Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

nuoc cham dipping sauce

Nuoc Cham, a vibrant and essential Vietnamese dipping sauce, brings together a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors.

This versatile sauce combines fresh red chili, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, creating a delightful accompaniment to spring rolls, salads, grilled meats, and more. With its simple yet bold ingredients, Nuoc Cham not only enhances the taste of dishes but also embodies the essence of Vietnamese cuisine—fresh, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

This easy-to-make sauce begins with grinding together fresh red chili, garlic, and sugar into a fragrant paste, then blending in fish sauce, water, and a squeeze of lime. The result is a zesty, umami-rich sauce that can be stored in the refrigerator for whenever you need a burst of flavor. Whether you’re dipping crispy spring rolls or drizzling it over a noodle salad, Nuoc Cham adds a distinctive Vietnamese flair to your meals, making it a staple in Vietnamese kitchens and a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide, ideal for Vietnamese spring rolls and salads.

Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

    Ingredients

    • 1 small red chili
    • 1 clove garlic (finely chopped)
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 3 tablespoons fish sauce (nuoc mam)
    • 3 tablespoon water
    • 1/2 small lime (squeezed)

    Instructions

    1. In a mortar, grind the chilli, garlic, and sugar to a paste.
    2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
    3. Store in the refrigerator in a tightly closed bottle.

    Nutritional Information

    • Per serving
    • Energy: 18.5 kcal / 77 kJ
    • Fat: 0.03 g
    • Protein: 0.9 g
    • Carbs: 4.5 g

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