Zesty Thai Dipping Sauce (Nam Prik Nam Pla)
Zesty Thai Dipping Sauce, also known as Nam Prik Nam Pla, is a staple condiment that embodies the vibrant flavors of Thailand. This exquisite sauce is a perfect balance of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy, making it the ideal companion for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re drizzling it over fragrant fried rice, enhancing the flavors of grilled meats and satays, or adding a punch to your favorite noodle soups, this sauce will elevate your meals to a new level. The beauty of this sauce lies in its versatility; feel free to tweak the proportions to suit your palate. Stored in a tightly sealed container, it remains fresh for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy authentic Thai flavors at home, any time you desire.
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thai fish sauce
5 tablespoons (none)
Fresh lime juice
1/2 cup (juiced)
Birds eye chiles
6 (sliced)
Brown sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the Thai fish sauce and fresh lime juice. Stir well to combine.
2
Add the sliced birds eye chiles and minced garlic to the mixture, ensuring that they are evenly distributed.
3
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture and stir until fully dissolved and all ingredients are well blended.
4
Taste and adjust the balance of flavors if necessary—add more lime juice for acidity, fish sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or additional chiles for heat.
5
Transfer the sauce into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It can be kept fresh for up to two weeks.
6
Serve as a delightful condiment alongside Thai Fried Rice, grilled meats, satays, noodle soups, or even with simple Jasmine rice for a burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nam Prik Nam Pla?
Nam Prik Nam Pla is a staple Thai condiment known as Zesty Thai Dipping Sauce, embodying salty, sour, sweet, and spicy flavors.
What are the primary flavors of this Thai dipping sauce?
The sauce is a perfect balance of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy flavors.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: Thai fish sauce, fresh lime juice, birds eye chiles, brown sugar, and garlic.
What type of fish sauce should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 5 tablespoons of Thai fish sauce.
How much lime juice is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice.
What kind of chiles are used in Nam Prik Nam Pla?
The recipe uses 6 sliced birds eye chiles.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What type of sweetener is used in this dipping sauce?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of brown sugar.
How do I prepare the garlic for this sauce?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the mixture.
How should the birds eye chiles be prepared?
The chiles should be sliced before being mixed into the sauce.
What is the first step in making Zesty Thai Dipping Sauce?
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Thai fish sauce and fresh lime juice and stir well.
When do I add the chiles and garlic?
Add the sliced chiles and minced garlic after mixing the fish sauce and lime juice.
How do I ensure the brown sugar is properly incorporated?
Sprinkle the sugar over the mixture and stir until it is fully dissolved.
Can I adjust the taste of the sauce?
Yes, you can add more lime for acidity, fish sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or chiles for heat.
How should I store the finished sauce?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does Nam Prik Nam Pla stay fresh?
It remains fresh for up to two weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.
What are some serving suggestions for this sauce?
It is excellent with Thai Fried Rice, grilled meats, satays, noodle soups, or Jasmine rice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 15 servings.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple mixing and preparation.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, since it lasts for two weeks in the fridge, it is a great make-ahead condiment.
What if the sauce is too spicy?
You can reduce the number of birds eye chiles used or add a bit more sugar and lime juice to balance the heat.
What if the sauce is too salty?
If the fish sauce is overpowering, increase the lime juice or brown sugar to mellow the saltiness.
Is this a traditional Thai recipe?
Yes, Nam Prik Nam Pla is a traditional and authentic Thai condiment.
Does the recipe require cooking?
No cooking is required; it is a raw mixed sauce.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor and authentic 'zesty' profile.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Most fish sauces are gluten-free, but you should check your specific brand to be sure.
What is the calorie count for this sauce?
The specific nutritional data for calories is not provided in the raw recipe data.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
While the recipe calls for brown sugar, white sugar or palm sugar can be used as substitutes.
Is this sauce spicy?
Yes, with 6 birds eye chiles, it has a significant spicy kick.
Why is it called Nam Prik Nam Pla?
In Thai, 'Nam Pla' means fish sauce and 'Nam Prik' refers to a chili-based dipping sauce.