Ep 19. Your Pad or Mine (Thai)

In season 9 episode 19 of Good Eats, titled "Your Pad or Mine (Thai)", host Alton Brown takes his viewers on an exciting journey to discover the flavors and techniques of Thai cuisine.

The episode starts with Alton expressing his love for Thai food and explaining the complexity of the cuisine, which includes a unique balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. He then introduces his friend and guest, Jet Tila, a renowned Thai chef, who shares his expertise and guides Alton through the process of making a flavorful Thai meal.

The first dish they make is a classic Thai curry, which is known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. Jet shows Alton how to make the curry paste from scratch using fresh ingredients like lemongrass, cilantro, and shrimp paste. They then add the paste to a pot of coconut milk, chicken, and vegetables to make a delicious and rich curry that is both savory and spicy.

Next up, Alton and Jet make a refreshing and tangy papaya salad, which is a staple in Thai cuisine. They shred green papaya and mix it with a dressing made of lime juice, fish sauce, and chili peppers, and then add roasted peanuts and cherry tomatoes for added crunch and flavor. The result is a vibrant and flavorful salad that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

For the main course, Alton and Jet make pad thai, a popular Thai street food that is enjoyed around the world. Jet shows Alton how to cook the noodles perfectly and how to layer flavors by adding ingredients like tamarind paste, palm sugar, and fish sauce. They also add shrimp, tofu, and egg to the mix for added protein and texture.

Finally, Alton and Jet make a sweet and creamy coconut pudding for dessert. They mix coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch and cook it until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. They then pour the pudding into bowls and let it chill in the refrigerator until it's set. They serve the pudding topped with fresh mango, creating a perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors.

Throughout the episode, Alton and Jet share tips and tricks for making authentic Thai food at home, including the best places to buy ingredients and how to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. They also talk about the culture and history behind Thai cuisine, making the episode not only a cooking lesson but also a cultural experience.

Overall, "Your Pad or Mine (Thai)" is a fun and informative episode of Good Eats that celebrates the bold and vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. Alton and Jet's chemistry and expertise make the episode entertaining to watch, and the recipes are sure to inspire viewers to try making Thai food at home.