Thailand Pork And Shrimp Dip
A vibrant Thai-inspired dip combining fragrant coriander, garlic, seafood, and a hint of sweetness, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 Tbsp chopped coriander ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp white pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup thin coconut milk ⓘ
- 8 oz lean ground pork ⓘ
- 8 oz shrimp shelled, deveined, and chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped shallots ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp tamarind water ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp fish sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped peanuts ⓘ
- 1/3 cup thick coconut milk ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp paprika
Instructions
- Combine coriander, garlic, and white pepper.
- Pound or process to a smooth paste. To aid in processing, add a little coconut milk if necessary.
- Heat thin coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering.
- Stir in coriander paste, ground pork, chopped shrimp, and shallots.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.
- Stir in tamarind water, fish sauce, light brown sugar, and chopped peanuts.
- Cook until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, feel free to adjust the amount of thick coconut milk added at the end. If you can't find tamarind water, a mixture of lime juice and a bit of brown sugar can work as a substitute. You can also use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork if you prefer a leaner protein. Pairing with crunchy vegetables can enhance the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful dip warm, accompanied by fresh vegetable sticks like cucumbers and bell peppers for a refreshing crunch. It also pairs beautifully with Southern Veggies Over Rice for a more substantial meal. Consider offering crispy rice crackers as an alternative for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thailand Pork And Shrimp Dip contains roughly 707 calories, with 28g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value), iron (99% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2236mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it gently before serving to maintain the texture and flavor. The flavors may even deepen as it sits, making it taste even better.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork and shrimp with chopped mushrooms and firm tofu. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots to create a hearty dip without meat. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
What can I serve with the dip?
This dip is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers are excellent for dipping. You could also serve it over rice or with crispy bread. For a complete meal, consider pairing with Cajun Red Beans for a hearty side.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).