Nuoc Leo With Tamarind

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A rich, spicy, and tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce perfect for noodles and grilled meats.
Nuoc Leo With Tamarind recipe image
Nuoc Leo With Tamarind recipe image
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Nuoc Leo With Tamarind

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 129.9

Description

This authentic Nuoc Leo is a vibrant Vietnamese dipping sauce that balances heat, sweetness, and sourness in every spoonful. Made with a base of tamarind paste and fish sauce (tuong), it offers a complex depth of flavor that is both aromatic and comforting. The addition of peanut butter gives the sauce a luxurious, velvety texture, while roasted peanuts add a delightful crunch. It is incredibly versatile, serving as the perfect accompaniment to spring rolls, pho, grilled pork, or steamed vegetables. This recipe captures the essence of home-style Vietnamese cooking, bringing a burst of flavor to simple ingredients. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet weeknight meal, this sauce elevates any dish with its bold, satisfying profile.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, soak the tamarind paste in 3 tablespoons of warm water for 5 minutes to soften.
  2. Mash the paste with a fork or spoon to extract the juice, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the seeds and pulp. Reserve the liquid.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Add the chopped garlic to the hot oil and saut&# 195;© for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Pour in the strained tamarind water and the remaining 1/2 cup of water.
  6. Stir in the fish sauce (tuong), sugar, and peanut butter, mixing until the peanut butter is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  9. Pour the sauce into individual serving bowls or a central dipping dish.
  10. Sprinkle the roasted peanuts on top of the sauce just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 129.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11.2g18%
Saturated Fat 1.8g9%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 55.7mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 5.2g2%
Dietary Fiber 1.3g6%
Sugars 2.7g
Protein 4.1g9%

* 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: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools; add a splash of warm water to loosen it before reheating.

Substitutions: If you cannot find fish sauce (tuong), you can use soy sauce for a vegetarian version, though the flavor profile will change. For a spicier kick, add chopped fresh chilies or chili flakes to the garlic when sautéing.

Tip: Ensure the peanut butter is smooth to avoid lumps in the sauce. If using crunchy peanut butter, blend it first or strain the final sauce.

Keywords: vietnamese sauce, nuoc leo, tamarind sauce, dipping sauce, spicy sauce, peanut sauce, fish sauce recipe, asian condiment, pho dipping sauce, spring roll sauce, garlic sauce, tangy dip, quick sauce, homemade condiment, flavorful dip, asian cooking, tamarind paste, roasted peanuts
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