Spicy Shrimp Sauce: A Southern Thai Delight

When it comes to Thai cuisine, I can't help but rave about the famous spicy shrimp sauce. Especially the southern version known as nam prik goong sot, which I had the pleasure of trying recently. This dish is similar to nam prik ga-pi from Central Thailand, but it has a unique twist in its preparation.

Instead of being finely ground, the ingredients are chopped coarser, and the dried shrimp is roasted before mixing. The first time I had this was when my mother-in-law made it for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by its exceptional flavor. Simple yet irresistibly delicious, anyone who loves Thai food will not be disappointed!

Ingredients You'll Need

To create an authentic spicy shrimp sauce, gather the following:

500g fresh shrimp

40g garlic

40g shallots

50g Thai bird's eye chili

50g fermented shrimp paste

5 limes

1 tablespoon palm sugar (or cane sugar, brown sugar)

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Sauce

Start by peeling the shrimp, making sure to keep the oil from the shrimp heads. Next, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the shrimp, cooking just until they're tender to avoid them becoming tough. Don’t discard the shrimp cooking water, as it enhances the dish's flavor.

Then, dry roast the shrimp paste in a pan over low heat until it releases a fragrant aroma. Chop the garlic, shallots, and chili into small pieces. Once the shrimp have cooled, chop them up and mix them with the other ingredients. Finally, add the shrimp water and lime juice, adjusting the taste to your liking.

Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Coconut Sauce

Alongside the shrimp sauce, I must mention the stir-fried water spinach in fresh coconut sauce that I absolutely adore. For the best flavor, I highly recommend making your own coconut milk instead of using canned. The taste will truly amaze you.

The ingredients you’ll need include:

300 ml fresh coconut milk
500g Thai water spinach
2g salt

How to Make Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Coconut Sauce

Wash the water spinach thoroughly, paying special attention to clean the stems. Then, bring the coconut milk to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and stir-fry the water spinach until just cooked. This dish is not only easy to make but also pairs perfectly with the spicy shrimp sauce.

Personal Reflections

After trying this dish, I found the tangy flavor of the shrimp combined with the fragrant coconut water spinach to be absolutely delightful. This dish can be enjoyed with rice, and it's not too difficult to prepare. It’s definitely something you should try at least once in your lifetime!

Spicy Shrimp Sauce: A Southern Thai Delight