Authentic Nam Prik Ong
Nam Prik Ong is a delicious and easy-to-make Thai dip perfect for any occasion. This flavorful dip is made with ground pork, sweet grape tomatoes, and flavorful herbs and seasoning. It's a perfect dip for use on an Asian charcuterie board!
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
- 2-8 Thai long dried chilis, deseeded and soak in warm water until soft (15 minutes).
- 6 large cloves garlic, divided. Half for pounding and the other half (minced) for frying.
- 1/3 cup shallot, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces.
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp shrimp paste
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, cut into halved pieces (1 1/4 cup-ish)
- 8 oz ground pork (1/2 pound)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp palm sugar, brown or white sugar are fine for substitutes.
- 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1/2 cup water or stock (unsalted or lightly salted)
Instructions
- 1
Pound garlic, soaked chilis, and salt in a mortar and pestle. Add shallot, pound until smooth, then add the shrimp paste.
- 2
Add the raw pork and tomatoes and keep pounding until all the pieces are mashed up pretty well. You should have a smooth, sticky pork mixture.
- 3
Test a small amount of the meat mixture in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. If you love the flavor, it's ready for the next step. If not, season more with fish sauce, sugar, or shrimp paste to your liking.
- 4
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and fry until golden brown for 15-20 seconds. Add the meat mixture to the pan, stir it, and let it cook for 6-7 minutes. Stir a few times.
- 5
Add palm sugar, fish sauce, and water. Simmer over low heat until most water has reduced the mixture to a thick consistency.
- 6
Turn the heat off and adjust the seasoning to taste to create a perfect blend of flavors. Garnish with cilantro stems and scoop the dip into a small serving bowl with steamed vegetables and pork rind.