Delicious Thai Meatball Dipping Sauce Recipe | Easy to Make at Home

Craving the vibrant flavors of Thailand? Look no further than this incredibly easy recipe for a truly authentic Thai Meatball Dipping Sauce. Forget bland store-bought options – this recipe delivers a complex explosion of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes that will elevate any meatball dish, from simple appetizers to hearty main courses. Imagine the rich, umami depth of perfectly balanced ingredients, dancing on your tongue with every bite. The tantalizing aroma alone will transport you to a bustling Thai street food market. This sauce is surprisingly simple to make, using readily available ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Forget complicated recipes and long ingredient lists; this delightful dipping sauce is ready in minutes. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve that perfect balance of sweet and savory that defines Thai cuisine. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let’s dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Blender

Ingredients

  • Tamarind pulp: 150 grams
  • Water: 750 grams
  • Dried chili peppers: 80 grams
  • Shallots: null
  • Pineapple: 300 grams
  • Palm sugar or coconut sugar: 1200 grams
  • Pickled garlic water: 1200 grams
  • Granulated sugar: 400 grams
  • Salt: 7 heaped spoons
  • MSG: null
  • Orange juice: null

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Base

  • Soak 150 grams of tamarind pulp in 750 grams of water (ratio 1:5). Let it soak.
  • Roast the dried chili peppers (80 grams).
  • Grind half of the roasted chili peppers in a blender.
  • Blend the soaked tamarind pulp to create concentrated tamarind juice (approximately 900 grams).
Prepare the tamarind juice: Soak 150 grams of tamarind pulp in 750 grams of water (ratio 1:5). Let it soak. [50.44]Roast the dried chili peppers (80 grams). [52.039]Grind half of the roasted chili peppers in a blender. [78.2]Blend the soaked tamarind pulp to create concentrated tamarind juice (approximately 900 grams). [92.159]
Prepare the Base
  • Add pineapple (300 grams) to the sauce for texture and flavor.
  • Add palm sugar/coconut sugar (1200 grams), pickled garlic water (1200 grams including the bulb), granulated sugar (400 grams), salt (7 heaped spoons), and MSG (optional).
  • Add approximately 1.5 liters of water to the pot.
Add pineapple (300 grams) to the sauce for texture and flavor. [119.039]Add palm sugar/coconut sugar (1200 grams), pickled garlic water (1200 grams including the bulb), granulated sugar (400 grams), salt (7 heaped spoons), and MSG (optional). [129.2]Add approximately 1.5 liters of water to the pot. [155.68]
Prepare the Base

Step 2. Simmer and Thicken

  • Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens.
  • Add the fried shallots and blended chili peppers.
  • Continue simmering until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens. [161.04]Add the fried shallots and blended chili peppers. [173.56]Continue simmering until the sauce reaches desired consistency. [184.519]
Simmer and Thicken

Step 3. Finishing Touches

  • Fry the shallots.
  • Let the sauce cool, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Fry the shallots. [55.92]Let the sauce cool, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. [200.12]
Finishing Touches

Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)

Tips

  • Taste the tamarind pulp before using it to determine sourness. Adjust with orange juice if needed.
  • If using old tamarind, the sauce may turn darker.
  • Adjust chili amount according to preference.
  • Add flour to increase viscosity if needed.
  • You can add pickled garlic water or pineapple juice instead of pineapple.
  • If selling, add coriander, but divide into smaller portions to prevent spoilage.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. What kind of meatballs work best with this sauce?

Any kind of meatball will work! Ground chicken, pork, beef, or even turkey meatballs are all delicious with this sauce. Homemade or store-bought are both fine.

3. Can I adjust the spiciness?

Absolutely! Start with less chili flakes or sriracha and add more to taste. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can omit them altogether.


This incredibly flavorful Thai Meatball Dipping Sauce is the perfect addition to any meal, transforming simple meatballs into a culinary masterpiece. With its easy-to-follow recipe and readily available ingredients, you'll be enjoying authentic Thai tastes in no time. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and versatile sauce!