Nok Suntaranon’s seared scallops and crabmeat in yellow curry sauce delivers a restaurant-worthy Southern Thai dinner in about 30 minutes. Kalaya House Curry Paste, coconut milk, shrimp paste, dried shrimp, lime leaves, and Fresno chiles create a rich, spicy, citrusy sauce balanced by sweet seafood and perfectly seared scallops.
Nok Suntaranon’s Khao Mok Ghai is Thailand’s take on chicken biryani: turmeric-marinated chicken, fragrant rice infused with spices, and layers of flavor built from broth, aromatics, and Nok’s Karee Powder. Finished with cilantro, fried shallots, and a tangy herb sauce, it’s a true weekend cooking project worth the reward.
Nok Suntaranon’s Pad Ma Kua Yaow (Stir-Fried Eggplant) is a bold, flavorful Thai side dish made with simple ingredients. The eggplant is wok-fried and tossed in a savory-sweet sauce with Thai basil, garlic, and chilies. It’s quick to make and absolutely packed with sweet, spicy, and umami-rich flavor.
Nok Suntaranon’s Yum Nua is a bold, flavor-packed Thai steak salad featuring juicy, marinated skirt steak, fiery chilies, fresh herbs, and toasted rice powder. A sweet-spicy dressing ties it all together, making it a must-try dish for spice lovers. This isn’t just a salad—it’s a taste explosion worth every step!
Though Nok Suntaranon’s Kalaya’s Southern Thai Kitchen was published only last November, it has already earned a spot as one of my favorite cookbooks! The ingredient lists for some of the sauces, spices, and pastes may be lengthy, but they make a lot and, once prepared and stored in the fridge or freezer, make quick weeknight meals like this Goong Pad Nam Prik Phao (Shrimp & Chili Jam Stir-Fry).
Chef Nok Suntaranon’s Gaeng Gai Khao Mun combines a homemade curry paste with coconut cream, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs. Paired with pandan-cilantro coconut rice, this recipe from Philadelphia’s Kalaya restaurant brings authentic Southern Thai flavors home.
Derek Lucci’s Makheua Yao Pad Tao Jiao, a stir-fried eggplant with minced pork dish, has become a favorite in our apartment. Japanese eggplants are fried with cornstarch, then combined with minced pork, garlic, Thai chilies, and a stir-fry sauce.
Ike’s Vietnamese Fish-Sauce Wings were one of the most popular dishes at Andy Ricker’s Pok Pok in Portland. Marinated in a blend of garlic, fish sauce, and sugar, then coated in rice flour and fried to crispy perfection. The final glaze of fish sauce, sugar, and roasted chili paste, provides a sweet, spicy, and umami-rich flavor.