Fried Fish Sauce

This vibrant Thai-style sauce is the perfect accompaniment to crispy fried fish or vegetables. It combines the deep umami of soy sauce with the nutty richness of sesame oil and the intense aromatic punch of fried dried prawns, chilies, shallots, and garlic. The result is a complex, savory-sweet condiment that elevates simple dishes into restaurant-quality meals. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this sauce adds a burst of authentic flavor without requiring exotic ingredients. Its smooth texture and bold taste make it a versatile addition to your pantry, ready to drizzle over proteins or use as a dipping sauce for fresh produce.

Cooking Method: Frying, Stir Frying

Cuisine: Thai

Courses: Sauces & Condiments

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Calories: 791.9

Description

This vibrant Thai-style sauce is the perfect accompaniment to crispy fried fish or vegetables. It combines the deep umami of soy sauce with the nutty richness of sesame oil and the intense aromatic punch of fried dried prawns, chilies, shallots, and garlic. The result is a complex, savory-sweet condiment that elevates simple dishes into restaurant-quality meals. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this sauce adds a burst of authentic flavor without requiring exotic ingredients. Its smooth texture and bold taste make it a versatile addition to your pantry, ready to drizzle over proteins or use as a dipping sauce for fresh produce.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Sugar
2 tablespoons Soy sauce
1 tablespoon Sesame oil
1 tablespoon Vegetable oil (for frying)
1 teaspoon Dried prawns (or belachan/shrimp paste)
2 dried red chilies Dried chilies
2 small Shallots
2 cloves Garlic
1 stalk Lemongrass (bruised and chopped)

Directions

1
Grind the dried prawns, dried chilies, shallots, and garlic into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle or a blender. Add a tiny splash of oil if needed to help the blades turn.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small wok or saucepan over low heat.
3
Gently stir-fry the ground aromatic paste, lemongrass, and sugar for about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning and until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is fragrant.
4
Add the soy sauce and sesame oil to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a smooth, cohesive sauce.
5
Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 791.9kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 79.8g123%
Saturated Fat 12.3g62%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 666.8mg28%
Total Carbohydrate 22.8g8%
Dietary Fiber 7.1g29%
Sugars 6.2g
Protein 4.8g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: thai, sauce, fried, fish, dipping, soy, sesame, garlic, chili, shallot, prawn, belachan, lemongrass, umami, aromatic, condiment, asian, spicy, savory, homemade

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/fried-fish-sauce-8/