Thai Dipping Sauce (Nam Jim Jaew) Recipe
If you love Thai food, then you already know one thing—Thai meals are incomplete without a powerful dipping sauce. One of the most flavorful and addictive sauces you can try is Nam Jim Jaew (also called Thai dipping sauce or Jaew sauce).
This sauce is spicy, tangy, slightly sweet, and full of roasted smoky flavor. It’s commonly served with grilled meats like chicken, pork, beef, and even with sticky rice. The best part? You can make this authentic Nam Jim Jaew recipe at home in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make the best Thai dipping sauce Nam Jim Jaew, with tips, variations, serving ideas, and storage guidance.
Quick Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 (as dip)
- Difficulty: Easy
What is Nam Jim Jaew?
Nam Jim Jaew is a popular dipping sauce from Thailand (especially from the northeastern Isan region). It is usually served with grilled meats and BBQ recipes.
The unique taste comes from a combination of:
✅ Tamarind (sour + tangy)
✅ Fish sauce (salty + umami)
✅ Chili flakes (heat + boldness)
✅ Lime juice (fresh acidity)
✅ Palm sugar (sweet balance)
✅ Roasted rice powder (nutty + smoky texture)
✅ Fresh herbs (usually cilantro and spring onion)
This is not like a creamy dip—Nam Jim Jaew is a thin, bold dipping sauce that hits your taste buds immediately.
Ingredients for Thai Dipping Sauce Nam Jim Jaew
Main Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste (or tamarind concentrate)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for veg version)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (fresh is best)
- 1 to 1½ tbsp sugar (brown sugar or palm sugar works best)
- 1–2 tbsp Thai chili flakes (adjust spice level)
- 2 tbsp roasted rice powder (khao khua)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped spring onions
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
- 1 tbsp shallots (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
✅ Optional but tasty:
- 1 tsp crushed garlic (for stronger flavor)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (extra nutty touch)
Tools You’ll Need
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon / whisk
- Small pan (only if you want to lightly heat tamarind & sugar)
- Knife + chopping board
Step-by-Step Nam Jim Jaew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tamarind Base
In a bowl, add:
- tamarind paste
- sugar
- water
Mix until smooth.
✅ Tip: If your tamarind paste is thick, you can warm it lightly for 30–40 seconds in a pan to dissolve sugar faster.
Step 2: Add Fish Sauce and Lime Juice
Now add:
- fish sauce
- lime juice
Mix well.
✅ Flavor check here:
At this stage, you should taste:
- tangy
- salty
- slightly sweet
This balance is the soul of a good Thai dipping sauce.
Step 3: Add Chili Flakes
Add chili flakes slowly and mix.
🔥 Spice level guide:
- Mild: 1 tsp
- Medium: 1 tbsp
- Hot: 1½–2 tbsp
Nam Jim Jaew is supposed to be spicy, so don’t be scared—but adjust as per your comfort.
Step 4: Add Roasted Rice Powder (Most Important)
Add roasted rice powder and mix.
This gives Nam Jim Jaew its signature:
✅ nutty flavor
✅ light thickness
✅ grainy texture
✅ smoky aroma
If you’ve never used roasted rice powder before, you’ll be amazed how much difference it makes.
Step 5: Add Herbs and Aromatics
Finally, add:
- chopped spring onions
- chopped coriander
- shallots
Mix well.
Your authentic Thai dipping sauce Nam Jim Jaew is ready to serve!
How to Make Roasted Rice Powder at Home (Khao Khua)
If you don’t have roasted rice powder, don’t worry. You can make it easily.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp uncooked sticky rice or jasmine rice
Method
- Dry roast rice in a pan on low flame.
- Stir continuously for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool completely.
- Grind into a coarse powder using mixer/grinder.
✅ You don’t need a very fine powder. Slightly coarse texture is perfect.
What Does Nam Jim Jaew Taste Like?
This sauce is:
- Tangy from tamarind + lime
- Spicy from chili flakes
- Sweet from sugar
- Salty and umami from fish sauce
- Nutty and smoky from roasted rice powder
- Fresh from herbs
That’s why it pairs so well with grilled foods.
Best Foods to Serve with Nam Jim Jaew
Here are the best serving ideas for this Thai dipping sauce:
✅ Grilled chicken
✅ BBQ paneer skewers (veg version)
✅ Grilled fish
✅ Pork/chicken kebabs
✅ Air fryer chicken bites
✅ Spring rolls
✅ Sticky rice
✅ Fried tofu
✅ Thai-style salads
If you’re making a party platter, this sauce becomes the “wow dip” instantly.
Nam Jim Jaew Variations
1) Vegetarian Nam Jim Jaew (No Fish Sauce)
Replace fish sauce with:
- soy sauce
or - tamari (gluten-free option)
✅ Veg Jaew sauce still tastes amazing.
2) Extra Tangy Version
Add:
- extra tamarind paste
or - more lime juice
3) Sweeter Version
Use a little more palm sugar for a softer, balanced taste.
4) Garlic Lovers Version
Add finely crushed garlic or garlic powder.
5) Smoky BBQ Version
Add 1 tsp smoked chili flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Tips to Make the Best Thai Dipping Sauce
✅ Use fresh lime juice (bottled juice tastes flat)
✅ Always balance sour-sweet-salty-spicy
✅ Don’t skip roasted rice powder
✅ Use shallots for authentic Thai flavor
✅ Let the sauce rest for 5 minutes before serving (flavors blend better)
Storage & Shelf Life
Can You Store Nam Jim Jaew?
Yes, but it tastes best fresh.
✅ Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days
✅ Before serving again:
Mix well because roasted rice powder may settle.
⚠️ Avoid storing too long because herbs lose freshness and sauce becomes darker.
Nutrition (Approx Per Serving)
(Depends on portion size)
- Calories: 35–60 kcal
- Carbs: 6–10g
- Fat: 1–2g
- Protein: 1g
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Adding too much lime (overpowering sourness)
❌ Skipping roasted rice powder (missing signature flavor)
❌ Using very sweet mango tamarind chutney instead of tamarind paste
❌ Not tasting and adjusting balance
❌ Adding herbs too early and storing for long (turns bitter)
Conclusion
This Thai dipping sauce Nam Jim Jaew is one of the easiest ways to upgrade any meal into a restaurant-style Thai experience. It takes only a few minutes, but the flavor is bold, addictive, and unforgettable.
If you love spicy and tangy dips, this Nam Jim Jaew recipe should definitely be in your kitchen list. Make it once, and you’ll start pairing it with everything—from grilled chicken to tofu and snacks.
