Thai Barbecue Sauce

Thai Barbecue Sauce Recipe from Southeast Asia - Ingredients

Region / culture: Asia, Southeast Asia, Thailand | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thai barbecue sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment that can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze for a variety of dishes. This sauce combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors to create a delicious accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables.

History

Thai barbecue sauce is a popular condiment in Thai cuisine, known for its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients. This sauce is often used in traditional Thai barbecue dishes, such as grilled chicken, pork, and seafood. The combination of oyster sauce, ketchup, molasses, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

4 tbsp of oyster sauce
3 tbsp of ketchup
2 tbsp of molasses
1 tbsp of fish sauce
1 tbsp of lime juice
1 tbsp of honey
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 thumb-size piece of grated ginger
1 fresh red chili, minced
2-7 tbsp of chili sauce

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until they are well blended.
Taste-test the barbecue sauce and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if needed. If it is too sweet or salty, add more lime juice. Add more chili if desired.
This sauce pairs well with steak, ribs, burgers, salmon, shrimp, poultry, and more. Transfer the homemade barbecue sauce into a fresh glass or plastic jar and store it in the refrigerator.
To use the homemade barbecue sauce as a marinade, brush it on meat, poultry, or seafood while grilling, roasting, or frying.

Variations

Add more chili for a spicier sauce.
Use pineapple juice or coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Substitute soy sauce for fish sauce for a vegetarian version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the barbecue sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, such as freshly minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili.

- Store the homemade barbecue sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Thai barbecue sauce pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, and tofu. Serve it as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze for a delicious and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a whisk to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

- Marinate meat or seafood in the barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

- Baste the barbecue sauce on the food while grilling for extra flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute Worcestershire sauce for oyster sauce.

- Use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of molasses.

- Replace lime juice with lemon juice or vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

Thai barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, making the sauce even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Thai barbecue sauce in a small bowl or ramekin alongside grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs, sliced chili, or lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Thai barbecue sauce pairs well with dishes such as grilled chicken satay, shrimp skewers, pork ribs, and vegetable kebabs. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Thai barbecue sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calories in Thai barbecue sauce can vary depending on the serving size and ingredients used. On average, a serving of Thai barbecue sauce contains around 50-100 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in Thai barbecue sauce come from ingredients such as ketchup, molasses, honey, and chili sauce. These ingredients provide sweetness and flavor to the sauce, as well as energy in the form of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in Thai barbecue sauce come from ingredients such as oyster sauce and fish sauce. These ingredients add richness and umami flavor to the sauce, as well as healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet.

Proteins

Thai barbecue sauce is not a significant source of protein, as it is primarily made up of carbohydrates and fats. However, if used as a marinade for meat or seafood, it can contribute to the protein content of the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Thai barbecue sauce contains vitamins and minerals from ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and chili. These ingredients provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Alergens

Thai barbecue sauce may contain allergens such as shellfish (from oyster sauce), soy (from soy sauce), and gluten (from ketchup). It is important to check the ingredients list for potential allergens before consuming the sauce.

Summary

Overall, Thai barbecue sauce is a flavorful condiment that can add depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. While it is not a significant source of protein, it provides carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet.

Summary

Thai barbecue sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes. With its sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Thai Barbecue Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I had just arrived in Bangkok to visit my friend, Pim. She was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I was excited to learn some new recipes from her.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the fragrant spices wafting through the air. Pim greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of iced tea. We chatted for a bit before she finally revealed the secret to her delicious Thai Barbecue Sauce.

She reached into her cabinet and pulled out a worn, stained recipe card. The ingredients were written in beautiful cursive handwriting, and I could tell that this was a cherished family recipe. Pim explained that the sauce was a combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that perfectly complemented grilled meats and vegetables.

I watched as Pim expertly measured out each ingredient, explaining the importance of using fresh herbs and spices to achieve the authentic Thai flavors. She showed me how to crush garlic and ginger into a paste, and how to finely chop lemongrass and Thai chilies for an extra kick of heat.

As we cooked together, Pim shared stories of her childhood in Thailand and how she learned to cook from her mother and grandmother. She spoke of family gatherings and festive celebrations where food played a central role in bringing loved ones together.

I listened intently, soaking up every bit of knowledge that Pim imparted on me. I could see the passion and love she had for cooking, and it inspired me to learn more about the culinary traditions of Thailand.

After a few hours of simmering and stirring, the Thai Barbecue Sauce was finally ready. Pim poured it into a small bowl and handed me a spoon to taste. The flavors exploded on my tongue - sweet, spicy, tangy, and oh so delicious. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this sauce myself.

Over the next few days, I shadowed Pim in the kitchen, taking notes and asking questions as she prepared various Thai dishes. I learned how to balance flavors, how to use different types of herbs and spices, and how to trust my instincts when it came to cooking.

By the time I left Bangkok, I had not only gained a new recipe for Thai Barbecue Sauce, but I had also gained a newfound appreciation for the art of cooking. I returned home with a renewed sense of confidence in the kitchen, ready to experiment and create my own culinary masterpieces.

Since that fateful day in Pim's kitchen, I have made the Thai Barbecue Sauce countless times, adjusting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the warm summer day in Bangkok, the fragrant spices, and the laughter shared with a dear friend.

Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones and honor the traditions passed down through generations. And as I continue to experiment and learn new recipes, I am grateful for the experiences and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

So the next time you taste my Thai Barbecue Sauce, know that it is more than just a condiment - it is a culmination of love, passion, and a deep appreciation for the culinary arts. And remember, behind every delicious dish is a story waiting to be shared.