
Jaew is a tart, smoky dipping sauce from Thailand, usually served with grilled meats and sausages. Watson takes it to a Tex-Mex place in this eggy, cheesy rice dish that might remind you of nachos (it works).
Jaew can be made 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.
Ingredients
Tex-Mex Jaew
Rice and Assembly
Preparation
Tex-Mex Jaew
Step 1
Roast onion, tomatillo, and jalapeño over a gas burner, turning often, until charred and blistered in spots, about 5 minutes. (Alternatively, broil on a broiler-proof rimmed baking sheet, turning often, 8–10 minutes.)
Step 2
Meanwhile, toast guajillo chile in a small dry skillet until puffed and fragrant, about 30 seconds per side. Chop chile (with seeds) and transfer to a food processor. Add garlic and lemongrass and pulse to a coarse paste.
Step 3
Add fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, cumin, onion, tomatillo, and jalapeño. Pulse to a coarse purée; season with more fish sauce and lime juice, if desired (mixture should be salty and flavorful).
Rice and Assembly
Step 4
Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add tortillas and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chips to paper towels to drain. (Alternatively, use storebought corn chips.)
Step 5
Increase heat to high and add onion and jalapeño to same wok; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and cook, stirring constantly, until fluffy and just set, about 1 minute. Add rice and cook, stirring often, until rice is evenly coated and beginning to brown, about 4 minutes.
Step 6
Add jaew and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and paste reduces slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in cheddar and half of fried tortillas.
Step 7
Serve fried rice topped with scallions, cilantro, hot sauce, MSG (if using), and remaining fried tortillas.