How to make Tod Mun Goong

Why cooks start here

Tod Mun Goong is cooked the way shrimp cakes cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a thai family cook actually puts it on the table.

Tod Mun Goong, or Thai shrimp cakes, is a beloved appetizer that finds its way to family tables across Thailand. This home-cooked version captures the essence of how a Thai family might prepare it for a special gathering. The process involves hand-judging the salt and using a generous amount of fat, embodying the informal precision of a seasoned family cook. It's a dish that showcases the simplicity and depth of Thai home cooking. The shrimp cakes offer a delightful contrast of textures: crispy on the outside and tender within. Infused with the aromatic warmth of red curry paste, each bite delivers a savory burst of flavor. Traditionally paired with a sweet and tangy cucumber relish, these cakes are perfect for sharing, embodying the communal spirit of Thai dining without ceremony or fuss.