Thai Chili Paste
Equipment
- airtight container
- food processor, or blender
- medium saucepan
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried red chilies soaked in warm water for 15 minutes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 shallots roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce for vegan
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Drain the soaked chilies.
- Place the chilies, garlic, shallots, and ginger into a food processor or blender.
- Blend until a smooth paste forms.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chili paste.
- Cook for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Stir in the fish sauce or soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar.
- Continue cooking for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paste thickens.
- Remove from the heat.
- Allow the chili paste to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Wear gloves when handling dried chilies if you have sensitive skin. Blend the ingredients until completely smooth for the best texture. The chili paste develops even more flavor after resting overnight in the refrigerator. Use small amounts at first, then adjust to your preferred level of heat.Wine Advice
A chilled Riesling balances the spicy heat with refreshing fruit flavors. For an aromatic pairing, enjoy a glass of Gewürztraminer alongside dishes made with this chili paste.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Thai Chili Paste is a bold, aromatic condiment that delivers the signature balance of heat, sweetness, and savory flavor found in many traditional Thai dishes. Made with dried red chilies, garlic, shallots, fresh ginger, lime juice, and fish sauce or soy sauce, this homemade paste is incredibly versatile. It works as a base for curries, a marinade for grilled meats, a seasoning for stir-fries, or a spicy addition to soups and noodle dishes.
Why You’ll Love Thai Chili Paste
This homemade chili paste comes together with simple ingredients while delivering authentic Thai flavor without unnecessary preservatives. Adjust the amount of chilies or sweetener to suit your own taste, making it as mild or fiery as you like. If you enjoy cooking Asian dishes, browse our Thai Recipes, Sauce Recipes, Marinade Recipes, Spices & Seasoning Recipes, and Vegetarian Recipes.
Making Homemade Chili Paste
Soak the dried chilies until they soften before blending them with the garlic, shallots, and ginger into a smooth paste. Cook the mixture gently in oil, then stir in the lime juice, fish sauce or soy sauce, and brown sugar. Continue simmering until the mixture thickens into a rich, glossy paste. Thai Chili Paste develops even deeper flavor after resting in the refrigerator overnight.
Serving Thai Chili Paste
Thai Chili Paste adds incredible depth to curries, noodle dishes, fried rice, stir-fries, grilled chicken, seafood, and vegetable recipes. Stir a spoonful into soups, blend it into marinades, or mix it with mayonnaise for a spicy sandwich spread. A small amount delivers plenty of flavor, so start modestly and adjust to your preferred heat level.
Storage Tips
Store your homemade chili paste in a clean airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Always use a clean spoon when serving to help preserve freshness. The paste can also be frozen in small portions for longer storage. For additional food storage recommendations, visit the FDA Food Safety website.
This homemade condiment brings authentic Thai flavors to your kitchen with very little effort. Once you have a jar of this versatile chili paste ready to use, you’ll find countless ways to add bold flavor and gentle heat to everyday meals.