Nam Prik Ong

Nam Prik Ong Recipe - Authentic Thai Delight

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Nam Prik Ong is a delicious and flavorful Thai dish made with ground pork, tomatoes, and chili paste. It is typically served with sticky rice and is a popular dish in Northern Thailand.

History

Nam Prik Ong has its origins in the Lanna region of Northern Thailand. It is believed to have been influenced by Burmese cuisine, as it shares similarities with Burmese pork curry dishes. The dish has evolved over time and is now a staple in Thai cuisine.

Ingredients

1 – 2 yellow onions, diced (shallots can be used as a variation)
2 – 4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
2 tbsp of oil (olive, vegetable or peanut)
1 – 2 scallions, chopped
1 egg
1 lb (454 g) of ground pork
1 – 2 tbsp of garlic chili sauce
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of fish sauce (nam pla, available in the Asian section of your market or online... worcestershire sauce can be used as a substitute, but it won't provide the same flavor)
1 x 12-16 oz (454 g) can of diced tomatoes, drained (if using fresh tomatoes, adjust cooking time accordingly)

How to prepare

In a Dutch oven or other large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat and cook the onions until they start to brown.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the pork and mix until it is no longer raw.
Add the fish sauce, chili paste, and tomato. Mix well and wait for the mixture to simmer. Allow the pungent aroma of the fish sauce to fade.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-30 minutes. For a dutch oven, you can place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for this stage.

Just before serving

Lightly beat the egg in a bowl or cup, then pour it over the simmering Nam Prik Ong.
Immediately turn off the heat and stir in the egg. The residual heat will cook the egg quickly.
Garnish with scallions and fresh cilantro.

Rice

Traditionally, serve with sticky rice. Sticky rice is a short-grained rice that becomes translucent and sticky when steamed. Form it into small clumps and place it in the Nam Prik Ong.
If preferred, serve the Nam Prik Ong over regular long-grain rice in a bowl. Garnish with scallions.
A slice of lime is a traditional accompaniment.

Variations

Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the pork for a lighter version of the dish.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions until they are browned to bring out their sweetness and flavor.

- Adding the egg at the end of cooking helps to thicken the sauce and adds a creamy texture to the dish.

- Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your spice preference. You can always add more or less to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Nam Prik Ong is traditionally served with sticky rice, but can also be enjoyed with regular long-grain rice. Garnish with scallions and a slice of lime for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the Nam Prik Ong on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir in the egg at the end of cooking to create a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Worcestershire sauce can be substituted with soy sauce or fish sauce.

- Chili paste can be substituted with sriracha or red pepper flakes.

Make Ahead Tips

Nam Prik Ong can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Nam Prik Ong in a bowl with a side of sticky rice and garnish with fresh cilantro and scallions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Nam Prik Ong pairs well with a crisp and refreshing Thai beer or a glass of chilled white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nam Prik Ong contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nam Prik Ong contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nam Prik Ong contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Nam Prik Ong contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Nam Prik Ong is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Nam Prik Ong contains peanuts and eggs.

Summary

Nam Prik Ong is a flavorful dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with peanut or egg allergies.

Summary

Nam Prik Ong is a delicious and flavorful Thai dish made with ground pork, tomatoes, and chili paste. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Serve with sticky rice and enjoy the bold flavors of this traditional Thai dish.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mala in her quaint little village in Northern Thailand. As soon as I stepped into her kitchen, I was hit with the most incredible aroma of spices and herbs. Mala was busy stirring a pot of simmering red curry paste, and the smell was intoxicating.

I watched in awe as she added ground pork, tomatoes, and a splash of fish sauce to the fragrant paste. She explained that she was making Nam Prik Ong, a traditional Thai dish that was a favorite in her family. I had never heard of it before, but I was immediately intrigued.

Mala graciously offered to teach me how to make Nam Prik Ong, and I eagerly accepted. She guided me through the process, showing me how to mix the ingredients together and adjust the seasoning to taste. As the dish cooked, the flavors melded together beautifully, creating a rich and spicy sauce that was perfect for dipping fresh vegetables or spreading on steamed rice.

I was amazed at how simple the recipe was, yet how delicious the end result turned out to be. Mala explained that the key to a good Nam Prik Ong was in the balance of flavors – the sweetness of the tomatoes, the heat of the chilies, and the savory richness of the pork all coming together in perfect harmony.

After that day, Nam Prik Ong became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for my family and friends, sharing the recipe with anyone who asked. Over the years, I have added my own little twists to the dish, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make it truly my own.

One of the things I love most about cooking is how it can bring people together. Every time I make Nam Prik Ong, I am transported back to that hot summer day in Mala's kitchen, surrounded by good friends and delicious food. It reminds me of the power of food to create connections and memories that last a lifetime.

I have since passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, hoping that they will continue the tradition of making Nam Prik Ong for generations to come. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious flavors, but for the memories it brings back every time I make it.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of Thailand, give Nam Prik Ong a try. It may just become a favorite in your own kitchen, a dish that brings people together and creates memories that will last a lifetime.