Fried Fish Sauce

This quick-cooking sauce is a staple of Thai home cooking, designed to add a burst of savory, spicy, and herbal flavor to simple dishes. Made with just soy sauce, fish sauce, fresh Thai basil, and sliced red chilies, it comes together in minutes. The heat from the chilies balances the umami depth of the fish and soy sauces, while the basil adds a fragrant, anise-like finish. It is ideal for tossing with hot rice noodles, drizzling over grilled seafood, or mixing into stir-fried vegetables. This versatile condiment is perfect for weeknight dinners when you need a flavorful boost without a long prep time. Keep it on hand for an easy, authentic taste of Thailand in every bite.

Cooking Method: Frying, Stir Frying

Cuisine: Thai

Courses: Sauces & Condiments

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 270.6

Description

This quick-cooking sauce is a staple of Thai home cooking, designed to add a burst of savory, spicy, and herbal flavor to simple dishes. Made with just soy sauce, fish sauce, fresh Thai basil, and sliced red chilies, it comes together in minutes. The heat from the chilies balances the umami depth of the fish and soy sauces, while the basil adds a fragrant, anise-like finish. It is ideal for tossing with hot rice noodles, drizzling over grilled seafood, or mixing into stir-fried vegetables. This versatile condiment is perfect for weeknight dinners when you need a flavorful boost without a long prep time. Keep it on hand for an easy, authentic taste of Thailand in every bite.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1/4 cup Thai basil leaves (horapa)
2 whole Red chilies, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pinch white pepper

Directions

1
Heat vegetable oil in a small wok or skillet over high heat.
2
Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3
Add thinly sliced red chilies and stir-fry for 30 seconds to release their heat.
4
Pour in soy sauce and fish sauce, stirring to combine.
5
Remove from heat and immediately stir in Thai basil leaves.
6
Season with white pepper to taste and serve immediately over noodles or seafood.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 270.6kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.5g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 3631.6mg152%
Total Carbohydrate 62.0g21%
Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
Sugars 50.8g
Protein 7.3g15%

* 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

This sauce is best served immediately while hot. The basil will wilt from the residual heat, adding aroma and flavor.

For a milder heat, remove the seeds from the chilies before slicing. For extra spice, add more chilies or a dash of chili paste.

If using this sauce with seafood, cook the seafood separately first, then toss it with the sauce at the end to avoid overcooking.

Thai basil (horapa) has a distinct anise-like flavor. If unavailable, regular sweet basil can be used, but the flavor profile will be different.

Keywords: thai, sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, basil, chili, spicy, stir fry, noodles, seafood, quick, easy, asian, condiment, umami, fresh, hot, savory

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/fried-fish-sauce-13/