# **Nuoc Cham: The Ultimate Vietnamese Dipping Sauce**
Nuoc cham, a ubiquitous Vietnamese dipping sauce, is a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that elevates the taste of countless dishes. Made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers, this versatile sauce is a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, adding a burst of umami and freshness to everything from grilled meats and spring rolls to vermicelli bowls and banh mi sandwiches. Nuoc cham is not only a dipping sauce; it can also be used as a marinade, a dressing, or even a cooking sauce. With its ability to enhance the flavors of various ingredients, it's no wonder nuoc cham has become an indispensable part of Vietnamese cooking and dining.
This article offers a collection of authentic nuoc cham recipes, each with its own unique twist, catering to diverse tastes and preferences:
1. **Classic Nuoc Cham:** This recipe presents the traditional and beloved version of nuoc cham, striking a perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and savory notes.
2. **Sweet and Tangy Nuoc Cham:** For those who prefer a sweeter and more pronounced tang, this recipe incorporates extra sugar and lime juice, resulting in a sauce that complements grilled meats and fresh spring rolls exceptionally well.
3. **Spicy Nuoc Cham:** This rendition of nuoc cham is sure to ignite your taste buds with its generous addition of chili peppers. It's an ideal accompaniment to spicy dishes like grilled chicken or beef skewers.
4. **Nuoc Cham with Roasted Peanuts:** This recipe adds a delightful nutty flavor and texture to the classic sauce by incorporating roasted peanuts. It pairs perfectly with crispy fried spring rolls and tofu.
5. **Nuoc Cham with Herbs:** This refreshing variation of nuoc cham incorporates herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil, adding an extra layer of aromatic freshness to the sauce. It's an excellent choice for vermicelli bowls and banh mi sandwiches.
Whether you're a seasoned Vietnamese cook or just starting to explore the vibrant flavors of this cuisine, these nuoc cham recipes will undoubtedly become your go-to sauce for a wide range of dishes. Dive in and experience the transformative power of this versatile dipping sauce!
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
VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE (NUOC CHAM)
Provided by Nina Simonds
Categories condiments
Time 10m
Yield 1 cup (for 20 rolls)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Soak red peppers or chili flakes in the juice for 2 minutes.
- Add the fish sauce, sugar and garlic, and stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Pour into a serving bowl, and add the shredded carrots.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 151, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 38 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 2835 milligrams, Sugar 30 grams
VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE--VEGAN NUOC CHAM ALTERNATIVE
Adapted from Hot Sour Salty Sweet. This is not meant to replicate the flavor of Nuoc Cham, which uses fish sauce, but can be used in the same way.
Provided by Chocolatl
Categories Sauces
Time 5m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine soy sauce and rice wine in a small bowl.
- Place garlic and lemongrass in a mortar and pound into a paste.
- Add garlic mixture to soy mixture.
- Stir in cinnamon and chile.
- Stir in oil, sugar and salt and mix well.
- Store refrigerated in a tightly-covered container for up to 3 days.
VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE (NUOC CHAM) RECIPE
Steps:
- 1) In a small sealable jar, combine water and sugar and stir to dissolve the sugar. Add fish sauce, vinegar and lime juice and mix. Adjust flavors to taste. 2) Add garlic and chili pepper. The sauce can be stored at room temperature, if served the same day. Otherwise, store it in the refrigerator.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your nước chấm the best flavor. If you can, use limes that are just slightly green, as they will be more sour and flavorful than fully ripe limes.
- Adjust the flavors to your taste: Nước chấm is a versatile sauce, so you can adjust the flavors to your liking. If you like it spicier, add more chili peppers. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. And if you like it more sour, add more lime juice.
- Let the flavors meld: Nước chấm is best when it has had a chance for the flavors to meld. Make it ahead of time and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve with a variety of foods: Nước chấm is a great dipping sauce for grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, and spring rolls. It can also be used as a marinade or dressing.
Conclusion:
Nước chấm is a delicious and versatile Vietnamese dipping sauce that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful sauce that will add a burst of flavor to your favorite foods. So next time you're looking for a dipping sauce that is both tasty and healthy, give nước chấm a try.
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