Ingredients

tablespoon nam pla (Thai fish sauce)

1 teaspoon cracked or coarsely ground black pepper

1 teaspoon sugar

1 small (Thai) chile, stemmed and seeded, or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes, or to taste

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons chopped garlic, or to taste

2 medium-to-large shallots, peeled and chopped

1/2 cup washed, dried, and chopped mint or Thai basil

1/2 cup washed, dried, and chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Combine the first 7 ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree; add the herbs and pulse to chop finely, but not quite puree. Taste and adjust seasoning as you like.