Authentic Thai Fish Sauce Recipe – Chili Lime Cilantro Dip

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Thai Fish Sauce Recipe – Chili Lime Cilantro Dip

Okay, let’s be real. This isn’t technically an Indian recipe, but trust me – once you try this vibrant Thai Fish Sauce Dip, you’ll be adding it to everything, including your Indian snacks! I first stumbled upon this when travelling through Thailand, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s seriously addictive, and so easy to whip up. It’s the perfect balance of salty, sour, spicy, and fresh. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chili Lime Cilantro Dip is a game-changer. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, requires zero cooking, and delivers a massive flavour punch. It’s way better than anything you can buy in a jar, and honestly, it’s a fantastic way to elevate simple dishes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – think dipping sauce, marinade, or even a flavour boost for your stir-fries.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 2 cups of this amazing dip:

• 1/4 cup fish sauce (approx. 60ml)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (approx. 60ml) – fresh is best!
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 red chili, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup shallots, finely chopped (approx. 30g)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (approx. 30g)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (approx. 50g)
• 1/4 cup water (approx. 60ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because quality really matters here!

• Fish Sauce: This is the star, so splurge a little! Look for a good quality fish sauce – it should smell fishy, but not overwhelmingly so. Red Boat is a popular choice, but there are plenty of great brands out there.
• Thai Chilies: Bird’s eye chilies are traditional, and they pack a punch! Feel free to adjust the quantity depending on your spice preference (more on that later!).
• Cilantro: Some people love it, some people don’t! If you’re not a cilantro fan, you can substitute with parsley or mint, but it will change the flavour profile. I personally love the freshness cilantro brings.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic! It’s seriously simple.

1. Grab a mixing bowl. Add everything – fish sauce, lime juice, chilies, shallots, garlic, cilantro, brown sugar, and water.
2. Give it a really good stir. Make sure the brown sugar dissolves completely.
3. Now, the hardest part: patience! Let the sauce rest at room temperature for at least an hour. This allows all those amazing flavours to meld together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Expert Tips

A few little things that make a big difference:

• Taste as you go: Everyone’s palate is different. Adjust the lime juice and brown sugar to your liking.
• Finely chop everything: This ensures the flavours are evenly distributed.
• Don’t be afraid of the fish sauce: It might smell strong on its own, but it mellows out beautifully in the dip.

Variations

Want to make this dip your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level Adjustments: If you’re sensitive to heat, remove the seeds from the chilies, or use fewer chilies altogether. My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick!
• Vegan Adaptation using Mushroom Sauce: For a vegan version, substitute the fish sauce with a good quality mushroom sauce. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s a delicious alternative.
• Regional Thai Variations: In some regions of Thailand, they add a little grated ginger or lemongrass to their fish sauce dips. Feel free to experiment!

Serving Suggestions

Okay, now for the fun part – what to dip!

• Fresh spring rolls
• Grilled shrimp or chicken
• Steamed vegetables
• Papaya salad (Som Tum)
• Even with your favourite Indian pakoras or samosas!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavours will actually develop even more over time.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What is the best type of fish sauce to use? A good quality fish sauce is key. Look for brands that are made with first-press extract and have a clear, amber colour.
• Can I make this dip ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better if you let it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) to allow the flavours to meld.
• How do I adjust the spice level? Remove the seeds from the chilies, use fewer chilies, or add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.
• What can I serve this dip with? Anything and everything! Seriously, get creative.
• Is cilantro essential, or can I substitute another herb? While cilantro is traditional, you can substitute with parsley or mint if you’re not a fan. Just be aware that it will change the flavour profile.

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments what you think, and what you’re dipping into this deliciousness with!