Tested and Perfected by Food and Wine
Food & Wine Recipe

Chile-Garlic Sauce

Contributed by
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 15 MIN
  • SERVINGS: Makes 1/2 cup
  • •FAST
  • •HEALTHY
  • •MAKE-AHEAD

This condiment, known as jaew bong, is one of many jaews that are fundamental to Lao cuisine. It's a key ingredient in a Lao-style chicken baguette sandwich, and it's also used as a seasoning on sticky rice.

  1. 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  2. 1 large shallot, thinly sliced and separated into rings
  3. 3 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  4. 2 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
  5. 1/4 cup Korean coarse red pepper powder
  6. 2 tablespoons sugar
  7. 1 1/2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
  1. In a small skillet, heat 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the shallot rings and cook over moderate heat, stirring a few times, until golden brown and crisp, about 3 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the shallot rings to a bowl. Add the garlic to the hot oil and cook over moderately low heat, stirring a few times, until golden, about 1 minute. With a slotted spoon, transfer the garlic to the bowl. Add the ginger to the skillet and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the red pepper powder and sugar and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Scrape the sauce into the bowl. Stir in the fish sauce and the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.