| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 80 | 0g | 0g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 0g | 0g | 1.5g |
Why I Love Thai Spicy Dipping Sauce
I’ve always had a deep affection for the Southern staples of my South Carolina upbringing – my heart swells for perfectly golden biscuits, fried chicken spiced just right, and fresh catch from the coast. But sometimes, the heart yearns for a bit of variety, a dash of the unexpected. That’s how I found myself drawn to the irresistible appeal of Asian cooking and specifically, the Thai-inspired Spicy Dipping Sauce.
A Visit to the Far East (From My Kitchen)
The world of cooking is vast, and even though my roots are firmly planted in the Southern soil, I believe a truly well-rounded chef must explore every corner of culinary delight – much like Gordon Ramsay did when he took his first bold steps into Asian cuisine. This Spicy Dipping Sauce is my take on that adventurous spirit, a flavorful blend of ingredients worth every bit of effort.
The Full Experience of the Spicy Dipping Sauce
What I really love about this Spicy Dipping Sauce is its versatility. Sure, it’s a superb accompaniment to classic Thai dishes such as fried spring rolls and satay, but I’ve also discovered it brings a delightful twist to some of my southern favorites. Try it as a glaze for fried chicken, and you’ll experience a completely different dimension of flavors.
But don’t stop at chicken alone. Slather it over roasted vegetables, add it to your shrimp for that extra kick, or use it as a dipping sauce for your fries – the possibilities are endless. It’s the perfect example of how global flavors can enhance classic American dishes.
And let’s not forget the process of making the sauce itself, which I find meditative. The careful measuring and chopping, the precise combining and blending of each ingredient. The beautiful aroma that fills the kitchen as it all comes together. This Spicy Dipping Sauce is a beautiful journey that I’m thrilled to share with you.
What You’ll Need
Method
Step One
Start by combining the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Place it over a medium heat. Stir it occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step Two
Next, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the sugar-water mixture to cool completely.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, combine the 1/3 cup of fish sauce, 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of sambal oelek, and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger.
Step Four
Pour the cooled sugar-water mixture into the bowl with other ingredients. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Step Five
For best results, let the dipping sauce sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld together. After a few hours or overnight, it will be ready to serve and enjoy with your favorite dishes.
