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All-Purpose Thai Salad Dressing

A zesty, flavor-packed Thai salad dressing with fresh lime, fish sauce, and palm sugar, perfect for salads, marinades, and dipping.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 tablespoons
Course: Dressing, Sauce
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 pieces red Thai chilies, seeds removed if desired Adjust the number for desired spiciness
  • 1 clove garlic Fresh for best flavor
  • 5 stems cilantro, chopped (optional) Adds freshness, optional ingredient
  • 1.5 tablespoons palm sugar, finely chopped and packed Substitute brown sugar if necessary
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce Use Red Boat Fish Sauce for authentic flavor
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice Fresh juice preferred over bottled
For Chili Paste Dressing
  • 1.5 tablespoons Thai chili paste Adds depth and richness
  • 1-2 tablespoons coconut milk (optional) For creaminess, adjust to preference
For Umami Dressing
  • 1 tablespoon pla ra (or 1 teaspoon gapi) For a deeper umami flavor

Method
 

Method 1: Mortar and Pestle
  1. Pound the garlic, chilies, and optional cilantro stems into a fine paste.
  2. Add the palm sugar and continue pounding until it’s well mixed.
  3. Stir in the lime juice and fish sauce until everything is combined.
  4. For the creamy version, add coconut milk now.
Method 2: Blender
  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until well blended, but not completely smooth.
  2. Avoid over-blending to retain some chunky texture.
Final Touch
  1. Adjust the seasoning and sweetness to taste before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Can be made a day in advance for better flavor melding.