Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm)
Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm) complements and completes many Vietnamese dishes. The iconic sauce elevates dishes with its balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Simple yet flavourful, this sauce is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Not only adding depth, but also bringing vibrancy to everything from spring rolls to grilled meats and salads. I use this dressing in my Beef Noodle Salad and Vietnamese Salad– both equally delicious!
How to Make Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
Simple ingredients:
- Fish Sauce: The foundation of the sauce, providing its signature savoury depth.
- Lime Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness.
- Sugar: Balances the saltiness with sweetness.
- Chilli: Brings heat and a touch of excitement to the mix.
- Garlic: Adds an aromatic kick.
- Water: Adjusts the consistency for dipping or drizzling.
Simple process:
- In a saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the water.
- Stir in the fish sauce and lime juice.
- Add garlic and chilli.
- Taste and adjust the balance of the Vietnamese Dipping Sauce flavours as needed.
Balance is Key. While the quantities in the recipe are generally good, adjusting the ratio of ingredients to suit your personal taste and to accommodate the variation in flavours of the fresh ingredients may sometimes be necessary. Also, always use fresh limes and garlic. You cannot substitute the flavour of fresh. Why not try experimenting with grated carrot or chopped coriander
Pro Tips for Perfect Nước Chấm and how to Use
Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (nước chấm) is a testament to the art of balance in Vietnamese cuisine. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a condiment that enhances and elevates your meals. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal, a bowl of nước chấm on the table brings bold, vibrant flavours to every mouthful.
Nước chấm is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many Vietnamese dishes:
- Spring Rolls: The rolls, while tasty on their own, when dipped into nước chấm it adds a burst of flavour.
- Grilled Meats: Drizzle the sauce over smoky, charred meats to complement their richness.
- Noodle Bowls and Salads: Used as a dressing, it ties together noodles, fresh herbs, vegetables and grilled proteins.
- Fried Dishes: Also perfect for crispy egg rolls or Vietnamese pancakes.
It’s a small touch that makes a big difference!
Feedback & More
Did you try the Vietnamese Dipping Sauce? While you’re on the page, let me know in the comments below. Cheers, Elby!
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Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm)
This sauce is bold in flavour, yet uses simple ingredients with a quick and simple process. It is a perfect blend of fish sauce, lime, sugar, garlic and chilli.
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Ingredients
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
3 tbsp lime juice
4 tbsp fish sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
1 red chilli, finely chopped – Thai, bird’s eye or cayenne all work well (extra, depending on how hot you like it)
Directions
- Heat the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from the heat as soon as the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the lime juice and fish sauce. Stir in the garlic and chilli and taste. Adding more lime juice or fish sauce, if necessary.
Beef Noodle Salad
Cooks in 30 minutesDifficulty: EasyThis is a fresh and vibrant Vietnamese inspired bowl. Full of flavour with tender beef strips, crisp veggies, aromatic herbs and tangy Vietnamese-style dressing.
Vietnamese Salad
Cooks in 25 minutesDifficulty: EasyDiscover the vibrant flavours of Vietnamese Salad – soft rice noodles, fresh herbs, crisp veggies and tangy dressing in a healthy, tasty dish!
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