Discover the authentic taste of Thai cuisine with this Fish Sauce Dip (Jeow Bong) recipe. This spicy dipping sauce combines fish sauce, fresh chilies, and aromatic garlic to create a zesty and flavorful condiment perfect for pairing with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Easy to prepare and bursting with bold flavors, Jeow Bong is a must-try for any food lover looking to elevate their meals.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup fish sauce

- 4-5 fresh Thai bird chilies (adjust to taste)

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons lime juice

- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon water (if needed to adjust consistency)

- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chilies: Slice the Thai bird chilies finely. If you prefer a less spicy dip, remove the seeds before slicing.

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, minced garlic, sliced chilies, lime juice, and palm sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Adjust Consistency: If the dip is too strong or thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency.

Taste and Adjust: Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lime juice for tanginess, more sugar for sweetness, or more chilies for extra heat.

Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil if desired. Serve alongside grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables for a spicy and flavorful experience.

Enjoy your homemade Fish Sauce Dip (Jeow Bong) with your favorite dishes!

Nutritional Values:

Fish Sauce:

- Calories: 10-15

- Protein: 1-2 grams

- Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams

- Sodium: 1,000-1,200 mg

Benefits:

- Rich in flavor: Adds a deep umami flavor without extra calories.

- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of essential minerals like potassium and calcium.

- Protein: Provides small amounts of protein which contribute to muscle maintenance.

Thai Bird Chilies:

- Calories: 6

- Protein: 0.3 grams

- Carbohydrates: 1 gram

- Fiber: 0.5 grams

- Vitamin C: 8 mg (around 10% of the Daily Value)

Benefits:

- Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and promotes healthy skin.

- Capsaicin: Contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.

- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.

Garlic:

- Calories: 4

- Protein: 0.2 grams

- Carbohydrates: 1 gram

- Fiber: 0.1 grams

Benefits:

- Allicin: Contains allicin, known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

- Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants that can support overall health and immune function.

Lime Juice:

- Calories: 4

- Carbohydrates: 1 gram

- Vitamin C: 7 mg (around 8% of the Daily Value)

Benefits:

- Vitamin C: Essential for immune health and collagen production.

- Antioxidants: Helps in neutralizing free radicals, thus protecting cells from damage.

- Digestive Health: Can aid digestion and help detoxify the body.

Palm Sugar (or Brown Sugar):

- Calories: 45-50

- Carbohydrates: 12 grams

Benefits:

- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium.

- Flavor: Adds a caramel-like flavor that balances the spiciness of the chilies.

Water:

- Contains no calories, protein, carbohydrates, or fats.

Benefits:

- Hydration: Essential for maintaining overall hydration and bodily functions.

- Consistency Adjustment: Helps in adjusting the thickness of the dip.

These ingredients together not only create a flavorful dipping sauce but also provide various health benefits, from boosting immunity to supporting digestive health.