Substitutions Can Be Appropriate . . . If You Know What You’re Looking For

Be flexible and substitute ingredients as needed. Produce varies. Especially in chilies, spiciness is inconsistent, even on the same plant. The essential oils in one lime may be less concentrated than another, as is its acid level, so taste and adjust as you go. Before you get started, you may want to read The Southeast Asian Pantry chapter about the unfamiliar items and how they are used. However, it is imperative you make conscious adjustments as you do so. See for how I have adjusted canned coconut milk to serve as both traditional types of coconut milk used in Southeast Asia (thick and thin).