The Simplest Best Hot Sauce - Prik Nam Som

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salted water

Soy sauce provides umami flavor without fish.

fresh red chilies

🥗Healthier: jalapeños

💰Cheaper: dried red chilies

Jalapeños offer similar heat with easier availability.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice maintains acidity, while vinegar is more cost-effective.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds sweetness with a different flavor profile.

Pound red Thai chilies into a paste using a mortar and pestle.

Pour in white vinegar and swirl to combine.

For a variation, char the chilies in a dry pot or pan until the skin is charred in spots, then pound into a paste and add vinegar.

Add raw or charred garlic to the chilies before pounding for extra flavor.

For a milder version, slice larger milder chilies and pour white vinegar over them, letting them sit for 10-15 minutes to pickle.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens