Nam Phrik Kapi (Shrimp Paste Chili Sauce with Vegetables)

Nam Phrik Kapi (Shrimp Paste Sauce with Vegetables) น้ำพริกกะ is a traditional Thai chili paste that occupies a central place in Thailand's rich culinary tradition. This unique sauce combines the intense flavors of fermented shrimp paste (kapi) with a mixture of chili peppers, lime juice, sugar, and often garlic, shallots, and sometimes tamarind for sourness. The result is a spicy, salty, umami-rich and slightly sweet flavor that adds depth and complexity to dishes.

Nam phrik (chili sauce) is an important part of traditional Thai food. There are probably hundreds of versions of these homemade chili sauces, with each region having its own specialty. This chili sauce, popular throughout Thailand, consists of fermented shrimp sauce mixed with crushed chili peppers and lime juice. The sauce goes very well with fried fish such as mackerel and cooked vegetables such as cabbage or fresh vegetables, cucumber and eggplant. But you can simply spoon it on top of your rice as a seasoning.

Origin and history

The origins of Nam Phrik Kapi can be traced back to the rich history of Thailand, where it has been an essential part of Thai cuisine for centuries. Nam Phrik literally means “chili paste,” and Kapi refers to the fermented shrimp paste, an ingredient used throughout Southeast Asia and prized for its ability to impart a powerful umami flavor to dishes.

Nam Phrik Kapi illustrates the Thai approach to balancing the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. This chili paste also reflects the Thai penchant for using local ingredients and the fermentation process, a traditional method of preserving food and enriching flavors.

Particularities

What sets Nam Phrik Kapi apart is its versatility. It can be used as a dip for fresh vegetables, grilled fish or meat, as a seasoning in soups and curries, or even as a spicy spread on bread. The intense flavor of the fermented shrimp paste combined with the heat of the chili peppers makes it an indispensable element in many Thai dishes.

The preparation of Nam Phrik Kapi varies from region to region in Thailand, with local variations involving different ingredients and preparation methods. This reflects the diversity of Thai cuisine and the adaptation of dishes to the available local ingredients.

Flavor profiles

Nam Phrik Kapi has a complex flavor profile. The fermented shrimp paste provides a deep umami flavor, while the chili peppers add a sharp spiciness. Lime juice and tamarind bring a fresh tartness, and the addition of sugar balances it all with a subtle sweetness. Garlic and shallots add an aromatic note, resulting in a rich, layered flavor experience typical of Thai cuisine.

Ingredients list for Nam Phrik Kapi

For the Nam Phrik Kapi Paste:

• 3 tablespoons fermented shrimp paste (kapi)
• 10-15 Thai red chili peppers, adjusted to desired spiciness
• 4 cloves garlic
• 4 small shallots
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of tamarind concentrate, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water
• 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce, to taste

Before serving:

• Fresh vegetables (cucumber, long beans, cabbage, and Thai eggplant)
• Boiled or steamed fish
• Grilled meat or chicken (optional)
• Boiled rice or glutinous rice

Recipe for Nam Phrik Kapi for 4 people

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
   • Peel the garlic and shallots. Coarsely chop the chili peppers. If you don't like it too spicy, you can remove the seeds.
2. Making the paste:
   • Use a mortar and pestle to grind the chili peppers, garlic and shallots into a coarse paste.
   • Add the fermented shrimp paste and continue grinding until well mixed.
   • Mix the palm sugar, lime juice, dissolved tamarind, and fish sauce through the paste. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired with additional sugar, lime juice, or fish sauce.
3. To serve:
   • Arrange a variety of fresh vegetables on a platter. Think of cucumber slices, long beans, pieces of cabbage, and half Thai eggplants.
   • Serve the Nam Phrik Kapi in a bowl next to the fresh vegetables.
   • Optionally, you can add boiled or steamed fish, grilled meat, or chicken to the serving.
   • Serve with boiled rice or sticky rice.

Tips:

• The intensity of spiciness and saltiness can vary greatly depending on the ingredients used, so adjust the recipe to your own taste.
• Nam Phrik Kapi is a versatile sauce that can serve as a dip for vegetables and protein sources or as a seasoning in other dishes.
• Enjoy the rich flavors and cultural experience this traditional Thai dish provides!