This homemade fish sauce offers a complex depth of flavor that store-bought versions often lack. By blending roasted pea flour, tamarind pulp, and dried shrimps, you create a rich, umami-packed base. The addition of bird’s-eye chilies and garlic provides a sharp, aromatic heat that balances the sweetness of the sugar syrup. It is an excellent condiment for enhancing soups, stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls and fried appetizers. The texture is smooth yet substantial, thanks to the pea flour, making it a versatile addition to your pantry for quick, flavorful meals.
Fish Sauce
Description
This homemade fish sauce offers a complex depth of flavor that store-bought versions often lack. By blending roasted pea flour, tamarind pulp, and dried shrimps, you create a rich, umami-packed base. The addition of bird's-eye chilies and garlic provides a sharp, aromatic heat that balances the sweetness of the sugar syrup. It is an excellent condiment for enhancing soups, stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls and fried appetizers. The texture is smooth yet substantial, thanks to the pea flour, making it a versatile addition to your pantry for quick, flavorful meals.Ingredients
Directions
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Soak the dried shrimps in the 1/2 cup of water for about 10 minutes to soften them.
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Heat the peanut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Add the finely sliced onion and garlic to the hot oil. Saut&# 195;© for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add the chili flakes and bird's-eye chilies to the pan. Stir constantly for 1 minute to release their oils and flavor.
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Pour the drained soaked shrimps along with the soaking water into the saucepan.
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Add the tamarind pulp, sugar syrup, and fish sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Gradually whisk in the roasted pea flour until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a jar or bowl.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 197.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.9g13%
- Saturated Fat 1.4g7%
- Cholesterol 22.8mg8%
- Sodium 866.9mg37%
- Total Carbohydrate 25.3g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
- Sugars 3.4g
- Protein 6.4g13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The roasted pea flour acts as a thickener and adds a nutty flavor; it is a traditional ingredient in some regional variations of this sauce.
If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the cooled sauce with an immersion blender or regular blender.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will meld and improve over time.
Adjust the amount of bird's-eye chilies based on your heat tolerance. You can also add more sugar syrup if you prefer a sweeter profile.
For a vegetarian version, omit the dried shrimps and fish sauce, and increase the soy sauce or use a vegetarian fish sauce alternative.
