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Top 10 Thai Appetizers & Party Foods

by Darlene Schmidt

For a refreshing change of pace, why not create some Thai food for your next party or family gathering? Thai is now the most popular of all world cuisines, and for good reason. Your guests will be impressed by the fragrance, flavors, and variety of textures that combine to create a taste explosion with every biteful of these Thai appetizers and finger foods. And don't worry about the spiciness factor - you can make these recipes as mild or "hot" as you like.

1. Gourmet Pan-Seared Scallops in a Thai Sauce (New!)

This scallop recipe will teach you everything you need to know to cook fantastic pan-seared scallops. Very gourmet, this appetizer is surprisingly easy to make - the cooking time is literally 10 minutes! And the results? If you like seafood, you're going to fall in love with these melt-in-your-mouth scallops, as well as the sumptuously simple sauce that accompanies them. Great for serving at a dinner party as an appetizer, or for a romantic tapas for two. Enjoy!

2. Mock Oysters - a Special Thai Appetizer!

This beautiful Thai appetizer looks remarkably like oysters. However, the inital taste, unlike oysters, is crisp and crunchy. Then you get a hit of seafood (shrimp) followed by a wonderful taste-explosion of Thai flavors. A great appetizer to serve at a party, cookout, or any social gathering. Pairs nicely with various wines (I like it with a shiraz/syrah), as well as ice-cold lager. Just follow the steps to this gourmet appetizer that is sure to please even the more discerning of tastes!

3. Beautiful Thai Fresh Rolls (with Peanut Dip)

These fresh rolls are truly a refreshing change from regular spring rolls, and they're also much healthier. Includes a recipe for homemade peanut sauce (not made with peanut butter, but real peanuts!). Make up a "bouquet" for your holiday party and create culinary waves. They're a beautiful party food to look at - AND to eat!

4. Chicken Satay (or Beef) with Homemade Peanut Dip

This appetizer/party food takes a little more preparation - but you'll find the taste more than worth the effort. If you've never had homemade satay, then you're going to be blown away by the succulent taste of this recipe. Strips of chicken (or beef) are marinated in a special Thai paste, then skewered and grilled on the BBQ or broiled in the oven. It is then served with homemade peanut sauce for the ultimate taste sensation. Even your kids will love it. A perfect summer appetizer or party food!

5. Crunchy, Munchy Thai Lettuce Wraps (with Vegetarian Option)

This Thai recipe for lettuce wraps is quick and easy to make. It's also a fun dish to eat, either as an appetizer or as part of a main course. Serve the filling on a platter with whole iceburg lettuce leaves on the side, and let your friends and family wrap their own. They'll love the combination of crisp, cold lettuce with the warm, flavorful filling. And it's a low-calorie, low-fat treat that's also very nutritious, whether made vegetarian, or with meat or seafood.

6. Thai Crab Cakes - Best Ever!

Want to learn how to make the best crab cakes ever? Then check out this new Thai Crab Cake Recipe. These easy-to-make crab cakes are guaranteed to melt in your mouth! You will definitely be wowed by how deliciously moist they are - not be mention imbued with wonderful Thai flavors. This crab cake recipe makes an elegant appetizer, finger food, or entree to serve guests, but is also easy enough to cook up as an everyday treat. Just follow the simple instructions and learn how to make the best crab cakes you've ever tried!

7. Easy Garlic Shrimp (Stir-Fried in Minutes!)

Sumptuous, succulent shrimp! That's my Thai garlic shrimp recipe - and it takes less than 15 minutes to make. Sweet, yet mildly spicy and garlicky, it's the perfect dish to serve at a party as an appetizer or finger food. Also makes an excellent entree for lunch or dinner (just serve with crusty French bread or rice). Even your kids will go wild for these shrimp! Once you try it, you're going to want to keep this 5-star recipe close at hand - for life!

8. Tropical Thai Fruit Salad (Served in a Pineapple "Boat"!)

This healthy and extoic Thai fruit salad will be the hit of your party - especially when served in a pineapple "boat" (a carved out pineapple). Create your own assortment of tropical and local fruit - whatever is fresh and available. Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or on its own for a fresh fruit feast. Carving instructions for the pineapple are included with the recipe - just follow the steps (with pictures).

9. Meng Khum Appetizer/Finger Food

This special Thai finger food can only be described as tastebud-tantalizing! "Meng Khum" combines ingredients like coconut, peanuts, dried shrimp, and lime. Traditionally it is served on banana leaves, but spinach or basil leaves work just as well (and unlike banana leaves, they're edible). Serve this delight to your friends at your next dinner party and wait for the "wow!" to escape their lips!

10. Thai Potstickers & Dip (includes Vegetarian option)

Potstickers are similar to dumplings, so called because they are fried and tend to stick to the bottom of the pot. But don't be decieved - this potsticker recipe is super easy to make. Enjoy Thai potstickers as a snack, an appetizer, a brunch dish, or with a salad as a meal unto itself. Of course, they also make a terrific party food!
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