Nước chấm is a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce known for its balanced combination of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. Nước chấm translates to “dipping sauce,” but it is also commonly used as a dressing for noodle dishes, salads, rice plates, and other Vietnamese favorites.
Ingredients
1½ cups water
½ cup sugar
1½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice or vinegar
½ cup fish sauce
Optional Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bird’s eye or Thai chiles, minced
Heat the water until warm enough to dissolve the sugar. It does not need to boil.
Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, lime juice or vinegar, and fish sauce.
Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
For additional heat and flavor, stir in the minced garlic and chiles.
Taste and adjust the sauce as desired, then serve.
