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View Gallery Photo: Christopher Hirsheimer

In Singapore, many sauces accompany Hainanese Chicken Rice, but this is the definitive one.

12 red serrano chiles, trimmed
1 shallot, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp. peeled, chopped ginger
5 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. rice vinegar
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt

1. Blanch chiles in boiling water in a medium pan for 1 minute. Purée chiles with shallots, ginger, and garlic with a mortar and pestle or in a food processor.

2. Stir in 2 tbsp. water, lime juice, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Set aside for 1 hour before serving. Sauce will keep in refrigerator for 2 weeks.

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #8