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Vietnamese Dipping Sauce Recipe

5 from 1 vote
The Vietnamese Dipping Sauce Recipe, also known as Nuoc Cham, is a delightful and widely enjoyed condiment in Vietnamese cuisine.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 63
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fish sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Thai chili peppers finely chopped (adjust according to desired spice level

Equipment

  • Saucepan: Used for simmering the sauce.
  • 2Spoon or Spatula: Used for stirring the sauce.
  • 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.

Method
 

Prepare the ingredients:
  1. a. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. b. Finely chop the Thai chili peppers.
  3. c. Measure the fish sauce, water, sugar, and lime juice.
Combine the fish sauce and water in a saucepan.
    Dissolve the sugar:
    1. a. Add the sugar to the saucepan with the fish sauce and water.
    2. b. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved.
    Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers to the saucepan.
    1. a. Stir to incorporate the ingredients.
    Simmer the sauce:
    1. a. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
    2. b. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
    3. 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:
      1. a. Add the lime juice to the saucepan.
      2. b. Stir well to combine.
      Taste and adjust the seasoning:
      1. a. Dip a spoon into the sauce and taste it.
      2. 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.