**Nuoc Cham: The Versatile Vietnamese Dipping Sauce**
Nuoc cham is a ubiquitous Vietnamese dipping sauce that elevates the flavors of various dishes with its sweet, sour, and savory balance. Made with fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, lime juice, and garlic, this sauce is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. From grilled meats to fresh spring rolls, and even noodle bowls, nuoc cham adds a layer of complexity and umami that enhances the overall dining experience. In this article, we present three variations of this classic sauce: the basic version, a spicy version with added chili peppers, and a vegetarian version that substitutes tamari for fish sauce. With its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of dishes, nuoc cham is a must-have condiment in any kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned Vietnamese food enthusiast or just starting to explore its vibrant flavors, these recipes will guide you in creating the perfect nuoc cham to tantalize your taste buds.
NUOC CHAM (VIETNAMESE SPICY DIPPING SAUCE)
This sauce can be used for dipping veggies, meats, or egg rolls. It's also great spooned over a bowl of steaming hot pho or other rice noodle soup. For me this sauce IS the flavor of Vietnamese cooking. Enjoy! This can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Provided by CJ
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes
Time 1h10m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Stir water, chile peppers, garlic, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar together in a saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves into the liquid; remove from heat and set aside to cool completely, about 1 hour.
- Stir lemon juice into the cooled liquid.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 36.3 calories, Carbohydrate 8.7 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 0.9 g, Sodium 440.8 mg, Sugar 6.8 g
NUOC CHAM DIPPING SAUCE
Steps:
- Whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, sriracha, garlic and 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
NUOC CHAM (VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE)
My personal take on a traditional dipping sauce. A little bit sweet, but mostly savory with a nice bit of heat. I make this a minimum of 24 hours before I use it to let the flavors mingle. Leftover sauce can be kept for three to four weeks in a sealed container in the refrigerator. If this isn't to your taste as written, experiment! Everyone's tastes are different! Some like their nuoc cham really sweet and mild, some like it tangy with heat. Mine tends to be more towards the tangy heat side. So, before you add the garlic, onion, and vinegar, sample it and adjust the ingredient amounts to suit your liking. Keep in mind that this recipe is LOUD when you first make it. The flavors mingle and mature a bit after the first 24 hours. I hope you enjoy!
Provided by Calamity in the kitchen
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Stir the sugar and warm water together in a bowl until the sugar dissolves completely; add the fish sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Thai chile peppers, and green onion to the mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 14.9 calories, Carbohydrate 3.7 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 0.4 g, Sodium 219.8 mg, Sugar 3 g
Tips:
- Choose the right fish sauce: Use a high-quality fish sauce that is made from real fermented fish. Look for a brand that is clear and has a slightly sweet and salty flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the dipping sauce will be. Use ripe limes, garlic, and chili peppers.
- Adjust the flavors to your liking: The basic dipping sauce recipe can be adjusted to your liking. Add more lime juice for a sour flavor, more sugar for a sweet flavor, or more chili peppers for a spicy flavor.
- Serve immediately: The dipping sauce is best served immediately after it is made. The flavors will meld together and become more complex over time, but the sauce will also start to lose its freshness.
Conclusion:
Nuoc cham is a versatile dipping sauce that can be used with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, spring rolls, and rice noodles. It is a simple sauce to make, but it is packed with flavor. With its combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, nuoc cham is sure to please everyone at your table.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love