Jeow Som and Jeow are necessary every time I eat a Lao steak with sticky rice. Both dipping sauces are very different and distinct: Jeow som is spicy and sweet and jeow bee is spicy and bitter. I love eating the dips and steak as a lettuce wrap.

What are jeows in Lao cuisine? 

One of the pillars of Lao cuisine is jeow, a spicy dipping sauce that typically complements main dishes like BBQ ribs or seafood. Some jeows are on the drier side, while others, like jeow som, are wetter. Lao people frequently use a mortar and pestle in their cooking, becoming experts at smashing and turning a variety of ingredients into jeow.

What is jeow som | Lao sour dipping sauce?

Jeow som is a signature Lao dip that goes with so many things like steak, seafood, sticky rice, vegetables, and salads! It goes on everything. The dipping sauce is made with fish sauce, herbs, fresh lime juice, garlic, sugar, chopped cilantro, and peppers. I grew up always eating it with beef and sticky rice. I love the dip extra spicy since it cools with the sugar in it.

Why is jeow som important in Laos? 

This Lao spicy sour dipping sauce was always a staple in my mom's kitchen since it pairs well with so many dishes. During our summer barbecues, she would bring out both jeow som and jeow bee. The kids often preferred jeow som because its flavors were more kid-friendly. I remember only dipping a little bit at first because it was so spicy, but as I grew older, I started using it generously, covering my sticky rice and steak with it.

In many Lao households, this dip is cherished and has become a symbol of pride. People often bring jeow som to restaurants because no other spice satisfies their craving like it does. It is likely the most mainstream and popular Lao dipping sauce, universally loved by many.

Are there variations of jeow som? 

Recently, due to the influence of social media, jeow som is most commonly known as a wet dipping sauce. However, in my upbringing, I was more familiar with a less liquid version of jeow som. This version included just a little bit of fish sauce, enough to mix with the peppers and herbs. I like to think of the wet sauce as ideal for seafood, while the drier version pairs well with steaks and barbecues.

Can jeow som be made vegan?

The main ingredient in jeow som that makes it not vegan is the fish sauce so an alternate to this is vegan fish sauce.  There are some options in the market like the pineapple bottle and the "Vietnamese vegetarian vegan fish sauce soy sauce".  Since it does taste different than fish sauce, you will have to adjust to taste.  

What is jeow bee | Lao bitter dipping sauce?

Jeow bee is a unique Lao dip because it as a bitter and spicy taste. It is made from beef bile and tastes so good eaten with sticky rice and steaks. I always have this dip available when I’m eating the extra meat the next day from pho bones. Its probably my most favorite meal.

Tips & Tricks to make the best jeows for wagyu

Master these two jeows dips and you will be set for every Lao meal.

• I usually find beef bile in the frozen section of Southeast Asian markets.

• Find the freshest bird eye chilies to make great jeow som

• Always use a mortar and pestle to make these dips; it makes a big difference because you are smashing the ingredients instead of just blending.

Storing Jeow Som

This is one of those dipping sauces that taste even better a few days after you make it, but make sure to store it in the fridge.  It should last for at least two weeks, and since its so high in sodium that helps it last for even a month.  The cilantro and fresh peppers will probably lose its bright color but make sure to do the smell, look, and taste test to see if it works with your food.  Jeow som has gone bad if the taste is not sweet and sour.  

What is “crack sauce”?

Social media has its benefits, but it can also negatively impact cultural foods. One such effect is the renaming of jeow som to "crack sauce." While this name might be easier for Westerners to pronounce, it raises the question: does it strip the dip of its cultural roots? I believe in honoring traditional foods like jeow som by calling them by their original names. What are your thoughts on this controversy? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Where can I buy jeow som? 

Now that Lao food products are becoming more popular, one of the products available is jeow som from Auntie Bee's Kitchen.  This is a great product that doesn't dilute the sauce and gives its authentic Lao flavors.  

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