Vietnamese Dipping Sauce Nuoc Cham
Bursting with the bold and vibrant flavors typical of Vietnamese cuisine, Nuoc Cham is a versatile dipping sauce that perfectly balances salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements. This quick and easy recipe combines fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar for a base that’s harmonized with minced garlic and red chili for a subtle kick. Optional shredded carrot adds a pop of color and texture, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this quintessential sauce is ideal for dipping spring rolls, drizzling over grilled meats, or serving as a zesty dressing for fresh salads. Whether you’re exploring authentic Vietnamese recipes or elevating everyday dishes, Nuoc Cham is a must-have condiment to add flavor-packed depth to your cooking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 4 tablespoons Warm water
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 small Red chili
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Shredded carrot (optional)
Instructions
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves into small pieces, or use a garlic press. Then finely chop the red chili after deseeding it for less heat, if desired.
In a medium bowl, dissolve the granulated sugar in the warm water by stirring continuously for about a minute.
Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and rice vinegar to the bowl, mixing until fully combined.
Stir in the minced garlic and red chili. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice for sourness, sugar for sweetness, or fish sauce for saltiness.
Optionally, add shredded carrot for color and texture.
Transfer the Nuoc Cham to a serving dish or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
150 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5031 mg | 219% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.1 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.4 g | ||
| Protein | 4.2 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 51 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 346 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
