Andrea Nguyen Makes Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt + vinegar

Soy sauce is lower in calories, while salt and vinegar provide a similar salty flavor.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey offers natural sweetness, while brown sugar is often less expensive.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice provides a similar acidity, while vinegar can be more economical.

chili pepper

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: red pepper flakes

Jalapeños add heat with fewer calories, while red pepper flakes are often cheaper.

Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to a bowl.

Juice 4 tablespoons of lime using a citrus reamer.

Stir the lime juice into the sugar until dissolved.

Add warm water to help dissolve the sugar.

Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.

Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of fish sauce to the mixture.

Chop fresh chilies and add to the sauce for heat.

Mince garlic and stir into the sauce.

Cut carrot into thin matchsticks or grate it and add to the sauce for texture.

Let the sauce sit to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens