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Spicy Garlic-Lime Fish Sauce

This recipe creates a vibrant and aromatic spicy garlic-lime fish sauce, an essential condiment in many Southeast Asian cuisines. It's incredibly easy to prepare by simply combining a few fresh ingredients and allowing them to meld. The sauce offers a perfect balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet notes, making it a versatile accompaniment for various dishes.
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Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 1 people
Course: lunch/dinner
Cuisine: south east asian
Calories: 194.4
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 to 5 Thai chilies thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice about 2 limes
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

Equipment

  • 1 Small Jar with Airtight Lid For mixing and storing the sauce.
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Chef's Knife For thinly slicing chilies and garlic.
  • 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups For accurate ingredient measurement.
  • 1 Small Whisk or Spoon For effectively dissolving the sugar.

Method
 

  1. In a small jar add the Thai chilies and garlic. Then add the fish sauce, lime juice, 1 to 2 tablespoons of water and brown sugar. Mix until the sugar is dissolved. Secure an airtight lid. For the best flavor, refrigerate for 2 hours before using.

Notes

To achieve the best flavor profile for this sauce, the 2-hour refrigeration period is crucial as it allows the ingredients to meld and the flavors to deepen. Feel free to adjust the number of Thai chilies based on your preferred spice level; for a milder sauce, deseed them. Ensure you use fresh lime juice for optimal brightness. This versatile sauce is an excellent accompaniment for grilled meats, seafood, spring rolls, or as a dressing for Asian-inspired salads. A good quality fish sauce makes a significant difference in the final taste.