What Is Nam Prik Pao? A Complete Guide to Thai Roasted Chili Jam

Nam Prik Pao (น้ำพริกเผา) is a rich, savory-sweet Thai roasted chili jam made by slowly cooking roasted chilies, shallots, garlic, and seasonings into a deeply caramelized spread. It delivers layers of smoky, sweet, salty, and umami flavor rather than intense heat.

I actually created this product because I wanted access to Thai flavors whenever and wherever I travel. Yes I am one of those people who needs Asian food, particularly something with a little bit of heat, when I'm 36 hours into a trip. I created this for myself and of course to share. My personal favorite is with pizza actually. Something about the tamarind melting into the rich red sauce, tamarind cutting through some crispy pepperoni and melty cheese to round it out is just perfect. 

Unlike a typical hot sauce, Nam Prik Pao is a flavor-building ingredient. It's commonly used to:

• Stir into fried rice and noodles
• Toss with roasted vegetables
• Spread on sandwiches and burgers
• Mix into soups like tom yum
• Glaze grilled meats and seafood
• Swirl into mayo, dressings, or dips
• Spread on toast with eggs or avocado

Traditional versions often contain dried shrimp and fish sauce, while vegan versions make this beloved Thai staple accessible to more people. When I created Pink Salt Kitchens' Nam Prik Pao, I intentionally left out soy sauce because I wanted the roasted chilies, garlic, and shallots to be the stars. My hope is that this jar helps you discover just how versatile and unforgettable. Nam Prik Pao can be.