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, I’d love to share with you 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:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth (except water, sugar, chili, and sesame oil).
- Pour the mixture into a pot. Add water and sugar, stir until fully combined, then turn on low to medium heat.
- Simmer gently until the vinegar aroma fades, leaving behind the fragrance of garlic and bean curd.
- Add chopped chili and continue simmering until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 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.
