Here’s How To Make A Delicious Hoi Tod At Home

Thai street food has firmly established its place on the global culinary scene. Every year, millions of tourists flock to Thailand to sample its famous delicacies while strolling through busy markets and food-famous streets. One of the standout favourites is Hoi Tod. 

What is Hoi Tod?

Hoi Tod, or Fried Mussels, is a popular Thai dish famous for its crispy exterior and soft, juicy interior. The dish is essentially a fried pancake made with a batter that combines rice flour, cornstarch, and water. Mussels are the go-to choice for this dish, but oysters are sometimes used as well. This star ingredient is mixed into the batter before being ladled into a hot, oiled pan. As the batter hits the heat, it spreads out, forming a thin pancake that quickly crisps up at the edges.

The best part about Hoi Tod is its contrast in textures. The outer layer of the pancake is crunchy and golden, while the inside remains soft, thanks to the tender mussels. Spring onions are often added to the batter for a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish. The result? A well-balanced flavour profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Origin of Hoi Tod

Hoi Tod’s origins can be traced back to Chinese immigrants who settled in Thailand many years ago. Since then, it has become a staple in Thai cuisine, adored by locals and visitors alike.

Though traditionally enjoyed in Thailand, Hoi Tod has gained popularity beyond its borders, making appearances in Thai restaurants around the world. However, it is on the streets of Thailand where Hoi Tod truly shines. Vendors expertly fry up these pancakes in giant woks, each batch made to order, for a fresh and piping hot dish every time. The sight and sound of Hoi Tod sizzling in oil, combined with the tantalising aroma, is enough to draw anyone in for a taste.

Recipe for Hoi Tod

If you’re tempted to make a fried mussels Hoi Tod at home, here’s a simple recipe to get you started.

Ingredients:

• 200g fresh mussels, drained
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chopped spring onions
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the batter: Combine the rice flour, cornstarch, and water in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and free of lumps. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add the mussels: Gently fold the drained mussels and chopped spring onions into the batter.
3. Heat the pan: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the pancake: Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly to form a thin pancake. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes or until the edges start to crisp and turn golden brown.
5. Flip and fry: Using a spatula, carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the eggs: Crack the eggs directly onto the pancake and spread them out evenly. Cook for another minute until the eggs are set.
7. Serve: Once fully cooked, remove the pancake from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Garnish with some extra spring onions for freshness. 

Sweet Chilli Sauce - An Essential Condiment

A Hoi Tod recipe is incomplete without a generous drizzle of sweet chilli sauce. This condiment is a staple in Thai cuisine, loved for its balance of sweetness and mild heat. 

The sweetness of the chilli sauce pairs beautifully with the briny mussels, while its slight tang cuts through the richness of the fried batter. You can drizzle the chilli sauce over the entire pancake or use it as a dipping sauce on the side; it’s a flavour combination that’s hard to resist.

Introducing Exotic Food Thailand's Sweet Chilli Sauce

When it comes to sweet chilli sauce, quality matters. Exotic Food Thailand’s Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce is a cut above the rest, made with all-natural ingredients that will bring out the best of any dish. Free from artificial additives, our sauce is made to deliver an authentic Thai taste that perfectly complements the rich flavours of Hoi Tod.

Our sweet chilli dipping sauce stands out for its balanced flavour profile—sweet but not overly so, with a gentle heat that adds just the right amount of spice. Its thick, glossy consistency clings beautifully to the crispy pancake, so every bite is packed with flavour.

Try Exotic Food Thailand's Sauces Today

Now that you have the perfect fried mussel Hoi Tod recipe in hand, don’t forget to grab a bottle of Exotic Food Thailand’s Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to this classic Thai dish, bringing out the best in every bite. 

And while you’re at it, why not explore the wide variety of sauces, cooking marinades, ingredients and more that Exotic Food Thailand has to offer? Discover everything from tangy tamarind to zesty lime flavours, we stock a sauce for every palate! Experiment with different flavours and discover new favourites to enjoy with your Thai meals.

Browse our collection today and let Exotic Food Thailand bring authentic Thai flavours right to your kitchen.