart a slightly different flavor to the dish.

• fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves can provide a similar fresh and aromatic quality to the dish, though the flavor will be slightly different.

• Allow the shrimp and squid dish to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can affect the texture and flavor.
• Transfer the cooled seafood dish into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed properly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from escaping.
• Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the dish has been stored and ensures you consume it within a safe timeframe.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 2-3 days. The cool temperature will help preserve the flavors and texture of the seafood.
• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen seafood dish in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the integrity of the shrimp and squid.
• Reheat the dish in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil if needed to prevent sticking and to refresh the flavors.
• Stir-fry until the seafood is heated through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• If the dish appears dry after reheating, add a small amount of fish sauce or lime juice to revive the flavors.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to enhance the aroma and presentation.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Add the leftover Thai seafood dish to the pan.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Cook until the shrimp and squid are heated through, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  6. Serve immediately with fresh steamed rice.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Place the leftover Thai seafood dish in a microwave-safe container.
  2. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the dish to distribute heat evenly.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the shrimp and squid are heated through.
  6. Serve hot with steamed rice.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Thai seafood dish in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp and squid are heated through.
  5. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with steamed rice.

• For steaming reheating:

  1. Set up a steamer with water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Place the leftover Thai seafood dish in a heatproof dish that fits inside the steamer.
  3. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp and squid are heated through.
  4. Carefully remove the dish from the steamer and serve hot with steamed rice.

• Wok: A versatile cooking vessel used for stir-frying the shrimp and squid over medium-high heat.

• Spatula: Essential for stirring and tossing the seafood and other ingredients in the wok.

• Knife: Used for mincing the garlic and slicing the squid.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for preparing the garlic and squid.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of fish sauce, lime juice, and vegetable oil.

• Serving dish: Used to present the finished Thai seafood dish.

• Rice cooker: Convenient for preparing the steamed rice to serve alongside the seafood dish.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the shrimp and squid while cooking.

Prep ingredients ahead: Clean and slice the squid and peel and devein the shrimp in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Measure sauces beforehand: Have the fish sauce and lime juice ready in small bowls to quickly add them when needed.

Cook rice simultaneously: Start steaming the rice while you prepare the seafood to have everything ready at the same time.

Organize your workspace: Arrange all ingredients and tools within reach before you start cooking to streamline the process.