Authentic Nam Prik Ong Recipe -

Authentic Nam Prik Ong Recipe

Nam prik ong is an authentic Thai pork and tomato dip from Northern Thailand, featuring minced pork and a simple, easy-to-follow recipe.

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Cuisine Thai

Course Dipping sauce

Serving Size people

Start by halving the large dried chilies and soak them in room temperature water with 2 teaspoons of salt. Allow them to soften for about 30 minutes and drain them afterward. This extra step is to ease the pounding process.
6 large dried chilies
Use a granite mortar and pestle to pound the pre-soaked chilies, optional small dried chilies, shallots, garlic, and shrimp paste into a smooth, fine paste.
8 small dried chilies, 5 cloves garlic, 1 cup shallots, 1/2 tbsp shrimp paste
Heat oil in a large non-stick wok pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the freshly made paste and fry for approx 1 minute, until fragrant.
4 tbsp oil
Add ground pork, stirring and cooking until the meat is thoroughly cooked, about 1–2 minutes.
2 cups ground pork
Stir in tamarind paste, fish sauce, salt, palm sugar, and tomatoes. Cook until palm sugar has completely dissolved, and the tomatoes are tender, about 10 minutes, stirring regularly.
3 tsp salt, 2 tbsp palm sugar, 1 1/2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 8 small tomatoes
Lastly, pour in water and let the red sauce simmer for 1 more minute, or until the sauce has the consistency of a tomato sauce/bolognese sauce for spaghetti. Serve hot and enjoy!
1/4 cup water

Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
Use a granite mortar and pestle: A stone mortar and pestle is best for making Thai pastes and sauces like this nam prik ong. I do not recommend using a food processor, since the texture and flavor will be better with a mortar and pestle.
Authentic nam prik ong should be mildly spicy. Adjust chilies to your personal spice level.
This Northern Thai sauce is traditionally served with fresh vegetables, sticky rice, and pork crackling.