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    Home » Recipes » Savoury

    Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham)

    Published: Jul 14, 2021 by Michelle · Leave a Comment

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Nuoc Cham is a Vietnamese dipping sauce that is salty, sweet and sour. It's an all-purpose condiment made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic and chilies. Serve it on rice vermicelli noodle (bun) bowls, and fresh spring rolls (goi cuon).

    Bowl of nuoc cham on wooden board.

    What is nuoc cham?

    Nuoc cham in general refers to Vietnamese dipping sauce.

    It's a condiment that is usually salty, sour, salty, and sometimes spicy.

    Nuoc mam in particular is the most commonly known dipping sauce, which contains fish sauce.

    What is fish sauce?

    Fish sauce is a condiment made with fish (usually anchovies) that have been salted and fermented for a period of time (up to 2 years).

    The liquid from the fermented salted fish is pressed/extracted and becomes fish sauce.

    A high quality fish sauce will not smell fishy and have a golden, amber colour. 

    What does nuoc cham taste like?

    It has a salty, tangy, and sweet taste. 

    Adding minced garlic and chilies will make it taste a little spicy.

    Bowl of nuoc cham on wooden board with lime, chili and garlic.
    Ingredients you'll need

    • fish sauce: use a high-quality fish sauce for the best flavour; I personally use Red Boat
    • lime juice: freshly squeezed is best; you can substitute with white vinegar or bottled lime juice
    • granulated sugar: or any sweetener you like
    • hot water: to dissolve the sugar
    • cool or room temperature water
    • garlic: minced
    • red Thai chilies: minced, optional

    How to make it

    In a small bowl, combine together hot water and sugar.

    Stir until the sugar dissolves.

    Add in fish sauce, cool/room temperature water and lime juice.

    Next, add in the garlic and Thai chili.

    Adjust seasoning to your taste. 

    How to store

    Store the nuoc cham in a clean, glass container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

    How to use

    Use nuoc cham as a dressing for Vietnamese Rice Vermicelli Noodle Bowls.

    Serve it with goi cuon (fresh Vietnamese spring/salad rolls) or cha gio (fried spring rolls).

    Try it with rice and grilled meats.

    Other recipes you may like

    Be sure to check out these recipes:

    Vietnamese Rice Noodle Bowls

    Do Chua (Vietnamese Pickled Daikon & Carrot)

    Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon)

    How to Make Flavourful Chili Oil

    Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

    Bowl of nuoc cham on wooden board.

    Print Recipe

    Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham)

    Nuoc Cham is a Vietnamese dipping sauce that is salty, sweet and sour. It's an all-purpose condiment made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic and chilies. Serve it on rice vermicelli noodle (bun) bowls, and fresh spring rolls (goi cuon).
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 32kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon hot water
    • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • 2 tablespoon high-quality fish sauce I used Red Boat
    • 2 tablespoon cool/room temperature water
    • ½ lime freshly squeezed
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 red Thai chili minced
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    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, combine together hot water and sugar.
    • Stir until the sugar dissolves.
    • Add in fish sauce, cool/room temperature water and lime juice.
    • Next, add in the garlic and Thai chili.
    • Adjust seasoning to your taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 718mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!

     

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    My name is Michelle and Sift & Simmer is a food recipe blog featuring easy, creative and delicious recipes. I believe that the best food is made from scratch. Read More…

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