Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce is a staple at most Vietnamese tables. This flavorful sauce compliments so many Asian dishes, and here I've prepared my own version of this versatile sauce. It's sweet, sour, salty, savory, and spicy!
This "magic sauce" goes so well with seafood, but also with steak, spring rolls, you name it!
What's in this Vietnamese sauce?
Simple ingredients bring loads of flavor. Here's what you'll need:
- extra-virgin olive oil
- Asian fish sauce
- lime
- sambal oelek (red chili paste)
- fresh cilantro and mint
- shallots
- garlic cloves
- brown sugar
- Kosher salt
[*See recipe card for exact quantities.]
Vietnamese Nuoc Cham dipping sauce is so colorful and flavorful! You'll want to use this versatile sauce with so many Asian dishes.
How do you use nuoc cham?
Serve it up with chicken, spring rolls, dumplings, salads, steaks, noodle dishes... the uses are endless!
Check out these delicious recipes using nuoc cham
Grilled Flank Steak Lettuce Cups with Nuoc Cham: These Grilled Flank Steak Lettuce Cups are the perfect lettuce wrapped meal and are a cinch to make. They are incredibly flavorful and oh, so healthy!
Pan Seared Halibut with Nuoc Cham Slaw: Flaky Pan Seared Halibut is topped with a tangy, spicy slaw with Nuoc Cham dressing for an impressive, healthy dish!
Grilled Baby Octopus with Nuoc Cham: Tender Grilled Baby Octopus combined with a Vietnamese Nuoc Cham dipping sauce make this appetizer dish a winner!
Asian Slaw with Nuoc Cham Dressing: Tangy, sweet and spicy, this Asian Slaw with Nuoc Cham Dressing is perfect as a side dish or on top of any protein like fish, burgers, or chicken!
Recipe notes
- Most major grocery stores carry sambal oelek in the Asian section. Or you can find it at most Asian markets. You can use Thai chili peppers as a substitute.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or freeze it for up to six months.
Update Notes: This post was originally published on November 19, 2017, but was republished with slight text changes and additions, like step by step instructions and tips in July 2020.
Print Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce is a staple at most Vietnamese tables. Easy to prepare, you can whip this up in about 10 minutes! It's sweet, sour, salty, savory, and spicy!
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: ⅓ cup 1x
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest plus juice from 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (red chili paste)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- Pinch Kosher salt
Instructions
- In a medium glass mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together and taste for seasoning (ie. more salt).
- Serve with your favorite protein, salads, noodle dish, or spring rolls!
- Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or freeze for up to six months.
Notes
- Most major grocery stores carry sambal oelek in the Asian section. Or you can find it at most Asian markets. You can use Thai chili peppers as a substitute.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or freeze it for up to six months.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Category: Sauces
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 2.9 g
- Sodium: 457.6 mg
- Fat: 14.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.8 g
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Thi Nguyen says
Growing up in my Vietnamese home, I’ve never seen nouc cham made with these ingredients. We literally use water, vinegar, fish sauce, garlic, sugar and chilies. That’s it.
Asian Inspired Eats says
Hi Thi. I appreciate your comment on the nuoc cham dipping sauce. However, that's why my recipes are "Asian-inspired." As you read the opening paragraph of this recipe, you will see that it's my interpretation of nuoc cham ("...and here I've prepared my own version of this versatile sauce"). That's the beauty of cooking. You can be very creative, as there are no rules!😜
KayB says
Happened on this recipe in search of Vietnamese dipping sauce. It was incredible! The taste was complex and very satisfying. I made this along with the simple nuoc cham, and this was the favorite by far. It is so full of flavor and complemented the lemongrass chicken over rice sticks. I am definitely excited to try the rest of your recipes. Thank you for sharing.
Asian Caucasian says
I am so happy you enjoyed the Nuoc Cham recipe, Kay! I use this sauce on so many things. I was obsessed with this when I was in South Asia and wanted to make sure I posted a recipe on my blog for others to enjoy. Thanks so much for your kind feedback! 🥰
Diane Johnson says
This sauce sounds amazing! I had nuoc cham on my visit to Vietnam a few years ago and am so excited to make this at home! Thx for the recipe!
Asian Caucasian says
You're going to love this sauce! It goes so well with just about every protein. We are in love with this sauce and use it quite often!