Spice up your life with this incredibly easy and flavorful Thai hot chili sauce recipe! Perfect for adding a fiery kick to your favorite dishes, this homemade sauce is far superior to store-bought versions. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the vibrant tastes of Thailand, right in your own home! This is one of those easy recipes that delivers big on flavor, making it perfect for quick dinner ideas or adding a zing to your healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red chilies (adjust to your spice preference – serrano, Thai chilies, or a mix work well)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Instructions:
-
Prepare the chilies: Wash the chilies thoroughly. If you prefer a smoother sauce, remove the stems and seeds. For a chunkier sauce, leave them in. Wearing gloves is highly recommended, especially if you're working with particularly spicy chilies!
-
Combine ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the chilies, vinegar, water, sugar, fish sauce (or soy sauce), minced garlic, and grated ginger.
-
Blend until smooth: Blend until you reach your desired consistency. For a completely smooth sauce, blend for a longer time. If you prefer some texture, blend for a shorter period.
-
Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You might want to add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or chilies for extra heat.
-
Cook the sauce (optional): For a thicker sauce and to enhance the flavors, transfer the blended mixture to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. This step is optional, but recommended.
-
Cool and store: Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a sterilized jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the number of chilies and whether you remove the seeds. Start with fewer chilies and add more gradually until you reach your preferred level of spiciness.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter sauce, while others prefer a more tangy one.
- Garlic and Ginger: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to your taste.
- Other Ingredients: Experiment with adding other ingredients such as lime juice for extra zest, a pinch of salt for depth of flavor, or a dash of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. A few chopped shallots could also add a nice bite.
- Thickening: If you want a thicker sauce after blending, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer time or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water during the simmering process.
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon, approximate):
- Calories: 15-20
- Carbohydrates: 3-5g
- Protein: less than 1g
- Fat: less than 1g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
This delicious Thai hot chili sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, add it to stir-fries, noodles, or use it as a flavorful condiment for your favorite dishes. Enjoy the burst of authentic Thai flavors in every bite! It's a great way to elevate your homemade cooking and create truly delicious dishes. This is definitely one of the best recipes for adding a quick and easy punch of flavor to your meals.