Description
A rich and tangy homemade dipping sauce that elevates any dish with its balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon jasmine rice or glutinous rice (uncooked), freshly toasted
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely diced shallots
- 1 teaspoon toasted chili flakes, or to taste
- 3 tablespoons chopped herbs (cilantro, green onions, mint, or sawtooth coriander)
- 1/3 cup small diced juicy tomatoes (optional, for Mellow Tomato Jaew)
Instructions
- Make toasted rice powder: In a small, dry skillet, add the uncooked rice over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until it turns dark brown and gives off a nutty aroma—about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and grind it into a powder.
- Combine the base ingredients: In a small bowl, add the tamarind paste, fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and palm sugar. Stir until the sugar mostly dissolves; let it sit for 5 minutes to meld beautifully.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the finely diced shallots and chili flakes.
- Finish with rice powder and herbs: Just before serving, add the toasted rice powder and fresh herbs to the mixture. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes if using, and let sit for a few minutes for flavors to mingle.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Can be made a day in advance for deeper flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Saucing
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg