Nam Prik Kapi | Authentic Vegan Recipe (2024)

JUMP TO RECIPE

Nam Prik Kapihas been popular in Thailand since the Ayutthaya era.Nam Prik, or chili sauce, is traditionally made by pounding chilies, garlic, shallots, and other ingredients to create a thick flavourful dipping sauce. In this unique vegan dish, fermented soybean paste is added for a wonderous taste of Thailand.

Nam Prik Kapi | Authentic Vegan Recipe (1)

History of Nam Prik

The legacy of Nam Prik in Thailand is deeply ingrained, with each family with its own cherished recipe, influenced by regional flavors and seasonal ingredients. This beloved condiment holds a significant place in Thailand's culinary history and cultural heritage.

One of the earliest Western accounts dates back to the observations of Simon de la Loubère, the French Ambassador to the court of Ayutthaya in the late 17th century. He described a piquant sauce resembling mustard, enriched with crayfish and flavored with fermented fish, known as Kapi.

Even today, Nam prik kapi remains one of the most iconic and widely enjoyed variations of this beloved culinary tradition.

How do you eat nam prik

Nam Prik sauces are foundational to Thai cuisine, infusing every meal with their distinctive flavors. It's rare to find a table in Thailand without a variation of Nam Prik present. Typically served in small bowls alongside the main dishes, these sauces serve as versatile condiments or dips, adding depth to otherwise mild accompaniments like raw vegetables, steamed rice, boiled greens, or a variety of meats and fish.

The texture of Nam Prik can vary widely based on its type, regional influences, and the preferences of the family preparing it. From liquid to paste to granular or even powdery, each rendition offers a unique sensory experience.

Nam Prik Kapi | Authentic Vegan Recipe (2)

Ingredients you will need for making Nam Prik Kapi

Nam Prik Kapi | Authentic Vegan Recipe (3)

Process to make nam prik kapi

Creating Nam prik kapi traditionally involves using a Pestle & Mortar, evoking a sense of authenticity as you pound the ingredients with this ancient food preparation tool. It's a cherished item in every Thai kitchen, symbolizing tradition and heritage.

However, if you don't have access to a Pestle & Mortar, fret not! You can achieve the same results using a modern blender.

For a detailed guide on crafting this recipe, watch our full video below, featuring step-by-step instructions.

Nutritional content

This recipe is raw, preserving its live nutrients for optimal health benefits. A hint of palm sugar is added to balance the bold flavors of spiciness and sourness. As a result, it serves as a nutritious accompaniment to any meal.

However, exercise caution with the chili content; while enjoyable, it's best savored in moderation.

Read about some of the positive health benefits of adding chili peppers to your recipes here.

Nam Prik Kapi | Authentic Vegan Recipe (4)

What to serve nam prik kapi with

A selection of seasonal vegetables and salad leaves.

  • Vegan Thai Omelet Recipe

WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT

More Thai vegan recipes to try

  • Eggplant Nam Prik
  • Nam Prik Ong
  • Thai Green Curry
  • Thai Red Curry
  • Tom Yum Mushroom
  • Pomelo Salad
  • Papaya Salad
  • Kanom Jeen Curry Noodles
  • Pad See Ew

Let's get cooking

If you make this recipe, please let me know in the comments box below or tag #holisticchefacademy

📋 Recipe

Nam Prik Kapi | Authentic Vegan Recipe (5)

Vegan Nam Prik Kapi

Jamie Raftery

Classic Thai Nam Prik, with baby eggplant, chili, garlic, shallot, lime and fermented soy bean paste

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Save Shop

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Difficulties Intermediate

Course Appetizer, Sauces, Side Dish

Cuisine Thai

Servings 2 portions

Calories 106 kcal

Allergens Gluten free, Nut free, Sesame free

Ingredients

  • 70 g Shallots
  • 20 g Garlic cloves
  • 10 g Red chili - Thai small
  • 35 g Soy bean paste vegan kapi
  • 10 g Soy sauce
  • 10 g Palm sugar
  • 1 each Lime juiced
  • 50 g Eggplant - baby
  • 1 teaspoon Pink salt to taste

Instructions

  • Assemble all ingredients.

  • Peel the garlic and shallots - roughly chop.

  • Lightly crush the baby eggplants and leave to soak in salted water for 10 minutes.

  • In a small blender or mortar and pestle, add the shallot, garlic and chili - pound to a paste.

  • Add the soy bean paste, salt and palm sugar - mix in gently.

  • Add some warm water to get a nice smooth consistency.

  • Drain and add in the eggplant - mix in gently.

  • Season with the lime juice (add a little more hot water to loosen if it looks think)

  • Mix everything together and taste.

