Classic Thai Hotpot Sauce Recipe by Mama Namjai

Fragrant with Toasted Sesame — Simple, but Full of Flavor

When it comes to a hotpot meal at home, Mama Namjai believes that the dipping sauce is the heart of the table. Today, she shares a cherished family recipe passed down through generations — a classic Thai hotpot sauce that’s easy to make using everyday ingredients, but filled with care and warmth in every step.

This sauce has a beautifully balanced taste — not too sour, not overly spicy — with a rich aroma from fermented bean curd and Namjai Sesame Oil. It’s perfect for cozy family gatherings around the table.

Ingredients:

• 50 g Chinese garlic cloves
• 3 coriander roots
• 90 g pickled garlic (flesh only), roughly chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 30 g Namjai Chili Sauce — for a sweet and spicy balance
• 150 ml vinegar
• 200 ml pickled garlic liquid
• 250 g fermented red bean curd (use the whole jar)
• 50 g toasted white sesame seeds
• 100 ml water
• 200 g unrefined cane sugar
• 80 g red chili, roughly chopped
• 50 ml Namjai Sesame Oil — the secret to a naturally rich, nutty aroma

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth (except water, sugar, chili, and sesame oil).
2. Pour the mixture into a pot. Add water and sugar, stir until fully combined, then turn on low to medium heat.
3. Simmer gently until the vinegar aroma fades, leaving behind the fragrance of garlic and bean curd.
4. Add chopped chili and continue simmering until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Turn off the heat. Stir in the remaining sesame seeds, and finish with Namjai Sesame Oil for a warm, nutty finish.

This sauce can be stored in a clean, airtight bottle and kept refrigerated for several weeks. It’s perfect for hotpots, grilled meats, or even as a dipping sauce for steamed vegetables.

Mama Namjai always says: good food doesn’t have to be complicated. When you take the time to choose quality ingredients — like Namjai Chili Sauce and Namjai Sesame Oil — every dish can bring comfort and joy to your family table. Try it yourself and discover how a homemade dipping sauce, prepared with love and care, is always more delicious than you think.