Thai Dipping Sauce – Nam Jim Jaew Recipe

Introduction

Nam Jim Jaew is a vibrant Thai dipping sauce bursting with tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Perfect for grilled meats or fresh veggies, this sauce adds an authentic taste of Thailand to your meals with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine tamarind puree, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and hot water in a bowl. Stir well until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Step 2: Add the finely minced garlic, green onion, eschalots, and chilli (if using). Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Let the sauce sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For traditional flavor, add about 1 tsp of ground toasted rice to thicken the sauce and add a toasty note.
• If you don’t have tamarind puree, substitute with extra lime juice and a teaspoon of ketchup to mimic the tang and thickness.
• Adjust the chili amount to control the spiciness or omit it entirely for a milder sauce.
• Use shallots (eschalots) for a milder onion flavor; avoid regular onions as they can be too harsh in this sauce.

Storage

Store Nam Jim Jaew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing as fresh flavors will be lost. Before serving, stir well and taste for seasoning in case you want to adjust the balance.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is tamarind puree and can I use tamarind paste instead?

Tamarind puree is a sour fruit paste that adds a signature tang and thickens sauces. Tamarind paste is stronger and more sour, so if using paste, halve the amount to avoid overpowering the sauce.

Can I make this sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! The chili is optional and can be adjusted or omitted entirely. You can also use dried chili flakes and start with a small amount, adding more to taste.

Thai Dipping Sauce – Nam Jim Jaew Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 83 reviews

A flavorful and tangy Thai dipping sauce known as Nam Jim Jaew, perfect for enhancing grilled meats, salads, and snacks with its balanced combination of tamarind, fish sauce, lime juice, and spicy chili. This easy-to-make sauce melds sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes to create an authentic Thai experience.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1/2 cup (about 120 ml) dipping sauce 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp tamarind puree
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice (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 with a knife
• 1 1/2 tbsp green onion, very finely minced with a knife
• 1 tbsp eschalots (shallots), very finely minced with a knife
• 1/2 – 2 tsp red Birds Eye chili or Thai chili, deseeded, very finely minced with a knife – OPTIONAL

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine tamarind puree, fish sauce, lime juice, brown or palm sugar, and hot water. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth base for the sauce.
2. Add Fresh Aromatics: Finely mince garlic, green onion, eschalots, and red chili (if using). Add these finely chopped fresh ingredients to the mixture and stir gently to distribute evenly, enhancing the sauce’s texture and flavor complexity.
3. Rest and Mingle Flavors: Set the sauce aside at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes.

Notes

• Authenticity note: Traditional Nam Jim Jaew includes about 1 tsp of ground toasted rice for a toasty flavor and thicker texture, but it can be omitted without sacrificing taste.
• Tamarind puree is essential for the signature tang and thickness; tamarind paste can be used at half the quantity or substitute with lime juice and ketchup for a similar effect.
• Eschalots (shallots) add mild sweetness and texture; do not confuse with long green onions sometimes called shallots in Australia.
• Adjust chili quantity according to your heat preference; dried chili flakes are an acceptable substitute.
• Store the sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days; not suitable for freezing as fresh flavors degrade.

Keywords: Thai dipping sauce, Nam Jim Jaew, tamarind dipping sauce, spicy Thai sauce, easy Thai condiment