Spicy Southeast Asian Chili Dip

Ingredients

While the original Nam phrik is a Thai chili dip, this adapted version takes inspiration from various Southeast Asian cuisines. It incorporates flavors and ingredients commonly found in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, resulting in a unique blend of spices and aromatics that represent the diverse culinary traditions of the region. We alse have the original recipe for Nam phrik, so you can check it out.

• 10 red Thai chilies, finely chopped 10 red Thai chilies, finely chopped
• 5 bird's eye chilies, finely chopped 5 bird's eye chilies, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon shrimp paste 1 tablespoon shrimp paste
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon palm sugar 1 teaspoon palm sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 45 kcal / 188 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mortar and pestle, pound the red Thai chilies, bird's eye chilies, garlic, shallots, and lemongrass into a coarse paste.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chili paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Stir in the shrimp paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
4. 4.
   Remove from heat and let the dip cool to room temperature.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or Thai basil.
6. 6.
   Serve alongside grilled meats, vegetables, or as a condiment for rice and noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Remove the tough outer layers before finely chopping the tender inner part for a smoother texture in the dip.
• Shrimp paste — If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the shrimp paste and increase the amount of fish sauce for a savory umami flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice tolerance. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder version.
• For a smoother texture, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor instead of using a mortar and pestle.
• Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Southeast Asian Chili Dip at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop. Accompany it with a platter of fresh vegetables, grilled meats, or steamed rice for a complete Southeast Asian dining experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Spicy Southeast Asian Chili Dip in a vibrant bowl, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture. Serve it alongside colorful vegetable sticks and grilled skewers to create an enticing display of Southeast Asian flavors.