Jeow Som Sauce

This fiery, no-cook Lao sauce blends fish sauce, garlic, Thai chilis, and lime juice into a punchy, herbaceous dressing.

Why You'll Love Jeow Som Sauce

This Lao sauce is garlicky, tangy, funky, and spicy. It comes together in minutes with no cooking required, and it works on grilled meat, seafood, or plain rice.

Tips and Tricks

• Use fresh lime juice for the brightest acidity and flavor.
• Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the garlic and chili to mellow and blend.
• Make extra-you'll want it on everything from noodles to eggs.

Variations

• Add toasted rice powder for a nutty kick.
• Try Thai basil or mint instead of cilantro.
• Include chopped scallions for sharp, oniony depth.

Substitutions

• Use serrano or Fresno chilis if Thai chilis aren't available.
• Swap lime juice with lemon or rice vinegar.
• Use coconut sugar or honey in place of brown sugar.

Best served with

• Grilled shrimp or white fish
• Sticky rice and grilled pork or chicken
• Fresh veggies or lettuce wraps
• Cold noodle salads or vermicelli bowls

How to Store Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before each use, as ingredients will naturally separate. Let come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Common Questions

Jeow Som Sauce

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This fiery, no-cook Lao sauce blends fish sauce, garlic, Thai chilis, and lime juice into a punchy, herbaceous dressing.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 16 tablespoons

Course: Dressing/Condiment, sauce

Cuisine: Lao, Southeast Asian

Calories: 215

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 shallot chopped
• 5 garlic cloves
• 3 Thai chilis
• ½ jalapeño chopped
• 1 handful cilantro leaves chopped
• 2 limes juiced
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 6 tablespoon fish sauce

Equipment

• Food processor
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. To the bowl of a food processor, add the shallot, garlic, Thai chili, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Blend until smooth but slightly textured.
2. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the fish sauce and brown sugar. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 8gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 8619mgPotassium: 668mgFiber: 5gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 316IUVitamin C: 69mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Storage: keep in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, the fish sauce and lime juice help preserve it. Give it a stir before using since it can settle.

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