This sweet-and-spicy sauce is great for deep-fried appetizers1/3 cup rice-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
4 small red chilies, stemmed and finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1. Combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and cook over moderate heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Turn off heat.
2. Stir in the garlic and chilies, and let cool to room temperature. Just before serving, add chopped cilantro.
Thai food features a wide range of dipping sauces, each one a different combination of basic flavor elements: salty, sour, sweet, and hot. This sweet-and-spicy one is great for deep-fried appetizers. It is also delicious on grilled chicken. Makes about 1/2 cup