- 50g Thai basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2-3 Thai green chilies (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
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Wash the Thai basil leaves thoroughly and set them aside to dry.
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In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and Thai green chilies together until they form a coarse paste. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can use a food processor.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Add the garlic and chili paste to the pan and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to the pan and stir well to combine.
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Add the Thai basil leaves to the pan and toss them with the sauce for about 2-3 minutes until the leaves wilt.
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Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
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Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If needed, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
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Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more fish sauce, soy sauce, or sugar according to your taste preferences.
The Thai basil sauce is typically served as a condiment or dipping sauce. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, rice dishes, noodles, or even as a dressing for salads. Its vibrant green color and aromatic flavor make it a versatile and delicious addition to various Thai dishes.
Thai basil sauce is a vibrant and flavorful green sauce originating from Thailand. It is made with fresh Thai basil leaves, garlic, Thai green chilies, and a combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. This sauce adds a burst of aromatic and spicy flavors to dishes, making it a popular condiment in Thai cuisine. It is relatively low in calories and can enhance the taste of various dishes, making it a versatile and delicious sauce to have in your culinary repertoire.
Facts about the sauce:
- Thai basil sauce is also known as “Nam Prik Krapao” in Thai cuisine.
- Thai basil, which is the main ingredient of this sauce, has a distinct flavor profile with hints of anise and mint, adding a unique taste to the sauce.
- The sauce gets its green color from the vibrant Thai basil leaves used in its preparation.
- Thai basil sauce is a staple in Thai street food and is often served with dishes like stir-fried meats, noodles, and rice.
- The spiciness of the sauce can be adjusted by adding more or fewer Thai green chilies according to personal preference.
