Nuoc Cham Recipe (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce) Recipe
This is a simple, authentic Nuoc Cham Recipe—the flavorful Vietnamese dipping sauce and dressing for salads, spring rolls, and noodle bowls. It's also vegan-adaptable!
How to Make the Best Nuoc Cham Recipe (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)
Nuoc Cham is the quintessential Vietnamese dipping sauce that brings a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors to any dish. This versatile condiment is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, traditionally served alongside fresh spring rolls, grilled meats, and refreshing noodle bowls. With just a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, you can whip up this authentic sauce in minutes.
The beauty of Nuoc Cham lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The combination of tangy lime juice, savory fish sauce, and a touch of sweetness creates a flavor profile that enhances nearly anything it touches. Fresh red chilies add a gentle heat that builds as the sauce sits, infusing every drop with a warm, lingering spice. For those following a vegan diet, simply swap the fish sauce for soy sauce or a plant-based fish sauce alternative.
Whether you’re dipping crispy spring rolls, drizzling it over a bowl of bun (Vietnamese vermicelli), or using it as a marinade for grilled proteins, this Nuoc Cham recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Make a batch at the start of the week and keep it on hand to elevate your meals with an authentic Vietnamese touch.
Nuoc Cham Recipe (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)
This is a simple, authentic Nuoc Cham Recipe—the flavorful Vietnamese dipping sauce and dressing for salads, spring rolls, and noodle bowls. It's also vegan-adaptable!
Ingredients
Nuoc Cham
Instructions
Nuoc Cham
- In a small bowl or jar, stir sugar and warm water until sugar dissolves. Add lime juice and fish sauce and a few sliced fresh chilies. The chilies will infuse the dressing with heat.
- If you want it milder, feel free to add more water, up to another ¼ cup.
- For a vegan version, substitute 3 tablespoons soy sauce for the fish sauce or try making vegan fish sauce.
Notes
- This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Adjust the amount of chilies based on your heat preference.
- For a sweeter version, add a bit more sugar to taste.
