Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)
Nuoc Cham is a vibrant and savory Vietnamese dipping sauce that beautifully complements a variety of dishes, particularly Imperial rolls and vermicelli salad bowls. This sauce marries the umami richness of fish sauce with the sweetness of sugar, the tartness of lime, and the aromatic kick of garlic and chili, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, this versatile sauce elevates any dish, making it a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vietnamese fish sauce
1/2 cup (Choose a high-quality fish sauce, preferably labeled 'nhi' for best flavor.)
Water
1 cup (Use room temperature or slightly warm water to help dissolve the sugar.)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Regular white granulated sugar works best.)
Lime juice
3 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed for optimal flavor.)
Garlic cloves
2 cloves (Mince finely.)
Asian red chili paste or hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon (Choose according to your heat preference.)
Shredded carrot
1/2 cup (Use a grater to shred fresh carrots.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your ingredients: mince the garlic and shred the carrot.
2
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, shredded carrot, fish sauce, sugar, water, lime juice, and chili paste or hot sauce.
3
Stir the mixture thoroughly until the sugar has completely dissolved.
4
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more lime juice for tang or sugar for sweetness.
5
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve as a dipping sauce alongside your favorite Vietnamese dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nuoc Cham?
Nuoc Cham is a vibrant and savory Vietnamese dipping sauce that balances fish sauce, sugar, lime, garlic, and chili.
What are the primary ingredients in Nuoc Cham?
The main ingredients include Vietnamese fish sauce, water, sugar, lime juice, garlic, chili paste, and shredded carrot.
How do I choose the best fish sauce for this recipe?
Choose a high-quality fish sauce, preferably labeled 'nhi' (first press) for the most authentic and best flavor.
What type of water should I use?
Use room temperature or slightly warm water to help the sugar dissolve more easily into the sauce.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended for optimal flavor and a vibrant citrus profile.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be minced very finely to ensure the flavor is distributed evenly throughout the sauce.
What type of chili is best for Nuoc Cham?
Asian red chili paste or hot sauce works well. You should choose the variety according to your heat preference.
Why is shredded carrot added to the sauce?
Shredded carrot adds a traditional aesthetic and a slight crunch, though it is primarily for visual appeal and mild texture.
How long should I let the sauce sit before serving?
It is best to let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors of the garlic and chili to meld with the liquids.
What can I serve with Nuoc Cham?
It is a perfect accompaniment for Imperial rolls, vermicelli salad bowls, and various other grilled Vietnamese dishes.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, you can taste the mixture and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter profile or more lime juice for extra tang.
Is Nuoc Cham spicy?
The heat level depends on the amount of chili paste used; you can adjust it to make it as mild or as spicy as you like.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe generally provides enough dipping sauce for 4 to 6 servings.
What type of sugar should I use?
Regular white granulated sugar works best for this recipe as it dissolves well and provides a clean sweetness.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Making it a few hours ahead of time allows the flavors to fully develop.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Most high-quality fish sauces are gluten-free, but always check the label to ensure no wheat additives were used.
Can I use a food processor for the ingredients?
It is better to hand-mince the garlic and hand-shred the carrot to maintain the correct texture and appearance.
What if the sauce is too salty?
If the sauce is too salty, you can dilute it with a little more water and adjust the sugar and lime accordingly.
Does the order of mixing matter?
While not strictly required, mixing the sugar with warm water first can help ensure it dissolves completely.
Can I use brown sugar instead?
You can, but it will change the color and add a slight molasses flavor that is not traditional for Nuoc Cham.
Is Nuoc Cham vegetarian?
No, traditional Nuoc Cham uses fish sauce. For a vegetarian version, you must use a vegan fish sauce alternative.
How do I shred the carrots?
Use a standard box grater or a julienne peeler to get thin, fine shreds of fresh carrot.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Lemon can be used in a pinch, but lime provides the specific citrus profile characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine.
Should the sauce be served hot or cold?
Nuoc Cham is typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled from the refrigerator.
What if I don't have chili paste?
You can substitute with finely sliced fresh Thai bird's eye chilies for a similar heat.
Why is the sauce called 'Nuoc Cham'?
In Vietnamese, 'Nuoc' means water/liquid and 'Cham' means dipping, literally translating to 'dipping sauce'.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced.
What is the ratio of water to fish sauce?
This recipe uses a 2:1 ratio of water (1 cup) to fish sauce (1/2 cup) for a balanced flavor.
Can I use honey as a sweetener?
Honey can be used, but it will have a distinct floral taste and may be harder to dissolve in room temperature water.