Ribeye Steak with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Juicy, buttery ribeye meets a bold, garlicky, spicy Southeast Asian dipping sauce — known as Nam Jim Talay in Thailand, Jeow Som in Laos, Nước Chấm in Vietnam, and Tuk Trey in Cambodia. This sauce balances heat, acidity, saltiness, and a touch of sweetness, making it the perfect partner for a rich, seared steak. Learn how each culture tweaks the ingredients and bring this flavor-packed sauce to your table.

Ingredients

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 4 Thai chilis
• 2 tsp sugar
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Ribeye Ingredients:

• 1 thick-cut ribeye steak (1–1.5 inches)
• Salt & black pepper (generous)
• 1–2 tbsp neutral high-heat oil (avocado or grapeseed)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2–3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary

Instructions

1. Make the Dipping Sauce: In a mortar and pestle, combine garlic and sugar. Grind to a smooth paste. Add Thai chilis and continue pounding until fully broken down. Stir in fish sauce and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly. Fold in chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (extra sugar, lemon, or fish sauce). Set aside.

2. Cook the Ribeye: Pat the steak dry and season all sides generously with salt and black pepper. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to lightly smoke. Add oil, then carefully place the steak in the pan. Sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. Flip the steak and sear the other side for 2–3 minutes. Use tongs to sear the edges. Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter, crushed garlic, and thyme. Tilt the pan and baste the steak with melted butter for 1–2 minutes. Remove the steak from the pan and rest on a wire rack or plate, loosely covered with foil for 5–10 minutes to rest.

3. Serve: Slice the ribeye against the grain and serve with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.

No matter what you call it, this sauce proves that simple ingredients—garlic, chili, citrus, fish sauce, and sugar—can transform a steak into a flavor explosion. Try it, experiment with your own twists, and share your version in the comments below!