Jeow Mak Len | Lao Tomato Dipping Sauce
Jeow mak len is a classic Lao tomato dipping sauce that’s rich, smoky, and perfect with sticky rice or grilled meats. Roasting the ingredients in the air fryer intensifies the flavor, making this spicy tomato dip a must-try for your next BBQ.
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 3 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 25 cherry tomatoes
- 2 large shallots
- 1 head of garlic
- 15 fresh bird's eye chili peppers
- 1 pinch msg
- 1 tbsp padaek
- 2 tbsps fish sauce
- 1 handful cilantro, diced
Instructions
- 1
In an air-fryer tray, add the tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and peppers. Put it in the air-fryer at 400F for 20 minutes. You can use a regular oven as well.
- 2
With a mortar and pestle, add the garlic and peppers and smash into a paste. Add the shallots and smash and mix well with the paste. Finally, add the tomatoes and carefully smash.
- 3
Season the dip with msg, padaek, and fish sauce. Mix well. Season to taste.
- 4
Lastly, add a handful of cilantro and mix well into the sauce. Enjoy with sticky rice.