Can I make Jeow Som in advance?

Yes, Jeow Som can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

Is Jeow Som very spicy?

The spice level of Jeow Som depends on the number of chili peppers you use. You can adjust it to your preference by adding more or fewer peppers.

Can I use Jeow Som as a marinade?

Absolutely! Jeow Som makes an excellent marinade for BBQ meats, infusing them with its vibrant flavors.

Are there different types of Jeow sauces in Lao cuisine?

Yes, there are various Jeow sauces in Lao cuisine, each with unique ingredients and flavors. Jeow Mak Len is just one of them.

Jeow Som vs. Jeow Mak Len

Jeow Som and Jeow Mak Len are traditional Lao sauces popular among the Lao people. The main difference between them lies in their ingredients and flavors. Jeow Som is a simple and spicy sauce known for its deliciously spicy taste. It is made using chili peppers, which give it its spiciness. On the other hand, Jeow Mak Len is a more complex sauce incorporating roasted herbs. It is made by roasting tomatoes, shallots, and garlic, which gives it a rich and smoky flavor. So, while Jeow Som is straightforward and spicy, Jeow Mak Len offers a more intricate taste with its roasted ingredients.

What are Laos's famous jeow sauces?

Laos is known for its delicious jeow sauces. Here are some famous ones: 1. Jeow Het. A spicy mushroom sauce with roasted mushrooms, chilies, garlic, and herbs. 2. Jeow Bee. A tangy paste from fermented soybeans, chilies, and garlic. It adds a pungent, rich, umami flavor to dishes. 3. Jeow Bong. A fiery chili paste combining dried chilies, garlic, shallots, and other spices. It's commonly used as a condiment or dipping sauce. 4. Jeow Som. A sweet and sour sauce made with lime juice, palm sugar, fish sauce, and chilies. It's often served with grilled meats and vegetables. 5. Jaew Mak Len . A versatile sauce made from roasted tomato chilies, shallots, garlic, and fish sauce. It can be customized with different ingredients like tomatoes, herbs, or roasted eggplant.

Jeow Som (Lao Dipping Sauce)

Description

Jeow Som (Lao spicy dipping sauce) is a delectable sauce known for its spicy, tangy, and umami-rich flavors. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Lao cuisine with this simple and beloved staple that pairs well with many dishes using simple ingredients. Quick, easy, and ready to serve in less than 10 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

2-10 Thai chili peppers (adjust to your preferred spice level)
4 cloves garlic
1/4 cup fish sauce (nam pa)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup cilantro chopped. Use both stems and leaves combined for added flavors.

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Instructions

Using a mortar and pestle

Using a mortar and pestle, start by pounding the chilis and garlic together until you have a smooth paste.
Add fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar to the mortar. Use the pestle to grind and stir the ingredients until the sugar dissolves gently.
Add the chopped cilantro to the mix and stir together again. Taste your Joew Som and adjust with more fish sauce, lime juice, or sugar for your taste buds. Add more cilantro as well if you'd prefer in your sauce. That's it!

Using a spice grinder

Blend the Ingredients using a spice grinder or small food processor. Combine the prepared chili peppers, garlic cloves, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of liquid to help turn the blades. It can be fish sauce or lime juice (allocated for the recipe, not in addition). Blend until you achieve a harmonious and finely textured sauce.
Scoop everything into a serving bowl and add the fish sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. I like to use my mortar and pestle for this as they fit and create an authentic feel to your sauce. Stir well using a spoon or spatula.
Adjusting the Flavors. Taste your Jeow Som and make any necessary adjustments to suit your palate. You can add more lime juice for extra tang, sugar for sweetness, or fish sauce for saltiness. That's it! Jeow Som is now ready to grace your table. Yum!

Notes

Be careful when handling Thai chili peppers, as they can be extremely spicy. Kitchen gloves are handy to help protect your skin from the burn of the oils of the peppers.
Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the number of chili peppers.
Use monk fruit sugar, honey, or agave as sweeteners for a healthier substitute.

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Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 3
Category: Sauces
Method: No cook
Cuisine: Lao, Thai