Can I make Thai Chili Dipping Sauce less spicy?

If the dish feels too spicy for you, no worries! You can simply reduce the amount of chilies in the recipe or choose a milder type of chili. You can also add more of the other yummy ingredients to balance out the heat. Another idea is to serve the dish with some cooling sides like yogurt or cucumber. Enjoy your meal!

How long can I store Thai chili dipping sauce?

After preparing the item, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consequently, it can be safely kept for up to a week.

Can I freeze chili dipping sauce?

It's best to avoid freezing food because it can change its texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of a mortar and pestle?

You can prepare your recipe using a food processor. However, it's essential to approach this cautiously and pulse the ingredients carefully to maintain the desired chunky texture.

Thai Chili Dipping Sauce (Nam Phrik Num)

Name: Thai Roasted Chili Dip (Nam Phrik Num)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 10 green chilies (preferably Thai green chilies); 1 head of garlic; 5 shallots; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Salt to taste

Description

Nam Prik Num is a vibrant and fiery chili dip from Northern Thailand, celebrated for its bold and smoky flavors. Made by roasting green chilies, shallots, and garlic until charred, then grinding them into a rustic paste, this dip embodies the essence of Thai cuisine with its harmonious balance of heat, tanginess, and umami from fish sauce. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro, it serves as an enticing accompaniment to fresh vegetables and sticky rice. Nam Prik Num is not just a condiment but a staple in Thai households, offering a spicy kick that invigorates any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

10 green chilies (preferably Thai green chilies)
1 head of garlic
5 shallots
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt to taste

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Instructions

Roast the Vegetables

To prepare the roasted green chilies, garlic, and shallots, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the green chilies, garlic cloves, and shallots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave the skins on the garlic cloves to protect them from burning. Roast the vegetables for 20-25 minutes or until the chilies have charred skins, and the shallots and garlic are soft and caramelized. This roasting process will enhance the flavors of the vegetables and add a delightful smokiness to your dish.

Peel and Prep

Once the vegetables are roasted, it is essential to allow them to cool down to room temperature. Next, peel the garlic and shallots, and carefully remove the skins from the chilies to prepare them for further use.

Mash the Ingredients

Following the roasting of the chilies, garlic, and shallots, Use the mortar and pestle or food processer to mix the ingredients until they form a coarse paste.

Season the Dip

Transfer the mashed mixture to a bowl, gently stir in the fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and finely chopped cilantro. Then, carefully season the mixture with salt according to your taste preferences.

Serve

Thai Chili Sauce is best enjoyed with fresh, crisp vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage. It also pairs perfectly with warm, sticky rice, allowing you to savor the spicy flavors. Furthermore, it can be used as a delectable condiment to elevate the taste of grilled meats, adding flavor to each bite.

Prep Time: 25min
Cook Time: 10min
Category: Sides
Method: Grill/Bake
Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2tbs
Calories: 25kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg