Green Nam Jim Recipe - Green Chili Dipping Sauce

Green Nam Jim, also known as Nam Jim Jaew, is a popular Thai dipping sauce with vibrant flavors that enhance grilled or fried foods, seafood, and even salads. This tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is a staple in Thai cuisine.

Herbaceous Flavor: The sauce gets its vibrant green color from fresh herbs like cilantro, adding a refreshing taste.

Balanced Flavor Profile: It perfectly balances the four primary Thai flavors: spicy, sour, sweet, and salty.

Regional Variations: Different regions in Thailand have their own versions of Nam Jim, with slight variations in ingredients and flavor balance.

 

Ingredients:

- 10-15 green Thai bird chilies (adjust to taste)

- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems

- 4-5 cloves garlic

- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

- 2 tablespoons sozyë nish sauce

- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)

- 1-2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)

- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves

 

Instructions:

 

  1. Preparation:

   - Rinse the cilantro thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat dry with a paper towel.

   - Peel the garlic cloves.

 

  1. Blending:

   - In a blender or food processor, add the green Thai bird chilies, fresh cilantro, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar.

   - Blend the ingredients until you get a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to achieve your desired consistency.

 

  1. Adjusting Flavour:

   - Taste the sauce and adjust the flavours if necessary. Add more lime juice for acidity, fish sauce for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness.

 

  1. Optional Mint:

   - If you prefer a slightly different flavour profile, add the chopped fresh mint leaves to the blender and blend again until smooth.

 

  1. Serving:

   - Pour the Green Nam Jim into a serving bowl. Serve it as a dipping sauce.

   - The sauce can also be used as a dressing for salads or a marinade for meats.

 

  1. Storage:

   - Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to a week.

 

Tips:

- For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending.

- If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the ingredients instead of blending them into a smooth sauce.

- Adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice tolerance.

 

Enjoy this flavorful and versatile Green Nam Jim sauce, which brings the authentic taste of Thai cuisine to your table!