Thai Chili Fish Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that brings a burst of bold, tangy, and spicy elements to any dish.
This sauce is a perfect balance of salty fish sauce, fiery Thai chilies, a touch of sweetness, and fresh lime juice, creating an unforgettable taste experience.
Often served as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, seafood, or even fresh vegetables, it elevates the natural flavors of the food with its savory umami depth and zesty kick.
Simple yet versatile, Thai Chili Fish Sauce is a staple that reflects the heart of Thai culinary tradition.
How To Make Thai Chili Fish Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Thai
Yields: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce (Nam Pla)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 2-3 Thai chilies (finely chopped, adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1-2 tablespoons shallots (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon cilantro (finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step-1. Prepare the base
In a small mixing bowl, combine fish sauce with freshly squeezed lime juice. This forms the savory and tangy foundation of the sauce.
Step-2. Sweeten to taste
If you like a slight touch of sweetness to balance out the spice and salt, stir in granulated sugar. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely before proceeding.
Step-3. Add the heat
Now, add chopped Thai chilies. Adjust the amount according to your preferred spice level. I typically go with two chilies for a moderate heat, but if you’re a spice lover, feel free to use three or more.
Step-4. Introduce aromatics
Mix in minced garlic and finely chopped shallots. These aromatics provide extra depth and texture to the sauce.
Step-5. Garnish and serve
Lastly, garnish the sauce with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Your Thai Chili Fish Sauce is now ready to serve!
Nutrition Facts Of Thai Chili Fish Sauce
- Calories: 10 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Serving Suggestions
As a dipping sauce: Pair it with spring rolls, dumplings, or grilled meats. The tangy spice complements fried and grilled foods perfectly.
Over stir-fries: Drizzle it over stir-fried vegetables, rice, or noodles for an extra punch of flavor.
In soups: Add a spoonful to Thai-style soups like Tom Yum or Tom Kha for a flavorful boost.
As a marinade: Use it to marinate seafood, chicken, or beef for a delicious Thai-inspired dish.
Tips and Variations
Adjust the heat: If Thai chilies are too hot for your liking, substitute them with milder chilies like serrano or jalapeño.
Sugar alternatives: For a healthier option, swap the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Vegan option: To make this sauce vegan, you can substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
Storage: Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. The flavors will intensify over time.
Special Note
Achieving the perfect balance between salty, tangy, and sweet is key. Taste and adjust the lime juice, sugar, and fish sauce to your preference for a truly harmonious flavor.
FAQS
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just keep it in an airtight container.
Is there a vegetarian version of this sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce made from seaweed, mushrooms, and soy.
What dishes pair best with this sauce?
This sauce pairs excellently with grilled meats, seafood, rice dishes, and stir-fries.
Conclusion
Thai Chili Fish Sauce is a simple, flavorful condiment that elevates any dish with its balance of salty, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or just looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Enjoy experimenting with different heat levels and variations, and don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends.
Thai Chili Fish Sauce
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce Nam Pla
- 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar optional, for a touch of sweetness
- 2-3 Thai chilies finely chopped, adjust to your heat preference
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1-2 tablespoons shallots finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon cilantro finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine fish sauce with freshly squeezed lime juice. This forms the savory and tangy foundation of the sauce.
- If you like a slight touch of sweetness to balance out the spice and salt, stir in granulated sugar. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely before proceeding.
- Now, add chopped Thai chilies. Adjust the amount according to your preferred spice level. I typically go with two chilies for a moderate heat, but if you’re a spice lover, feel free to use three or more.
- Mix in minced garlic and finely chopped shallots. These aromatics provide extra depth and texture to the sauce.
- Lastly, garnish the sauce with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Your Thai Chili Fish Sauce is now ready to serve!
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.