Prepare your senses for an olfactory adventure! Stir-fried Three Stinky Smells (สามเหม็น), a daringly delicious Thai dish, isn't for the faint of heart. This pungent yet incredibly flavorful stir-fry boasts a unique combination of ingredients: shrimp paste, stink beans, and fermented fish sauce – each contributing a powerful aroma that, surprisingly, blends into a harmonious and addictive taste. Don't let the name deter you; the result is a complex tapestry of salty, savory, and subtly sweet notes that will tantalize your taste buds. It's a testament to the bold flavors found in authentic Thai cuisine, a culinary journey that rewards the adventurous palate.
This vibrant dish, though pungent, is surprisingly balanced and addictive. The potent smells give way to a complex and deeply satisfying taste experience. To discover the exact balance of flavors and master this authentic Thai recipe, follow our step-by-step guide below. You'll learn how to expertly prepare each ingredient, ensuring that the final dish is both aromatic and delicious, a true reflection of Thai culinary artistry.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Mortar and pestle (optional)
- Whisk
Ingredients
- Stink beans (peeled)
- Garlic
- Cha-om (Acacia pennata)
- Chilies: 4
- Garlic (for pounding): 2 cloves
- Glass noodles: 200 grams
- Chicken eggs: 2
- Shrimp: 8
- Minced pork: 100 grams
- Oyster sauce
- Seasoning sauce
- Light soy sauce
- Sugar
- Cooking oil
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Proteins
- Heat a pan and add a little oil.
- Add pounded chilies and garlic, stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add minced pork and stir-fry until cooked.
- Add shrimp and stir-fry until cooked.
- Remove pork and shrimp, add eggs and whisk to form an omelet.
Step 2. Create the Egg Omelet and Combine Ingredients
- Add pork and shrimp back to the pan, then add glass noodles and water (if needed).
Step 3. Season and Cook the Noodles
- Season with oyster sauce, seasoning sauce, light soy sauce, and sugar.
- Continue stir-frying until noodles are cooked.
Step 4. Add the Stinky Vegetables and Finish
- Add stink beans, garlic, and cha-om. Stir-fry until cha-om wilts (don't overcook).
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Don't use Chinese garlic for this recipe.
- Don't overcook the stink beans, as it will affect the taste.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. What does 'Three Stinky Smells' actually refer to?
It refers to the three pungent ingredients: shrimp paste (kapi), stink beans (sator), and fermented fish sauce (pla ra). Their combined aroma is strong, but the flavors balance beautifully in the dish.
2. Can I substitute any of the ingredients? I'm not sure I can find stink beans.
While stink beans are key to the authentic flavor, you can try substituting with long beans or even green beans for a milder version. However, the overall taste will be significantly different.
3. How can I reduce the strong smell?
Proper preparation is key. Soak the stink beans thoroughly and don't overcook them. Also, ensure good ventilation while cooking and consider adding a bit more of the other ingredients to balance the smell. The aroma mellows significantly once cooked.
So, embrace the aroma and dive into the unique world of Thai flavors with this Stir-Fried Three Stinky Smells recipe. The initial pungent smell gives way to a complex and surprisingly delicious dish that's sure to impress – even the most hesitant eaters. Now, gather your ingredients and embark on this flavorful culinary adventure!