Prahok Ktis

Prahok Ktis

ប្រហុកខ្ទិះ (pra-HOK k-TIH)

Creamy Fermented Fish Dip

Prep Time 10 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 284 kcal

A rich coconut and fermented fish paste dip cooked with ground chicken and served with fresh and blanched vegetables. A cornerstone of Cambodian flavor.

Nutrition & Info

280 kcal per serving
Protein 18.0g
Carbs 8.0g
Fat 20.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish

Equipment Needed

saucepan strainer mortar and pestle

Presentation Guide

Vessel: clay dipping bowl

Garnishes: kaffir lime leaves

Accompaniments: fresh vegetable platter

Instructions

  1. 1

    Dissolve prahok in a small amount of warm water. Strain to remove bones.

  2. 2

    Heat coconut cream in a pan. Add kroeung paste and cook until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add ground chicken, stir until cooked through.

  4. 4

    Add strained prahok and palm sugar. Simmer 5 minutes until thick and creamy.

  5. 5

    Transfer to a dipping bowl. Serve with assorted fresh and blanched vegetables.

💡

Did You Know?

Prahok is called Cambodian cheese and is the single most important flavoring in Khmer cuisine.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • saucepan
  • strainer
  • mortar and pestle

Garnishing

kaffir lime leaves

Accompaniments

fresh vegetable platter

The Story Behind Prahok Ktis

Prahok ktis represents the soul of Cambodian cuisine through its use of prahok, the fermented fish paste that defines Khmer cooking. The preservation technique dates back millennia.

The creamy version with coconut milk elevates the rustic paste into a rich, complex dip served at celebrations and family meals. It bridges ancient preservation methods with refined cooking.

Prahok production is tied to the annual fish migration on Tonle Sap lake, connecting this dish to Cambodia's unique reversed-flow ecosystem.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed served with any meal 📜 Origins: Ancient, pre-Angkor

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