Textual Chef

Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

The quintessential Vietnamese table sauce — a bright, balanced blend of fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili. Ready in minutes, it serves as a dip, dressing, or drizzle for spring rolls, grilled meats, rice noodles, and salads.

10 minEasyServes 835 cal/serving

VietnameseSauceNo-CookStandardDairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-Free

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 4 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 red Thai chili or Fresno chili, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp rice vinegar

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 4 tsp granulated sugar and 1/4 cup warm water in a small bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves completely, about 1 minute.

  2. 2

    Add 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and 2 tsp rice vinegar and stir to combine.

  3. 3

    Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced red Thai chili or Fresno chili.

  4. 4

    Taste and adjust: more lime juice for tang, more fish sauce for depth, more sugar for sweetness.

  5. 5

    Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Stir before using.

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