  • Adjust seasoning if needed, with either more lime juice, soy sauce, palm sugar or salt.

  • Nam Prik Kapi is ready to serve!

Notes

Recipe variation:

  • You can use miso paste in place of fermented soy bean paste

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Nam Prik Kapi

Serving Size

75 g

Amount per Serving

Calories

106

% Daily Value*

Carbohydrates

21

g

7

%

Fiber

3

g

13

%

Fat

1

g

2

%

Sugar

9

g

10

%

Sodium

2002

mg

87

%

Potassium

274

mg

8

%

Vitamin A

71

IU

1

%

Vitamin C

14

mg

17

%

Calcium

45

mg

5

%

Iron

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword High-fibre, Raw

Did you make this recipe?Tag @the_holistic_chef on social media and hashtag it #holisticchefacademy

Nam Prik Kapi | Authentic Vegan Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is nam prik made of? ›

Nam phrik (Thai: น้ำพริก, pronounced [ná(ː)m pʰrík̚]) is a type of Thai spicy chili sauce typical of Thai cuisine. Usual ingredients for nam phrik type sauces are fresh or dry chilies, garlic, shallots, lime juice and often some kind of fish or shrimp paste.

What to eat with nam prik kapi? ›

You just take little piece of vegetable and place it on top of your rice, dip your spoon into the nam prik and put the sauce onto the vegetables – then enjoy them together! Nam Prik Kapi is also eaten with fried Pla Too (mackerel), and an omelet stuffed with green vegetables.

Is chili paste vegan? ›

Basically this sauce is made from vegetables such as chili or garlic. It is my favourite spice so it's hard to give up. Generally yes, chilli sauces are vegan.

What does prik mean in Thai food? ›

SPICES: The fiery spice of many Thai dishes comes from peppers, known as “prik” in Thai. “Phet” is the Thai word for spicy.

What is the white powder in Thai food? ›

Toasted-rice powder is a pantry staple in the region, lending texture and nutty, roasted flavor to larb and thickening soups and dipping sauces, like dried-chile jaew. It's made by slowly toasting dry, raw sticky rice in a dry pan, then grinding it into a coarse powder.

What do you do with nam prik? ›

Nam prik is a very general term for any kind of spicy chili sauce that is normally eaten as a condiment or dipping sauce for fried fish and lots of boiled vegetables.

What is the meaning of nam prik? ›

The term "nam prik" means hot sauce, from "nam," water or liquid, and "prik," hot chili pepper.

Can you freeze nam prik? ›

Nam prik ong can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week, and frozen for up to 1 month.

What is a substitute for shrimp paste in Thai curry? ›

Soy Sauce

To use soy sauce as a shrimp paste substitute, simply mix soy sauce with an equal amount of water to dilute the flavor, as it can be quite strong. Use the diluted soy sauce in place of shrimp paste in recipes such as pad thai or curries.

Does shrimp paste expire? ›

In conclusion, the spicy shrimp paste (sambal belacan) especially for Dapur Ibu Kampung Style is recommended to extend their shelf life from 6 months to 1 year.

Is belacan the same as shrimp paste? ›

Belacan, a Malay variety of shrimp paste, is prepared from small shrimp from the Acetes species, known as geragau in Malaysia or rebon in Indonesia. In Malaysia, the krill are typically steamed first, then mashed into a paste, and kept in storage for several months.

Which gochujang is vegan? ›

Most gochujang mixes are vegan. If you are buying the paste, check the ingredient list to make sure, but generally speaking the paste is vegan-friendly. Where can I buy gochujang? Gochujang has become more popular worldwide as it has begun being sold in big global chain supermarkets.

What is a good substitute for gochujang? ›

The most authentic gochujang replacement combines miso paste and sriracha with a little pinch of sugar. If you try to just swap in another Asian sauce like sriracha or sambal oelek as a 1:1 gochujang substitute, your dish will be spicier and more acidic than intended. Hot sauces contain vinegar, and gochujang does not.

Is Trader Joe's gochujang vegan? ›

Yes! We believe this product is vegan as there are no animal or animal-derived ingredients listed on the label.

How is KAPI made? ›

In Thailand, shrimp paste goes by the name kapi (or gkapi). It's a purple-brown condiment made by mixing krill (tiny shrimp-like crustaceans) with salt and leaving them to ferment. The resulting mixture is then dried and ground into a dense and sticky paste that's the consistency of almond butter or coarse pâté.

How to make Thai fermented fish? ›

It is made by packing raw fish with cooked rice, garlic and salt then curing it at room temperature for 3-5 days. The end result will be the fish that is both sour and salty-- and the meat is somewhat tenderized through the fermentation process.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 6240

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.