Nuoc Cham is a common name for a variety of Vietnamese “dipping sauces”. It is commonly a sweet, sour, salty, savoury and/or spicy sauce. This is superb for putting a few around a table and letting your family and friends enjoy. Whilst they are from different cuisines, they go so well together. They are Chicken and Vegetable Spring Rolls, Chinese Egg Rolls – Mrs Kwan’s Quick Snack and Japanese Beef and Scallion Rolls – Negimaki. The kick of Lime Juice, Fish Sauce and garlic is always going to be tasty. However you then add Red Chilli Peppers and you have a dip that will knock your socks off.
Nuoc Cham, a quintessential component of Vietnamese cuisine, is a vibrant and versatile dipping sauce that embodies the rich flavours of Southeast Asia. Its name translates to “fish sauce” in English, but Nuoc Cham is much more than just fish sauce. It’s a harmonious blend of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy elements that enhances a wide range of dishes.
At its core, Nuoc Cham is based on fish sauce, a fermented condiment made from anchovies that has been a staple in Vietnamese kitchens for centuries. This ingredient provides the sauce with its deep, umami-rich flavour, but the magic of Nuoc Cham comes from the careful balancing of additional ingredients. Typically, sugar, lime juice, and garlic are added to the fish sauce. Sugar imparts a touch of sweetness that counteracts the saltiness of the fish sauce, while lime juice contributes a zesty tang that brightens the overall flavour. Garlic, often minced or finely chopped, adds a pungent, aromatic kick.
Chili peppers are another common addition, introducing a spicy kick that can be adjusted according to personal taste. The result is a sauce that is complex and layered, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in creating a well-rounded flavour profile.
Nuoc Cham is incredibly versatile. It is most famously used as a dipping sauce for dishes like spring rolls and grilled meats, but it can also be drizzled over salads, noodles, and rice. In Vietnamese cuisine, it’s not just a condiment but a fundamental component that enhances the taste and experience of the meal.
Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the way it elevates even the most basic dishes. The balance of flavours in Nuoc Cham complements the fresh and vibrant ingredients typical of Vietnamese cooking, making it a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of foods.
In essence, Nuoc Cham is more than just a sauce; it’s a reflection of the Vietnamese culinary tradition, capturing the essence of the region’s taste and culture in a single, flavourful blend.
Nuoc Cham
A superb Vietnamese dip that will pack a punch and go well with virtually everything.
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Servings: 125 ml
Calories: 1kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 small red chili peppers deseeded,
- 2 tbsp sugar 30 ml
- 1/4 large lime juice and pulp only
- 4 tbsp fish sauce 60 ml
- 5 tbsp water
Instructions
- Combine the garlic and chili pepper in a mortar and mash with the pestle until a paste is formed.2 cloves garlic, 1 small red chili peppers
- Squeeze the lime juice into the paste, then remove the pulp from the lime and add it to the mixture.1/4 large lime
- Mash to a paste again, and add the fish sauce and water, stirring to combine.4 tbsp fish sauce, 5 tbsp water
- Makes about 1/2 cup (125 ml)
Notes
Goes with basically every Vietnamese dish.
Nutrition
Calories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Protein: 0.03g | Fat: 0.0003g | Saturated Fat: 0.0001g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.0001g | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 0.002g | Sugar: 0.3g
10 comments
I love its versatility – it works brilliantly with spring rolls, grilled meats, and even as a salad dressing. The balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy notes is absolutely spot on.
A small drizzle over my noodles and rice bowls completely transformed my meals. It’s amazing how a simple blend of ingredients can create such a complex and satisfying flavour.
It’s refreshing, light, and never overpowering. It complements every dish I pair it with. A true masterpiece in Vietnamese cooking
I appreciate how customisable it is – you can adjust the heat level to your preference. For me, it’s all about that fiery punch paired with the salty-sweet undertones. A perfect dip.
It adds a burst of freshness that instantly elevates a meal. I can’t imagine Vietnamese or Thai cuisine without it
I’m a fan of anything spicy, so Nuoc Cham is right up my alley. The addition of chilli makes this sauce incredibly vibrant and gives every bite a nice kick.
Loved the heat of this. Far better than shop brought and a lot cheaper.
I was initially sceptical about Nuoc Cham because of its strong fish sauce base, but I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did.
What I love most about Nuoc Cham is the perfect balance of flavours. The sweetness from the sugar, the tanginess of the lime juice, and the spicy kick of chilli come together to create a delightful taste experience.
It’s amazing how it can enhance the taste of fresh spring rolls, crispy fried fish, or even a simple bowl of steamed rice.