Nuoc Cham (Hot Vietnamese Sauce for Dipping)

May 22, 2023May 22, 20230 3

Nuoc Cham: a spicy and tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce

Nuoc Cham (Hot Vietnamese Sauce for Dipping)

by The Chefin Sauce

Prep

10 min

Cook

0 min

Ready In

10 min

Level

Very easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

Sugar

Fat

Nuoc Cham is a widely used dipping sauce in Vietnamese cuisine that adds a spicy and tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. The sauce is made with hot red chilies, garlic, lime, vinegar, and fish sauce (nuoc mam). Traditionally served as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, Vietnamese pancakes, noodles, or grilled meats, this delicious and easy-to-make sauce is a staple in Vietnamese households. Its versatility and bold flavor make it a go-to sauce for many Vietnamese dishes.

Instructions

1.	Begin by preparing the chilies and garlic cloves - remove the stems from the chilies and chop them into small pieces. Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.
2.	In a mortar and pestle, add the chopped chilies, garlic, and sugar. Pound the ingredients together until a smooth paste forms.
3.	Add the chopped limes and pound them together with the chili paste until the limes are well broken down.
4.	Add the hot water and stir the mixture well.
5.	Finally, add the vinegar and fish sauce to the mixture and stir well until all the ingredients have combined into a smooth sauce.

PROS

Nuoc Cham is a versatile dipping sauce that can be served with many Vietnamese dishes.

It is easy and quick to make and adds a spicy and tangy flavor boost to any meal.

CONS

This sauce is high in sodium due to the use of fish sauce.
It should be used sparingly and in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

The use of fresh chilies can make the sauce very spicy, which may not be suitable for everyone’s taste buds.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Nuoc Cham contains beneficial ingredients such as limes and garlic, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
The chili peppers used in the sauce have been linked to helping to reduce inflammation and boost metabolism.

	4 red chilies ( hot ones ! )
	2 garlic cloves
	1 teaspoon sugar
	2 limes , peeled and chopped
	1 tablespoon hot water
	1 tablespoon vinegar
	5 tablespoons fish sauce ( nuoc mam )