Thai Shrimp Paste Dip

A flavorful, umami-packed dip featuring shrimp paste, lime, and spices, perfect for pairing with fresh veggies or proteins.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Dip

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 90

Main Ingredients

2 tablespoon dried shrimp Look for high-quality dried shrimp for a deeper flavor.
2-3 cloves garlic Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
to taste Thai chilies Thai chilies Adjust according to your heat preference.
1.5 tablespoon finely chopped palm sugar If you can’t find it, brown sugar works in a pinch.
2 tablespoon shrimp paste Look for brands like Tra Kop Thai Shrimp Paste.
3-4 tablespoon lime juice Freshly squeezed is best.
1-2 teaspoon fish sauce A little goes a long way!
2-3 tablespoon water Add more to reach your desired consistency.
extra chopped red and green peppers For garnish.

Serving Suggestions

serving amount Jasmine rice, steamed or raw veggies, pan-fried mackerel, vegetable omelette, boiled eggs, Japanese eggplant slices Perfect accompaniments to enjoy with your dip.

Preparation

In a small bowl, cover the dried shrimp with water and microwave for 30 seconds or until the water is steaming hot. Let it cool for a few minutes.
Drain the soaked shrimp and pound them in a mortar and pestle until you achieve a texture that’s crumbly but not entirely smooth.
Add the garlic and Thai chilies to the mortar, pounding until you have a fine paste.
Incorporate the palm sugar and pound until it mostly dissolves.
Mix in the shrimp paste and pound until combined.
Pour in the lime juice and fish sauce, mixing well. Add water to loosen the mixture slightly.
Taste and adjust lime juice, sugar, or fish sauce as needed.

Serving

Scoop the dip into a serving bowl and arrange your choice of accompaniments around it.
Serve and enjoy!

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. The dip can be made a day in advance for deeper flavors.