Thai Dinner

Lately I have turned Asian when it comes to cooking. I think it's because I am so sick of certain foods that I cook every day at Ashley Macs that I want something completely different. I have only recently become a big fan of Thai Food and cooking it is even more fun! I felt like I was at Surin (a really yummy Thai place in Bham)... but the bill was much cheaper and I have to say the food was just as great (or better!)

Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp

1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon red curry paste (such as Thai Kitchen)
1 teaspoon sugar
12 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/3 cup light coconut milk
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and curry paste to pan, and sauté 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Stir in sugar; sauté 15 seconds. Add shrimp; sauté 3 minutes or until shrimp are done, stirring frequently. Stir in coconut milk and fish sauce; cook 30 seconds or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in green onions and basil.

ASHLEY'S NOTE- I served this over brown rice. Next time I make it I will probably double the sauce part because once you put it on the rice it was a little dry. I just used curry powder (madras is the most flavorful in my opinion) instead of the curry paste since it was in my pantry. You can omit the shrimp if you don't want it.

Quick Coconut Soup

2 teaspoons chopped peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
1/4 teaspoon chile paste with garlic
3 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup light coconut milk
1 tablespoon chopped green onions
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Combine the first 7 ingredients in a medium saucepan, and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in coconut milk, onions, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.

NOTE: This recipe is super easy and tastes just like Surin's for those of you that are from Bham! Once again, I just used curry powder instead of the paste (although I've heard the paste has great flavor and a little more kick so I'm sure it's great!)

I served both of these dishes along with a ginger salad which is just lettuce, carrots, and ginger dressing (Costco has a really good one!)

Enjoy!

KEEP READING.......MORE RECIPES BELOW!