The 5 Sauces Thai People Can't Live Without (And it's NOT peanut sauce)

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salted water

Soy sauce provides umami flavor while being lower in sodium.

palm sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar is less processed and has a lower glycemic index.

fresh seafood

🥗Healthier: cooked chicken

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu offers a protein-rich, budget-friendly alternative.

chili peppers

🥗Healthier: bell peppers

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Cayenne provides heat without the cost of fresh chilies.

Start with some garlic, chilies, and cilantro roots or stems.

Pound the garlic, chilies, and cilantro into a paste using a mortar and pestle or a blender.

Add palm sugar to the paste and pound until dissolved.

Pour in fish sauce for saltiness.

Squeeze lots of lime juice for acidity and mix well.

Taste and adjust the seasoning according to preference, ensuring the leading flavor is sour from lime juice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens