Dish

Nam chim kai

Thai Dipping Sauce for Chicken

Nam chim kai is a simple and flavorful sauce that is easy to make at home. To make the sauce, simply whisk together all of the ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more sugar for sweetness or more chili peppers for spiciness. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Thai cuisine

Dipping Sauce

Origins and history

Nam chim kai originated in Thailand and is commonly served with grilled or fried chicken. It is also used as a dipping sauce for vegetables and seafood.

Dietary considerations

This dish is gluten-free and can be made vegan by using a plant-based alternative to fish sauce. It is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their diet.

Variations

There are many variations of nam chim kai, including ones that use tamarind or palm sugar instead of lime juice and sugar. You can also experiment with different types of chili peppers, such as bird's eye chili or jalapeno.

Presentation and garnishing

To make the nam chim kai look more visually appealing, garnish it with chopped cilantro or sliced chili peppers. You can also serve it in a small bowl with a spoon for easy dipping.

Tips & Tricks

To prevent the garlic from overpowering the other flavors, use a microplane to grate it finely. You can also add a pinch of salt to help bring out the flavors.

Side-dishes

Nam chim kai is traditionally served with grilled or fried chicken. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for vegetables or seafood.

Drink pairings

Nam chim kai pairs well with a light and refreshing drink, such as a Thai iced tea or a coconut water. It can also be paired with a crisp white wine or a light beer.