Recipe

Authentic Vietnamese Nước Chấm

Tangy Delight: Authentic Vietnamese Nước Chấm Recipe

4.8 out of 5

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this authentic Nước Chấm recipe. This tangy and savory dipping sauce is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, adding a burst of flavor to various dishes.

Sauce› Nước chấm

Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Vietnamese cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

N/A

Total time

25 minutes (including resting time)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low-calorie, Low-fat, Vegan (if using a vegan fish sauce substitute)

Allergens

Fish (in fish sauce)

Not suitable for

High sodium, Low-carb, Keto, Paleo, Nut-free

Ingredients

1/4 cup (60ml) fish sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) fish sauce
1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
2 tablespoons (25g) sugar 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1-2 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped 1-2 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped
1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 40 kcal / 167 KJ
Fat: 0g / 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g / 37g
Protein: 1g / 4g
Fiber: 0g / 0g
Salt: 4g / 16g

Preparation

1.
In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili peppers.
2.
Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3.
Add water to the mixture and stir again.
4.
Let the sauce sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6.
Serve the Nước Chấm as a dipping sauce alongside your favorite Vietnamese dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Fish sauce — Choose a high-quality fish sauce for the best flavor. Look for brands that use anchovies as the main ingredient and avoid those with added MSG or artificial flavors.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier sauce, add more chili peppers.
Adjust the sweetness and sourness by adding more sugar or lime juice, according to your taste preference.
Store any leftover Nước Chấm in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving advice

Serve Nước Chấm in small individual dipping bowls alongside dishes such as spring rolls, grilled meats, vermicelli noodles, or fresh salads. It can also be used as a marinade or dressing for various Vietnamese-inspired dishes.

Presentation advice

Present the Nước Chấm in a small, colorful dipping bowl, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs or a slice of lime. This adds a visually appealing touch to the table and enhances the overall dining experience.