Thai Dipping Sauce – Nam Jim Jaew Recipe
A vibrant and tangy Thai dipping sauce known as Nam Jim Jaew, perfect for complementing grilled meats, spring rolls, or fresh vegetables. This sauce balances the tartness of tamarind and lime with the umami of fish sauce, sweetness from palm sugar, and a kick of chili heat, creating a dynamic flavor profile that enhances any dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Scale
Nam Jim Jaew Ingredients
- 1 tbsp tamarind puree
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice (or substitute 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar)
- 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
- Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add tamarind puree, fish sauce, lime juice (or rice vinegar), brown or palm sugar, and hot water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring the flavors meld together.
- Add Aromatics: Fold in the minced garlic, green onion, eschalots, and the optional finely minced red Bird’s Eye chilies if using. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute these fresh ingredients throughout the sauce.
- Rest the Sauce: Cover and set the sauce aside at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Notes
- If tamarind puree is unavailable, you can substitute with tamarind paste diluted in a small amount of warm water.
- Adjust the chili quantity to your preferred heat level or omit entirely for a mild sauce.
- This dipping sauce pairs exceptionally well with grilled pork, beef, or Thai-style grilled chicken.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Palm sugar can be shaved or grated for easier dissolving in the mixture.
Keywords: Thai dipping sauce, Nam Jim Jaew, tamarind sauce, Thai condiment, spicy dipping sauce, Thai recipe
