I love this recipe for its perfect balance of salty, tangy, and sweet flavors that remind me of my travels to Vietnam. Plus, it’s super versatile and adds a fresh punch to any dish I’m serving!
I enjoy preparing Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce, Nuoc Mam Pha, because it balances the deep, savory, and sharply tangy flavors I love so much. I start with fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and rice vinegar—that’s the base.
Then, I add a little sugar and water to mellow it out. Finally, I round it out with minced garlic and Thai chili for depth and a touch of grated carrot for color (optional).
Ingredients
Fish Sauce:
Delivers tasty umami; absolutely necessary for genuine flavor.
Fresh Lime Juice:
Imparts sharp brightness; loaded with vitamin C.
Rice Vinegar:
Provides mild acidity; increases taste complexity.
Sugar:
Counteracts and tempers the flavors of salt and sour.
Adds a slight sweetness.
Thai Chili:
Heat is optional; capsaicin, contained within, boosts metabolism.
Ingredient Quantities
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small Thai chili, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated carrot (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Combine 3 tablespoons of fish sauce with the sugar water, stirring to mix them together.
3. Fresh lime juice yields 2 tablespoons when squeezed and is poured into the bowl containing the fish sauce mixture.
4. To the bowl, add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and mix well.
5. Add a minced clove of garlic to the sauce mixture for a powerfully intense flavor.
6. For a kick of spiciness, thinly slice 1 small Thai chili and add it to the sauce (optional).
7. Ensure all the components of the sauce are well mixed and evenly dispensed by using a spoon to provide the sauce one final stir.
8. Test the flavor of your sauce, adjusting with minute amounts of sugar or lime juice only if necessary to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors.
9. Pour the sauce into a dish for serving, or into small individual bowls for dipping.
10. If you desire a bit more texture and presentation, you can add a tablespoon of grated carrot as a garnish. Serve with your favorite dishes from Vietnam.
Equipment Needed
1. Measuring spoons
2. Measuring cup
3. Small bowl
4. Spoon for stirring
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Citrus juicer
8. Garlic mincer (or knife for mincing)
9. Grater (optional, for carrot garnish)
10. Serving dish or small individual bowls
FAQ
- What is the purpose of the water in the recipe?The fish sauce’s saltiness is balanced by the water, allowing the other flavors to blend together harmoniously.
- Can I substitute the Thai chili for something less spicy?
Yes, you can use a milder chili such as a jalapeño or omit it altogether if you prefer less heat. - How long can I store the dipping sauce?For up to a week, you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, retaining its flavor profile.
- Is the grated carrot necessary?The optional grated carrot adds mainly a splash of color and texture.
- Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?Lemon juice is an acceptable substitute, but for its truly tangy flavor, lime juice is the better option.
- What type of fish sauce should I use?Select a top-notch fish sauce, usually from Vietnam or Thailand, for the richest, most authentic flavor.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?Indeed, the amount of sugar can be adjusted to one’s taste, increased or decreased as necessary to achieve the desired sweetness level.
Substitutions and Variations
Fish Sauce: For a vegetarian substitute, use soy sauce. For a different flavor, try Worcestershire sauce.
Lime Juice: If a lime is not available, replace it with lemon juice or vinegar.
Rice vinegar can be replaced with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
Sugar: Use honey or agave nectar as a natural sweetener.
Garlic: If fresh garlic is not on hand, then garlic powder can be used.
Pro Tips
– Balance the Flavors: Adjust the levels of fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar according to your preference. A perfect balance should taste salty, sweet, and tangy simultaneously, with none overpowering the others.
– Chili Heat Adjustment: When adding the Thai chili, start with a small amount and gradually add more according to your spice tolerance. Remember, it’s easier to add heat than to remove it.
– Sugar Dissolution: Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved in the water before combining with other ingredients for a smoother texture.
– Marinating Time: Allow the sauce to sit for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps meld the flavors together, making the sauce more cohesive and flavorful.
– Storage Tip: If you’re making the sauce ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about a week, but add fresh garlic or chili right before serving to maintain their pungency.
Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce Nuoc Mam Pha Recipe
My favorite Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce Nuoc Mam Pha Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Measuring spoons
2. Measuring cup
3. Small bowl
4. Spoon for stirring
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Citrus juicer
8. Garlic mincer (or knife for mincing)
9. Grater (optional, for carrot garnish)
10. Serving dish or small individual bowls
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small Thai chili, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated carrot (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Combine 3 tablespoons of fish sauce with the sugar water, stirring to mix them together.
3. Fresh lime juice yields 2 tablespoons when squeezed and is poured into the bowl containing the fish sauce mixture.
4. To the bowl, add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and mix well.
5. Add a minced clove of garlic to the sauce mixture for a powerfully intense flavor.
6. For a kick of spiciness, thinly slice 1 small Thai chili and add it to the sauce (optional).
7. Ensure all the components of the sauce are well mixed and evenly dispensed by using a spoon to provide the sauce one final stir.
8. Test the flavor of your sauce, adjusting with minute amounts of sugar or lime juice only if necessary to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors.
9. Pour the sauce into a dish for serving, or into small individual bowls for dipping.
10. If you desire a bit more texture and presentation, you can add a tablespoon of grated carrot as a garnish. Serve with your favorite dishes from Vietnam.
