Nam Jim (Thai Dipping Sauce — Garlic, Chilli, Fish Sauce, Lime)

Ingredients

• 80 ml fish sauce, Thai, premium grade
• 50 ml fresh lime juice
• 30 ml water
• 20 g palm sugar, or light brown sugar
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 Thai red chillies, fresh, sliced thin (seeds optional, adjust for heat)
• 2 stalks cilantro, finely chopped

Method

1. 1
   Pound garlic and salt (pinch) in a mortar and pestle to form a paste.
2. 2
   Add chillies; bruise lightly to release oils and seeds.
3. 3
   Combine fish sauce, water, and palm sugar in a bowl; stir until sugar dissolves.
4. 4
   Transfer garlic-chilli paste to sauce; add lime juice and cilantro; stir thoroughly.
5. 5
   Taste and adjust sweetness/heat/acidity. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.