Zesty Asian Dipping Sauce
Elevate your appetizers with this Zesty Asian Dipping Sauce, perfect for complementing freshly made spring rolls or rice paper wraps. This bold and flavorful sauce balances the umami of fish sauce with the sweetness of Asian-style sweet chili sauce, tangy lime juice, and the warmth of fresh red chili. Enhanced with a hint of vinegar and a touch of brown sugar, this sauce will delight your taste buds and bring a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet meal, this versatile dipping sauce is sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
17.5
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
fish sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
sweet chili sauce (Asian style)
3 tablespoons (none)
lime juice or lemon juice
1.5 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
brown sugar or grated palm sugar
3 teaspoons (none)
white vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
red chile
1/2 (seeded and chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the fish sauce, sweet chili sauce, lime juice (or lemon juice), brown sugar (or grated palm sugar), white vinegar, and chopped red chili.
2
Whisk the mixture together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are evenly combined.
3
Taste the sauce, adjusting the lime or lemon juice for tartness or the sugar for sweetness according to your preference.
4
Transfer the dipping sauce to a container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
4.4g
Carbs
0.4g
Protein
3.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Asian Dipping Sauce?
It is a bold and flavorful sauce that balances umami, sweetness, and tanginess, perfect for appetizers like spring rolls.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this sauce?
The sauce features umami from fish sauce, sweetness from chili sauce and sugar, tanginess from lime and vinegar, and heat from red chili.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
There are approximately 17.5 calories per serving.
Is this Zesty Asian Dipping Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, according to the recipe tags, this sauce is considered gluten-free.
Can I substitute lime juice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use lemon juice as a substitute for lime juice if needed.
What type of sugar is best for this dipping sauce?
The recipe recommends using either brown sugar or grated palm sugar.
How do I prepare the red chili for the sauce?
The red chili should be seeded and finely chopped before being added to the mixture.
Does this sauce require cooking?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves whisking ingredients together in a bowl.
How long should the sauce sit before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What should I serve with Zesty Asian Dipping Sauce?
It pairs perfectly with freshly made spring rolls or rice paper wraps.
What provides the umami flavor in this recipe?
The fish sauce provides the deep umami flavor base for the sauce.
How much fish sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of fish sauce.
Is there any fat in this sauce?
No, this dipping sauce contains 0g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 4.4g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the sauce?
The sauce contains 3.75g of sugar per serving.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
Can I adjust the tartness of the sauce?
Yes, you can taste the sauce and add more lime or lemon juice to reach your preferred tartness level.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 6 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the best way to combine the ingredients?
Whisk the mixture in a medium bowl until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Is there protein in this dipping sauce?
Yes, there is a small amount of protein, approximately 0.4g per serving.
What type of chili sauce is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of Asian-style sweet chili sauce.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making it at least 30 minutes in advance is actually recommended for better flavor.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice.
What should I do if the sauce is too tart?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding a little more sugar to balance the acidity.
How should the sauce be stored?
Store the sauce in a container with a lid and keep it refrigerated.
What is the heat level of this sauce?
The heat comes from half of a chopped red chili, providing a moderate warmth.
Is palm sugar necessary?
No, if palm sugar is unavailable, regular brown sugar works perfectly as a substitute.
What is the total preparation time excluding refrigeration?
The preparation is very quick, involving only chopping the chili and whisking the ingredients, usually taking less than 5 minutes.
Does this sauce contain fiber?
The fiber content is negligible and not listed for this recipe.
Can I use this as a marinade?
While designed as a dipping sauce, its flavor profile of fish sauce, sugar, and lime would also work well as a light marinade for proteins.