Step 1

Prepare the following, placing them in a food processor fitted with a blade attachment as you complete them: Pick the leaves from 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro until you have 1 packed cup. Trim the bulb from 1 stalk lemongrass and remove any tough outer leaves, then coarsely chop about 6 inches of the stalk. Peel 1-inch ginger and coarsely chop.

Step 2

Add 1 small garlic clove and process, stopping and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until very finely chopped. Add 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon water, 1/2 teaspoon sambal oelek, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar. Pulse to combine.

Step 3

With the motor running, drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil in a thin stream and process until smooth and emulsified. Use as a dipping sauce for vegetables or serve over grilled meat.