Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce

Bold, vibrant, and perfectly balanced, Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce brings a bright harmony of flavors to every bite. Crafted with fragrant fish sauce, fresh citrus, a touch of sweetness, and hints of garlic and chili, it delivers a refreshing blend of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Whether used as a dipping sauce, drizzled over rice dishes, paired with grilled meats, or to enhance your favorite Vietnamese meals, this sauce adds a lively, irresistible depth that awakens the palate.

Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm)

Ingredients

  • ½ cup water (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup white sugar (50 g)
  • ¼ cup fish sauce (60 ml)
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar (30 ml)
  • Optional: chopped pineapple (¼ pineapple) or ½ apple/pear
  • 1 tsp chopped garlic (5 g, add when serving)
  • 1 tsp sliced Thai chili (5 g, add when serving)

Quick Steps

  • Combine water, sugar, fish sauce, vinegar, and optional fruit in a saucepan
  • Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves (do not boil)
  • Reduce heat and gently warm for 5 minutes
  • Cool completely before storing
  • Pour into a jar and refrigerate
  • Add garlic and chili just before serving

Pro Tip

Let the sauce fully cool before storing, and always add fresh garlic and chili just before serving for the brightest flavor. Keeps well in the fridge for up to 6 months.