Ep 15. Tasty Thai

In episode 15 of season 20 of America's Test Kitchen, titled Tasty Thai, the hosts take on the challenge of creating classic Thai dishes that are full of bold flavors.

The episode starts with host Julia Collin Davison sharing why she loves Thai food. She explains that Thailand's cuisine is influenced by neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia, which results in a unique blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors.

The first dish on the menu is the classic Thai Green Curry with Chicken. Host Elle Simone Scott shares her recipe for homemade green curry paste which includes ingredients such as lemongrass, cilantro root, and kaffir lime leaves. The hosts then discuss how to achieve the right balance of flavors in the curry by highlighting the sweetness of the coconut milk, the spiciness of the curry paste, and the sourness of the lime juice.

Next up is Pork Larb, a traditional Thai salad made with ground pork, fish sauce, and lime juice. Host Dan Souza explains that the key to this dish is achieving the right texture by making the pork tender and crispy. He also shares tips on how to properly toast rice powder, an essential ingredient in the dish that gives it a nutty flavor.

The hosts then move on to a vegetarian dish - Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Basil. Host Ashley Moore shares her technique for frying the tofu to give it a crispy exterior and soft interior. She also explains how to use Thai basil, a distinct variety with a peppery flavor, in the dish to give it its unique taste.

After the savory dishes, the hosts move on to a sweet treat - Thai Mango Sticky Rice. Host Bridget Lancaster shares her recipe for cooking the sticky rice and explains the importance of using the right type of rice. She also discusses how to make the coconut sauce that is drizzled over the rice and how to choose the perfect mangoes for the dish.

Finally, the hosts end the episode with a segment called "Taste Test." In this segment, they blind taste test different brands of coconut milk to find the best one for cooking Thai dishes. They discuss the differences in taste, consistency, and quality between the brands, ultimately identifying the best one.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their love for Thai cuisine and provide helpful tips and tricks for creating authentic, delicious dishes at home. From making homemade green curry paste to mastering the texture of Pork Larb, viewers will learn the techniques and ingredients needed to create a tasty Thai meal.