Authentic Nam Prik Aong Recipe (Northern Thai Tomato Dip)
- Praphasri Panphasom
- Jun 22
- 2 min read
Nam Prik Aong is arguably one of the most loved dishes from Northern Thailand (Lanna). Known for its beautiful red color, mild spice, and a perfect sweet-and-sour balance, this tomato-based chili dip is a staple in every Lanna household.
Unlike many other Thai chili dips, Nam Prik Aong is not extremely spicy. It is cooked with minced meat (or a plant-based alternative) and plenty of tomatoes, creating a thick, rich texture that goes perfectly with hot sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
The Curry Paste:
5-7 Dried red chilies (soaked until soft)
1 tbsp Shallots
1 tbsp Garlic
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Shrimp paste (or fermented soybean paste for Vegan)
The Main Ingredients:
100 g Minced pork/chicken (or minced tofu/mushrooms for Vegan)
100 g Cherry tomatoes or chopped fresh tomatoes
1 tbsp Vegetable oil
1/4 cup Water or stock
Seasoning:
1 tsp Palm sugar
1/2 tsp Fish sauce (or light soy sauce for Vegan)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the paste: Using a mortar and pestle, pound the dried red chilies and salt together until fine. Add the garlic and shallots, and pound until you get a smooth, consistent paste. Finally, add the shrimp paste (or fermented soybean paste) and pound gently to incorporate.
Sauté the paste: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or pan over medium heat. Add the prepared curry paste and stir-fry until fragrant.
Cook the protein: Add the minced meat (or plant-based protein) and stir-fry until fully cooked.
Add tomatoes: Add the tomatoes and stir until they start to soften and break down, creating a natural sauce.
Simmer: Pour in the water (or stock) and lower the heat. Let it simmer until the tomatoes have completely softened and the dip reaches your desired consistency.
Season: Add palm sugar and fish sauce (or soy sauce). Taste and adjust to get that perfect balance of savory and tangy sweetness.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, accompanied by a plate of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, long beans, and parboiled cabbage, along with warm sticky rice.
Discover the Flavors of Lanna Culture
Nam Prik Aong is the ultimate comfort food of Northern Thailand. Learning to balance the acidity of the tomatoes with the aroma of the homemade paste is a foundational skill in Lanna cooking.
If you are passionate about Asian cuisine, join us at Cookventure Home Cooking Studio! We offer an immersive [Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai] where you will learn to prepare [authentic Lanna recipes] using traditional techniques. For travelers looking to make Chiang Mai their home, our culinary programs are also certified for your 5-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) application!
