Steak Thai Dipping Sauce Recipe

I recently stumbled upon a game-changing sauce recipe that makes every bite feel like a flavor explosion – the zinginess of lime, the depth of fish sauce, and the aromatic freshness of herbs create the perfect companion for your grilled steak moments!

I love making sauces that are both adventurous and full of flavor, and one of my favorites is a Thai sauce that I dip steak into. This sauce is all about umami.

It has fish sauce, studded with obnoxious amounts that are perfect in this instance for their savory depth; and it has lime juice and palm sugar for sweet-and-sour balance. Then it has toasted rice powder, imparting a glowingly nutty flavor, and a ton of fresh herbs: at least a cup of chopped cilantro and as much mint as you please, for a refreshing counterpoint.

Shallots are the other main ingredient, with chili flakes and garlic for perfume and heat.

Steak Thai Dipping Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Fish Sauce: Adds umami flavor, essential in Thai cuisine, low in calories.
• Lime Juice: Provides tangy acidity, rich in Vitamin C, aids digestion.
• Toasted Rice Powder: Adds nutty texture, gluten-free, commonly used in salads.
• Palm Sugar: Sweetens naturally, lower glycemic index, offers caramel notes.
• Chili Flakes: Brings heat, boosts metabolism, rich in antioxidants.

Steak Thai Dipping Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder
• 2 teaspoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh shallots
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon water

How to Make this Steak Thai Dipping Sauce Recipe

1. In a small mixing bowl, mix the fish sauce, lime juice, and water. Stir well until it is well combined.

2. Combine the palm sugar with the mixture and stir until it is completely incorporated.

3. Blend the mixture with the toasted rice powder.

4. Add the garlic and chili flakes, finely minced, and stir to distribute evenly.

5. Combine the ingredients chopped fresh cilantro, mint, and shallots. Ensure they are well integrated with the other ingredients.

6. Sample the sauce and modify the flavoring as required, adding additional lime juice for tartness or more sugar for sweetness.

7. Let the sauce sit for a few minutes so that the flavors can meld together.

8. Place the dip sauce into a bowl designated for serving.

9. If desired, for presentation, garnish with a few extra leaves of cilantro or mint.

10. Offer with grilled or cooked steak, so diners can dip their pieces of meat into the sauce. Enjoy!

Steak Thai Dipping Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Spoon or small whisk (for stirring)
4. Cutting board
5. Knife (for chopping/mincing)
6. Serving bowl or dish

FAQ

• What is toasted rice powder, and where can I find it?Toasted rice powder is produced by toasting and grinding glutinous rice. It is a common ingredient in both Thai and Lao dishes. You can find it at Asian grocery stores or make it at home by toasting regular rice (or glutinous rice) until golden brown and then grinding it into a fine powder.
• Can I substitute palm sugar with another sweetener?You can use brown sugar in place of palm sugar if you can’t find palm sugar. It offers a similar level of sweetness and will work well in this recipe.
• How spicy is this dipping sauce?The sauce has a moderate level of spiciness, courtesy of the chili flakes. To bump up the heat, just add more chili flakes. To tone it down, use fewer or none at all.
• Can I make this sauce ahead of time?You can indeed make the sauce a day earlier. Put it in a container that seals tightly and store it in the fridge. Just stir it up before serving.
• What can I serve with this sauce besides steak?This Thai dipping sauce is fantastic with grilled meats, seafood, and even roasted vegetables. It gives any dish a nice, tangy, spicy kick.
• Is there a substitute for fish sauce?If a vegetarian option is what you seek, use soy sauce or a mixture of that with a little vinegar and sugar to mimic fish sauce’s flavor.

Steak Thai Dipping Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use soy sauce or tamari in fish sauce’s place. These substitutes create a different flavor profile. Use them in equal amounts as you would fish sauce.
Palm sugar: You can substitute brown sugar or coconut sugar for palm sugar.
Lightly toasted rice flour: Prepare your own by dry toasting white rice in a pan until evenly golden brown. Use a good blender or food processor to grind it into a flour. You can substitute with toasted brown rice flour, which you can find in Asian markets, but the end result may have a slightly different flavor.
Cilantro: If it’s not available or preferred, you can substitute cilantro with parsley.
Basil or Thai basil can serve as an alternative to fresh mint, providing a similar fresh and aromatic taste.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor Marriedness: After preparing the sauce, let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This additional resting time allows the flavors to meld more deeply, enhancing the overall taste profile.