Chili Paste and Fish Sauce, 400g · Chua Hah Seng

Chilli pepper paste and fish sauce is a rich Thai base that introduces a combination of spiciness, saltiness, subtle sweetness, and umami depth to a dish. It is especially suitable for dishes where you want more than just spice - but a full, aromatic, and complex flavor reminiscent of home and restaurant Thai cooking.

It can be used as a base for Tom Yum, added to a wok with vegetables, chicken, beef or seafood, mixed into noodle soups, used to enhance dipping sauces, or added in small amounts to marinades. It's a concentrated product, so even a small amount can change the entire character of the dish.

Tips
Start with a small amount and add gradually - both the spiciness and saltiness are noticeable. For a quick Tom Yum, combine the paste with broth, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, lime, and mushrooms. For a Thai dipping sauce, mix a little of the paste with lime, sugar, garlic, and some hot water to loosen the texture. For stir-fries, add it at the beginning of the stir-fry to open up the aroma, then balance at the end with lime or fresh herbs.