Appetizer > Southeast Asian > Thai

Nam Phrik Pla Tu (Fish Sauce Dip) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar
- 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, water, and palm sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the sliced chilies, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and chopped scallions to the bowl. Mix well.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice for acidity, more palm sugar for sweetness, or more fish sauce for saltiness.
4. Serve the dip with fresh vegetables, grilled meats, or fried fish.

10 minutes
5. Temperature: Room temperature
Serving size: 4-6 people

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 32
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 2860mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Thai bird's eye chilies can be substituted with jalapeno peppers or serrano peppers.
- Palm sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or honey.
- Cilantro can be substituted with Thai basil or mint.

Variations:
- Add chopped peanuts or toasted rice powder for texture.
- Use tamarind paste instead of lime juice for a tangy flavor.
- Add grated ginger or lemongrass for extra depth of flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less chilies.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Make the dip ahead of time and let it sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Storage instructions:
- Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Reheating instructions:
- The dip does not need to be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dip in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or scallions.

Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped scallions
- Chopped peanuts
- Toasted rice powder

Pairings:
- Fresh vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper
- Grilled meats such as chicken or pork
- Fried fish or shrimp

Suggested side dishes:
- Sticky rice
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Noodle salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dip is too salty, add more lime juice or water to balance the flavors.
- If the dip is too sweet, add more fish sauce or lime juice to cut the sweetness.

Food safety advice:
- Use fresh ingredients and clean utensils to prevent contamination.
- Store the dip in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 1 week.

Food history:
- Nam Phrik Pla Tu is a traditional Thai fish sauce dip that originated in the northeastern region of Thailand.

Flavor profiles:
- Salty, sweet, sour, and spicy

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the dip as an appetizer or condiment.

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Region: Thai

Taste: Spicy, Salty, Tangy, Fishy