Kung phao (grilled shrimp)

Kung phao, his delicious grilled shrimp with nam chim. Wherever you go in Thailand, shrimp are usually on the menu, especially in the touristy coastal towns such as Pattaya, Phuket and Hua Hin. Just have a BBQ and enjoy.

Grilled prawns are normally served with a Nam chim, a spicy dipping sauce made from garlic, green chillies, sugar, fish sauce and lime juice.

Details of Kung Phao

• Fresh ingredients: Kung Phao is typically made with fresh, large shrimp that are abundantly available in the waters around Thailand.
• Preparation method: The shrimp are cleaned, marinated and then grilled, often over charcoal, which adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
• Presentation: The dish is often served with the bowls and heads still intact, which adds to the taste and presentation.

Flavor profiles

• Rich taste: Kung Phao is characterized by its rich taste, which is achieved through a combination of the natural sweetness of the shrimp and the marinade.
• marinade: The marinade can contain a mix of different ingredients, such as garlic, lemongrass, lime juice, fish sauce and sometimes a touch of spicy chili peppers.
• Balance of taste: The dish offers a harmonious balance between sweet, sour, salty and spicy, typical of Thai cuisine.

Cultural and culinary significance

• Popular in Thai cuisine: Kung Phao is a favorite not only among locals, but also among tourists who want to experience authentic Thai cuisine.
• Occasional dish: It is often served on special occasions and in restaurants, but is also popular as a street food.

Kung Phao is more than a dish; it is a reflection of Thai culture and their passion for fresh ingredients and complex flavor combinations. It's a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the depth and diversity of Thai cuisine.

About Nam chim

Nam chim is a type of Thai dipping sauce often used to accompany various types of grilled or fried foods. It is known for its complex balance of flavors, including sweet, sour, salty and spicy. There are many variations of nam chim, each with its own unique blend of ingredients, but most recipes include a combination of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and chili peppers.

Basic ingredients of Nam Chim

• Fish sauce: An essential ingredient in many Thai dishes, it gives the sauce a salty depth.
• Lime juice: Adds a fresh, sour taste.
• Sugar: Balances the sourness and salt with a sweet touch.
• Chili Peppers: Adds a spicy kick.

Variants

There are several types of nam chim, including:

• Nam chim kai: A sweet and spicy sauce often served with chicken.
• Nam chim seafood: A spicier sauce, ideal for seafood.
• Nam chim chaeo: Made with roasted rice, lime juice and fish sauce, perfect for grilled meats.

How do you make Nam Chim?

Making a basic nam chim sauce is simple and requires no cooking skills. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar (depending on preference)
• 1-2 chopped chili peppers (or to taste)
• Optional: finely chopped garlic or shallot, coriander

Preparation method:

1. Mix the liquid ingredients: Combine the fish sauce and lime juice in a bowl.
2. Add sugar: Add the sugar to the fish sauce and lime juice mixture. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Adjust the spiciness: Add the chopped chili peppers. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want the sauce.
4. Optional ingredients: Add finely chopped garlic, shallot or coriander for extra flavor.
5. Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the proportions to taste. More sugar makes it sweeter, more lime juice more sour, and more fish sauce saltier.

Nam chim can be served as a dipping sauce with a wide range of dishes, from grilled chicken to seafood and vegetables. It is a versatile sauce that gives an unmistakable Thai character to any dish.