Best 6 Vietnamese Nuoc Cham Sauce Recipes

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In Vietnamese cuisine, the versatile Nước Chấm dipping sauce is a staple condiment that adds a harmonious balance of flavors to various dishes. This flavorful sauce is crafted from fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, lime juice, and garlic, resulting in a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet taste profile. Its versatility shines as it complements an array of dishes, including grilled meats, spring rolls, and fresh vegetables. In this culinary exploration, we present two distinct variations of the classic Nước Chấm sauce. The traditional recipe stays true to its roots, offering a harmonious blend of flavors. Alternatively, the vegan Nước Chấm recipe caters to those seeking a plant-based option, using soy sauce instead of fish sauce. Both versions promise an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your Vietnamese culinary experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

NUOC CHAM (VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE)



Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce) image

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

¼ cup white sugar
½ cup warm water
¼ cup fish sauce
⅓ cup distilled white vinegar
½ lemon, juiced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Thai chile peppers, chopped
1 green onion, thinly sliced

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)



Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham) image

Provided by Nina Simonds

Categories     condiments

Time 10m

Yield 1 cup (for 20 rolls)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 small fresh red chili pepper, minced (ends and seeds removed), or 1 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes
Juice of 3 limes or 2 lemons
1/4 cup nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce)
4 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons grated carrots

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

NUOC CHAM (VIETNAMESE SPICY FISH SAUCE)



Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Spicy Fish Sauce) image

A delicious sauce that goes well with Vietnamese soups and appetizers; if you find it too strong, try increasing the sugar in the recipe a little bit and adding a little water.

Provided by PalatablePastime

Categories     Sauces

Time 15m

Yield 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 red chili peppers, minced
4 cloves garlic, pressed
3 teaspoons sugar or 1 1/2 packages artificial sweetener
1/2 cup fish sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, to taste
1 cup water

Steps:

  • Mash peppers, garlic and sugar into a paste, using mortar and pestle.
  • Add the fish sauce, lime juice and water.
  • Blend well.
  • Seal and refrigerate.

VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE--VEGAN NUOC CHAM ALTERNATIVE



Vietnamese Dipping Sauce--Vegan Nuoc Cham Alternative image

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

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine
1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon lemongrass, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 bird chile, minced
1 teaspoon peanut oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt

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.

NUOC CHAM (VIETNAMESE HOT SAUCE)



Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Hot Sauce) image

Make and share this Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Hot Sauce) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by HappyBunny

Categories     Vietnamese

Time 5m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon lime peel, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
2 teaspoons lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons sugar

Steps:

  • Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit taste.
  • Combine garlic, lime peel, and red pepper flakes then add lime juice, fish sauce, water, and sugar.
  • Whisk until all ingredients are blended and sugar is dissolved.
  • Will keep short periods if refrigerated.
  • Serve: Used on vegetables, meats and fish by the Vietnamese.

VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE (NUOC CHAM) RECIPE



VIETNAMESE DIPPING SAUCE (NUOC CHAM) RECIPE image

Categories     Vegetable

Yield 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup fish sauce (Viet Huong Three Crabs brand)
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 of a lime, juiced
3-4 cloves of garlic , minced
2-3 Thai chili pepper, minced

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 high-quality fish sauce: The quality of the fish sauce you use will greatly impact the flavor of your nước chấm. Look for a brand that is made with fresh, wild-caught fish and that has a deep, savory flavor. You can also find vegan and vegetarian fish sauce alternatives.
  • Adjust the proportions to your taste: The proportions of the ingredients in this recipe are a starting point. You can adjust them to your own taste preferences. For example, if you like a sweeter sauce, you can add more sugar or honey. If you like a spicier sauce, you can add more chili peppers or Sriracha sauce.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a bright, vibrant flavor to nước chấm. Be sure to use fresh herbs that are in season. Some good options include cilantro, basil, mint, and Vietnamese coriander.
  • Let the sauce sit for a while before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop. You can let the sauce sit for as little as 30 minutes or for as long as overnight.
  • Serve with a variety of foods: Nước chấm is a versatile sauce that can be served with a variety of foods. Some popular options include grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, and rice noodles. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls and other appetizers.

Conclusion:

Nước chấm is a delicious and versatile Vietnamese sauce that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, nước chấm is sure to become a favorite condiment in your kitchen.

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