Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

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Servings: 3 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A vibrant Vietnamese dipping sauce balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce recipe image
Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce recipe image
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Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 3 Calories: 127.7

Description

Nuoc Cham is the quintessential Vietnamese dipping sauce, offering a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. This recipe creates a bright, aromatic liquid that enhances rather than overwhelms the main dish. The base of fish sauce provides umami depth, while fresh lime juice adds tangy acidity. Sugar balances the saltiness, and fresh chile peppers provide a customizable kick of heat. Garlic adds a pungent aroma that mellows slightly as the sauce sits. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, spring rolls, fresh herbs, and seafood. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this sauce brings authentic Southeast Asian flavor to your table in minutes.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Crush the garlic, chile peppers, and sugar into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle.
  2. Transfer the paste to a small mixing bowl.
  3. Add the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and water to the bowl.
  4. Stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
  5. Let the sauce sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Strain the mixture into dipping bowls if a smooth consistency is desired, or serve chunky as is.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 3

Amount Per Serving
Calories 127.7kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.7g3%
Saturated Fat 0.3g2%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 10.3mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 32.5g11%
Dietary Fiber 12.5g50%
Sugars 1.4g
Protein 7.1g15%

* 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

For a smoother texture, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. For a chunkier, more rustic dip, skip straining.

Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chile peppers. Serrano peppers are a good choice for moderate heat.

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly. Taste and adjust the balance of sweet, sour, and salty to your preference.

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Keywords: nuoc cham, vietnamese, dipping sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chili, sugar, water, spring rolls, grilled meat, seafood dip, spicy, tangy, umami, quick recipe, homemade sauce, asian cuisine
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