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Tamarind dipping sauce served with fresh vegetables
Sweet, sour, and spicy Thai tamarind dip

Thai Tamarind Dipping Sauce (Nam Jim Jaew)

Author: Flavelo
Sauces and Gravies Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes
Nam Jim Jaew is a flavor explosion from Northeastern Thailand. It embodies the balance of five key flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Tamarind provides deep fruitiness, balanced by caramel-like palm sugar and savory fish sauce. Originally a side for grilled meats (especially pork), it's also fantastic with vegetables.
🕒 Prep Time 10 mins
🍳 Cook Time 10 mins
⌛ Total Time 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 55 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Thai (Isan Region)

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Cutting board and knife

Allergen Information

⚠️ Fish
⚠️ Sesame

Instructions

1 ✓

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden brown and fragrant, then set aside.

Tip: Toasting releases the nutty oils. Watch closely, as they burn in seconds!
2 ✓

Finely mince the garlic and chili. Keep the seeds in the chili for more heat, or remove them for a milder sauce.

Tip: Finely chopping ensures the flavor distributes evenly.
3 ✓

In a small saucepan, combine water, tamarind paste, sugar, and fish sauce. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

Tip: Heat helps the thick tamarind and sugar dissolve into the water.
4 ✓

Add the minced garlic and chili, then simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly to a syrupy consistency.

Tip: Evaporation concentrates flavors (reduction) and the sugar helps thicken it.
5 ✓

Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm. Stir in the fresh lime juice.

Tip: Never boil lime juice; heat destroys fresh citrus aromas and Vitamin C, making it taste 'cooked'.
6 ✓

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Tip: This keeps the seeds crunchy.

Recipe FAQ

Where can I find tamarind paste?
Look for it in Asian markets or the international aisle of large supermarkets. It's a thick, dark brown concentrate.
Can I substitute fish sauce?
Fish sauce provides the essential 'umami'. Soy sauce can be used, but the flavor profile will be less authentic.

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp tamarind paste (concentrate)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or palm sugar)
  • 1.5 tbsp fish sauce (Nam Pla)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 whole fresh chili (Bird's Eye or other hot pepper)
  • 2 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds