Mắm Tôm Chua with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fermented shrimp paste 500g (1.1 lb) fermented shrimp paste
• 4 limes, juiced 4 limes, juiced
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the fermented shrimp paste, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili peppers.
2. 2.
   Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. 3.
   Transfer the mixture into a clean jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. 4.
   Allow the mixture to ferment at room temperature for 2-3 days, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   After fermentation, refrigerate the mắm tôm chua for at least 1 week before consuming to allow the flavors to develop fully.
6. 6.
   Serve as a condiment or dipping sauce alongside fresh vegetables, herbs, and rice dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fermented shrimp paste — Make sure to use high-quality fermented shrimp paste for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can try making your own by fermenting fresh shrimp with salt for several weeks.
• Lime juice — Use freshly squeezed lime juice for a vibrant and tangy taste.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dish.
• Chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add more chili peppers or include some chili flakes.
• Experiment with different herbs and vegetables for dipping, such as lettuce, cucumber, and Thai basil.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by adding more or less sugar and lime juice.
• Store the mắm tôm chua in airtight containers to prevent the strong aroma from permeating your refrigerator.
• Use a clean spoon each time you take out the paste to avoid contamination.

Serving advice

Serve mắm tôm chua as a condiment alongside grilled meats, spring rolls, or vermicelli noodles. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables or added to stir-fries for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Transfer the mắm tôm chua into a small serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped chili peppers or a lime wedge. Arrange the accompanying vegetables and herbs neatly on a platter for an appetizing presentation.