Thai Chili Paste
Thai Chili Paste is a bold, aromatic condiment made with dried red chilies, garlic, shallots, ginger, and lime juice. This versatile homemade paste adds authentic Thai flavor and fiery heat to curries, stir-fries, marinades, soups, and noodle dishes.
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
Calories: 30 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 2 g | Sodium: 180 mg | Sugar: 2 g