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Vietnamese Fish Dipping Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 23 reviews

This Vietnamese Fish Dipping Sauce, known as Nuoc Cham, is a tangy, sweet, and savory condiment perfect for enhancing the flavor of seafood, spring rolls, grilled meats, and vegetables. Made with fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, sugar, and optional chilis and shredded carrots, this versatile sauce offers a balanced blend of flavors that can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Easy to prepare and ready in minutes, it is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 1 cup

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • ¼-½ cup fish sauce (can substitute half for soy sauce)
  • ½ cup water (room temperature)
  • 2-4 tablespoons sugar, to taste
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1-2 Bird’s eye Thai chilis or 2 teaspoons chili sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon carrots, thinly shredded (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup fish sauce, ½ cup room temperature water, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of sugar. Adjust the sugar based on your preferred sweetness level. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. If the sugar is stubborn, microwave the mixture for 10 seconds and stir again to help dissolve it.
  2. Add the fresh ingredients: Mix in the juice of 2 limes, finely minced garlic, sliced Bird’s eye Thai chilis or chili sauce (if using), and thinly shredded carrots. These ingredients provide the essential tangy, spicy, and fresh notes in the sauce. Taste and adjust the flavor by adding more fish sauce or lime juice if needed to balance the salty and sour elements.
  3. Let the flavors meld: Allow the sauce to rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors blend together, enhancing the overall taste and aroma of the dipping sauce.
  4. Serve and garnish: Garnish the sauce with chopped green onions or chives before serving. This sauce pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes, spring rolls, grilled meats, and vegetables. Enjoy its fresh and vibrant flavors as a versatile condiment.

Notes

  • You can substitute half of the fish sauce with soy sauce to reduce the saltiness or accommodate dietary preferences.
  • The amount of sugar and chili can be adjusted according to your taste preference for sweetness and heat.
  • Allowing the sauce to rest before serving enhances the flavor development.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor.
  • This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to one week.
  • Optional shredded carrots add a slight crunch and color contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/vietnamese-fish-dipping-sauce-recipe/