Thai Spice Blend for Seasoning and Cooking

What Thai Spices Offer and How to Substitute Galangal

Thai seasonings and spices – eight ground varieties, 75g each: galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime, Thai curry, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and garlic powder. This section does not include ready-made Tom Yum paste – the flavor is built from dry spices, just like in a Thai kitchen, without a jar of pre-made sauce.

The foundation of Thai flavor comes from three key spices. Galangal (Alpinia galanga), known as "kha" in Thai, provides a resinous-citrusy pungency: it's a relative of ginger, but not a substitute. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) offers a lemon note, and kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) provides the top aroma. The rest include cumin, coriander, black pepper, garlic, and a ready-made curry blend.

How to Make Tom Yum from Ground Spices

• For 1 liter of broth – add 1 teaspoon each of galangal and lemongrass, and 0.5 teaspoon of kaffir lime; simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of coriander.
• Add mushrooms and shrimp or chicken, cook for 3–5 minutes; for a milder version, stir in coconut milk.
• Remove from heat, and only then add lime juice, fish sauce, and chili – the aroma of lime dissipates after boiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tom Yum paste – can it be replaced with dry spices?

Yes: galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime are simmered in broth, while acidity, salt, and spiciness are added at the end. Ready-made paste already contains oil, salt, and chili, while a dry base provides a pure aroma and allows you to adjust the spiciness yourself.

What is galangal?

The rhizome of a tropical plant from the ginger family, a Thai spice with a resinous, citrusy flavor. Key dishes include Tom Yum, Tom Kha, and curry pastes. One teaspoon of powder roughly corresponds to 2–3 slices of fresh root.

Should I buy ground or fresh lemongrass?

Ground is more convenient for everyday use: it stores for months, is measured with a spoon, and releases its aroma within the first minutes of cooking. A fresh stalk offers a more subtle aroma, but needs to be bruised and used within a few days.

Where to buy Tom Yum spices?

We ship internationally. Spices are often purchased as a set: the three essential items for a Tom Yum base, plus curry and cumin.

See also: coconut oil for sautéing and Thai herbal teas.

This is a food product, not a medicinal product. Before use, check the ingredients for individual intolerances.