Thai Cooking at Home: Chicago Edition Under $15

Thai food is a beloved cuisine around the world, known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. While Chicago boasts an array of fantastic Thai restaurants, enjoying your favorite dishes doesn't always have to mean ordering takeout. With a few key ingredients and this budget-friendly recipe, you can whip up authentic Thai meals at home for under $15.

Why Cook Thai at Home?

Cooking Thai food at home offers several advantages:

• Cost Savings: A single takeout order can often exceed $15. Cooking at home allows you to make multiple servings for the same price.
• Customization: Adjust spice levels, add more vegetables, or swap proteins to suit your taste and dietary needs.
• Freshness: You control the quality and freshness of your ingredients.

Featured Recipe: Pad See Ew (Stir-Fried Noodles with Soy Sauce)

Pad See Ew is a popular Thai street food dish featuring wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, egg, and a savory soy sauce-based sauce. It's comforting, flavorful, and relatively simple to master.

• Ingredients (Serves 2-3, estimated cost under $15):

  • 8 oz fresh wide rice noodles (or dried, rehydrated)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 8 oz chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups Chinese broccoli (gai lan), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • For the Sauce:
    • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
    • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • 1/2 tsp white pepper

• Instructions:

  1. Prepare Noodles: If using fresh noodles, separate them gently. If using dried, follow package instructions to rehydrate. Set aside.
  2. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Set aside.
  3. Stir-fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add sliced chicken (or tofu) and stir-fry until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Push to one side of the wok.
  4. Add Garlic & Veggies: Add minced garlic to the empty side of the wok and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Chinese broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Combine & Add Egg: Push everything to one side. Pour the beaten egg into the empty side of the wok and scramble until just set. Mix with the other ingredients.
  6. Add Noodles & Sauce: Add the prepared rice noodles to the wok. Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and stir-fry vigorously for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated and slightly caramelized.
  7. Serve: Serve hot. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of white pepper or a side of chili flakes.

Thai Pantry Staples Worth Investing In

To make future Thai cooking even easier and more affordable, consider stocking up on these essentials:

• Fish Sauce: The backbone of Thai savory dishes. Look for brands like Red Boat or Squid Brand.
• Soy Sauces: Both light and dark soy sauce are used for different purposes.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich, umami depth to stir-fries.
• Rice Vinegar: Essential for balancing flavors.
• Coconut Milk: For curries and some soups.

By mastering a few basic recipes and keeping your pantry stocked, you can enjoy the vibrant and delicious flavors of Thailand right in your Chicago kitchen, all while keeping your budget happy.