Fermented Condiments

Fermentation is one of the most important forces in flavor creation known to man and plays a role in more foods than most people are aware (chocolate, coffee, tea, most spices, wine, beer, and bread, among other things). The importance of Thai fish sauce (nam pla), a product of fermented fish, cannot be overstated. Do not be scared by the scent. Not all dishes employ the golden brown, slightly viscous aromatic liquid—just most of them.