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Prik Nam Pla The Ultimate Thai flavor booster
Inigo

Prik Nam Pla

The Ultimate Flavor Boosting Condiment
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1 Cup
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 3-4 pcs small red onion or shallot finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4-5 pcs red chilies chopped
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • pinch MSG
  • pinch salt
  • pinch black pepper
  • juice of 1 lemon or lime
  • chopped cilantro

Method
 

  1. Combine chopped shallots, garlic, and chilies in a small pan.
  2. Add fish sauce, sugar, MSG, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add lemon or lime juice.
  4. Heat gently for about 2 minutes to bloom the aromatics.
  5. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
  6. Stir in chopped cilantro.
  7. Bottle and store or serve immediately.

Notes

Javi's Tips

Use good fish sauce
Higher quality fish sauce produces a smoother, deeper flavor.
Adjust heat level
Use bird’s eye chilies for extra heat or milder chilies for a gentler sauce.
Add sweetness carefully
A small amount of sugar balances the saltiness without overpowering the sauce.
Try different herbs
Thai basil or green onions can also work well.

Storage / Reheating

Prik Nam Pla stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors continue to develop as it rests.