Nouc Cham
Description
Nouc Cham is a vibrant and essential Vietnamese dipping sauce that adds a burst of flavor to grilled meats, seafood, fresh spring rolls, and vegetables. This quick-to-make condiment combines the sharp acidity of fresh lime juice with the savory depth of fish sauce, balanced perfectly by the sweetness of sugar and the gentle heat of fresh chili. The result is a complex, aromatic sauce that brightens up any dish. It is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with both rich, fatty foods and light, fresh ingredients. Prepare this homemade sauce in minutes to elevate your Asian-inspired meals and bring authentic restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for continued freshness.Ingredients
Directions
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Finely mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the fresh hot chili pepper.
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In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and chopped chili pepper.
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Squeeze the juice from half a lime into the bowl, ensuring no seeds fall in.
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Add the fish sauce, sugar, and water to the bowl.
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Stir the mixture vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then transfer to a serving bowl.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.0g0%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.3mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.5g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 0.1g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Keep Nouc Cham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors meld together nicely over time.
Substitutions: For a vegan version, substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative. You may need to adjust the saltiness to taste.
Customization: Adjust the amount of chili pepper based on your preferred heat level. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds and membranes from the chili before chopping.
Tip: If the sauce is too strong, add a bit more water. If it is too sweet, add a splash more lime juice or fish sauce to balance it out.