Traditional Thai cooking methods

Traditional Thai cooking techniques often involve balancing flavors and meticulous preparation. Common methods include pounding ingredients with a mortar and pestle to release essential oils and enhance taste, stir-frying quickly over high heat to preserve freshness and texture, and simmering curries slowly to develop rich, layered flavors. Fresh herbs, spices, and aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, Thai basil, and chili are integral, often added at specific stages. Coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime juice are used to achieve the signature balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour. These methods emphasize freshness, harmony, and vibrant taste profiles characteristic of Thai cuisine.