Thai Jaew BBQ Dipping Sauce
By Sho @ Hungry for Thai
on
Jun 5th 2025 
Prep time
5 minutes
Cook time
3 minutes
Serves
2
Ingredients: Palm Sugar, Tamarind Paste, Fish Sauce, Chili Flakes, Toasted Rice Powder (Khao Khua), Shallots, Green Onions
If you’re looking to add a burst of authentic Thai flavor to your grilled meats, Nam Jim Jaew is the ultimate sauce you need. This tangy, spicy dipping sauce from Isaan (Northeastern Thailand) perfectly balances heat, sourness, and savory notes, making it a must-have for steak, chicken, or pork.
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Table of Contents
Nam Jim Jaew (Thai Dipping Sauce) — Spicy Thai BBQ Dipping Sauce Recipe
This Sauce Makes All Meats Better! Try this authentic Nam Jim Jaew for a spicy, tangy Thai dipping sauce that’s perfect for steak, grilled pork, chicken, and more.
Nam Jim Jaew is a northeastern Thai (Isaan) dipping sauce.
It’s known for its complex flavor – spicy, sour, salty, and a hint of sweetness – made to cut through the fattiness of grilled meats.
Nam Jim Jaew has a bold, layered taste — it’s spicy, sour, salty, and a little smoky thanks to toasted rice powder.
The tamarind adds a subtle sweet and sour tang that balances the heat beautifully. It’s the perfect complement to grilled meats, especially Thai-style steak.
What You'll Need
- Palm Sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy and spicy flavors.
- Tamarind Paste – Brings a rich, tangy sourness essential to authentic Nam Jim Jaew.
- Fish Sauce – Provides salty umami depth, a cornerstone of Thai flavor.
- Chili Flakes – Delivers the spicy kick that makes this dipping sauce lively and bold.
- Toasted Rice Powder (Khao Khua) – Adds a nutty aroma and a pleasant crunchy texture.
- Shallots, Thinly Sliced – Gives a mild onion flavor and slight crunch for freshness.
- Green Onions, Thinly Sliced – Adds a fresh, mild oniony note and bright color.
Why You'll Love This Thai Jaew BBQ Dipping Sauce Recipe 🩷
- Quick and easy to make with pantry staples
- Perfectly balanced sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors
- Adds authentic Thai flair to any grilled meat
How to Make Nam Jim Jaew Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine palm sugar, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and chili flakes. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
- Add toasted rice powder, thinly sliced shallots, and green onions to the mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning — add more chili flakes if you want it spicier, or more tamarind paste for tanginess.
- Serve immediately with grilled steak, pork, or chicken.
Nam Jim Jaew Steak — The Perfect Pairing
This spicy Thai dipping sauce is especially popular with grilled steak.
Also pair with this Thai Grilled Pork Jowl (Kor Moo Yang) or Homemade Roasted Chicken with Thai Herb. It will level up your meal!
The robust flavors of Nam Jim Jaew cut through the richness of the meat, adding brightness and heat that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ready to spice up your BBQ?
Fire up the grill—summer is the perfect time for smoky flavors and outdoor feasting!
From juicy skewers to grilled veggies, there’s nothing like a backyard BBQ to soak up the sunshine.
If you’re looking for an allergy-friendly barbecue sauce, check out this gluten free BBQ sauce recipe — simple and healthy!
And pair your grilled stuffs with Nam Jim Jaew recipe and enjoy the bold, mouth-watering taste of Thailand’s favorite dipping sauce!
FAQs
Nam Jim Jaew is a traditional Thai dipping sauce originating from Isaan, Northeastern Thailand.
Known for its spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors, this sauce is a staple for grilled meats like steak and pork.
The key ingredients include tamarind paste, fish sauce, toasted rice powder, and chili flakes, which combine to create a vibrant and addictive flavor
Nam Jim Jaew has a bold and balanced taste — it’s spicy, sour, salty, and slightly smoky thanks to toasted rice powder.
The tamarind gives it a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the heat from chili flakes.
This spicy Thai dipping sauce pairs beautifully with grilled or barbecued meats.
Whether you’re grilling steak, pork, or chicken, Nam Jim Jaew brings that authentic Thai BBQ vibe to your plate.
The texture from toasted rice powder adds a fun crunch, while the spicy, tangy sauce enhances the natural flavors of any meat.
Yes, Nam Jim Jaew is traditionally a spicy sauce, thanks to chili flakes.
However, the heat level can easily be adjusted to your preference.
The spiciness is balanced by the sour tamarind and sweetness from palm sugar, making it a flavorful, well-rounded dipping sauce.
Store it right: Nam Jim Jaew is best fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before serving.
Looking for a dipping sauce that stands out? Try making Nam Jim Jaew today and experience the fiery, tangy taste of Thai BBQ right in your kitchen!
Thai Jaew BBQ Dipping Sauce
Prep time
5 minutes
Cook time
3 minutes
Serves
2
Ingredients
Steps
-
How to Make Thai Jaew Sauce (Spicy Dipping Sauce):
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Combine palm sugar, tamarind paste, and fish sauce. Stir until sugar dissolves.
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Add chili flakes, shallots, green onions, and toasted rice powder.
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Mix just before serving for maximum freshness
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Tips
- Use freshly toasted rice powder (khao khua): It adds a nutty aroma and signature texture. Toast sticky rice in a dry pan, then grind it for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with ¼ tbsp of chili flakes and increase to taste. Thai chili flakes are potent!
- Balance is key: Nam Jim Jaew should be spicy, sour, and salty with a touch of sweetness. Taste as you go and tweak the tamarind, fish sauce, or sugar.
- Let it sit for a few minutes: This helps the flavors meld together, especially the sharpness from shallots and green onions.
- Add water if it’s too strong: A splash of warm water can mellow the intensity without diluting flavor too much.
- Great with more than just steak: This dipping sauce is perfect for grilled pork, chicken, sticky rice, or even roasted vegetables.
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