My favourite version is called Nam Prik Goong Sod (น้ำพริกกุ้งสด) or literally “fresh shrimp chili paste”, which is particularly spicy and packed with Omega 3.
Known to many Westerners simply as chili dip, Nam Prik is typically served with fresh and steamed vegetables, grilled fish or a Thai-style omelette (Kai Jeaw) and rice. Its many versions differ in colour, flavour and taste. Nam Prik Goong Sod is a favourite in the South and it is known mostly for its rich taste and texture. It is quite similar to another popular variation, Nam Prik Krapi (Shrimp paste chili dip) but loaded with shrimps to give it its dominant flavour and also protein.
Aside from the shrimp paste, it also contains fresh chili, lemon juice, garlic and fish sauce. Nam Prik Goong Sod is very easy to make at home. Aside from the basic ingredients mentioned previously, you will need fresh shrimps. First, peel then boil the shrimps until they are tender, then set aside.
Keep the water boiling for later. Roast the desired portion of shrimp paste in a pan along with garlic and shallots, preferably on banana leaves for an exotic aroma.
Or you can fry it in a sauce pan quickly and easily. Grind the roasted shrimp paste, shallots and garlic until mixed finely, then add fresh chili.
Mix the paste with boiled shrimps and turkey berry, which is called Ma Keua Puang (มะเข ือพวง) in Thai. The turkey berry is optional. Do not smash too much.
Next, add lemon juice, palm sugar and a bit of boiled water so the mixture is not too thick and the spice of the chili is lessened. Dash some fish sauce or salt for taste. Serve with any steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, pumpkin or cabbage and pair it with boiled or fried eggs, a grilled fish such as mackerel, and of course, steamed jasmine rice.
There you have it! Meaty shrimps bathed in a light purple paste that brings just enough sweet hints of garlic, lemon juice and shrimp paste without overpowering one another, bringing a tender bite, firm with a delightful aroma.
Most local restaurants will have Nam Prik Goog Sod on their menu, but don’t be intimidated by the sound of it – chili paste – as this dish will certainly leave you wanting more. And don’t be afraid to ask for a milder version should you desire.