Measuring Cups: Used for accurate measurement of ingredients.
Cutting Board: Used for mincing garlic and chopping chili peppers.
Knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping chili peppers.
Bowl or Container: Used for transferring and serving the sauce.
Whisk or Fork: Used for mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
Spoon or Ladle: Used for tasting and adjusting the seasoning of the sauce.
Ingredients
1cupfish sauce
1cupwater
1/2cupsugar
1/2cuplime juice
2clovesgarlicminced
2Thai chili peppersfinely chopped (adjust according to desired spice level
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients:
a. Mince the garlic cloves.
b. Finely chop the Thai chili peppers.
c. Measure the fish sauce, water, sugar, and lime juice.
Combine the fish sauce and water in a saucepan.
Dissolve the sugar:
a. Add the sugar to the saucepan with the fish sauce and water.
b. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers to the saucepan.
a. Stir to incorporate the ingredients.
Simmer the sauce:
a. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
b. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
c. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse the flavors.
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
Stir in the lime juice:
a. Add the lime juice to the saucepan.
b. Stir well to combine.
Taste and adjust the seasoning:
a. Dip a spoon into the sauce and taste it.
b. If needed, add more lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar to balance the flavors.
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or container.
Serve the Vietnamese Dipping Sauce alongside your favorite dishes like spring rolls, grilled meats, noodle salads, or rice bowls.
Notes
Use fresh lime juice for optimal flavor.Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your desired level of spiciness.Gradually add sugar and taste as you go to achieve the desired sweetness.Stir the sauce continuously while simmering to prevent burning.Make a double batch of the sauce and freeze in small portions for future use.Experiment with additional ingredients like ginger or herbs to customize the flavor.
