Instructions: Thai fish sauce, called nam pla. This amber-colored, odoriferous liquid - - used in everything from stir-frys to sauces - cooks down to a mellow undertone. Better brands are lighter colored and less pungent; Squid is a recommended brand.

Dried shrimp. Salty and intensely flavored, these are used primarily as a seasoning ingredient. Usually sold in 4-ounce packages, dried shrimp should be plump and resilient, retaining enough moisture to evidence a little "give" when squeezed.

Thai chili sauce, called sriracha. This is a sort of chili-garlic

"catsup," fiery, flavorful and slightly sweet. Huy Fong Foods Inc., of Rosemead, Calif., makes an excellent sriracha, packaged in a clear plastic squeeze bottle with a drawing of a rooster on the front.

Holy basil. Thai cooking uses many different types of basil, and this type is intensely mint-flavored. Unless you grow it yourself, holy basil can be difficult to find; fresh mint makes a good substitute.

Thai "bird" peppers. These little hot peppers, usually green but sometimes red, pack a notoriously powerful punch and are not for sissies.

Serrano peppers make a good substitute if Thai chilies are unavailable.

CHILIES-IN-VINEGAR SAUCE (

Makes about 1/2 cup); hot and sour
ingredient in soups and pad thai etc.

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1/2 tablespoon Thai fish sauce

12 small Thai chilies, or 3 serrano chilies, finely sliced

Combine all of the ingredients in a small serving bowl. Let stand for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

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