Thai Dipping Sauce – Nam Jim Jaew Recipe

Introduction

Nam Jim Jaew is a tangy and flavorful Thai dipping sauce that perfectly complements grilled meats and fresh vegetables. Its balance of sour, salty, sweet, and spicy makes it a versatile addition to any meal. This easy-to-make sauce will bring authentic Thai flair to your table in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp tamarind puree
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice (or 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar as a substitute)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar (shaved)
• 1 tbsp hot water
• 1 tsp garlic, very finely minced
• 1 1/2 tbsp green onion, very finely minced
• 1 tbsp eschalots, very finely minced
• 1/2 – 2 tsp red Birds Eye chili or Thai chili, deseeded and very finely minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine tamarind puree, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and hot water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Step 2: Add finely minced garlic, green onion, eschalots, and chili if using. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For authentic flavor, add about 1 teaspoon of ground toasted rice to the sauce to add a toasty texture and thicken it slightly.
• If you don’t have tamarind puree, substitute with an extra squeeze of lime juice plus a teaspoon of ketchup to achieve similar thickness and tanginess.
• Adjust the chili amount to control spiciness or omit entirely for a milder sauce.
• Use shallots (also called eschalots or French onions) for a milder onion flavor instead of regular onions.

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is not recommended to freeze this sauce, as the fresh flavors will be lost. Re-stir before serving if separation occurs.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is tamarind puree and can I substitute it?

Tamarind puree is a sour fruit paste that adds a distinctive tang and thickness to Thai dishes. If you can’t find it, use extra lime juice plus a teaspoon of ketchup as a substitute to replicate the flavor and texture.

Can I make Nam Jim Jaew less spicy?

Yes, the chili is optional and can be reduced or omitted according to your taste. You can also use dried chili flakes and add them gradually to control the heat level.