Sauce Nuoc Mam Vietnamien Sauce De Poisson Recipe

Brace yourselves for a flavor bomb that’ll take your taste buds on a wild ride—my zesty, spicy dipping sauce that’s perfect for everything from spring rolls to seafood feasts!

One of my favorite Vietnamese staples is the Nuoc Mam sauce. I love how the fish sauce blends with lime juice to create a perfect balance of tangy and salty.

Adding chilies gives it a spicy kick, while a touch of sugar balances the flavors, creating a vibrant, versatile condiment.

Sauce Nuoc Mam Vietnamien Sauce De Poisson Recipe Ingredients

• Fish sauce: Provides umami flavor; rich in protein and minerals.
• Lime juice: Adds a zesty, sour note; high in vitamin C.
• Sugar: Balances flavors with sweetness; provides carbohydrates.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic pungency; contains antioxidants.
• Bird’s eye chilies: Adds heat and spice; boosts metabolism.
• Rice vinegar (optional): Enhances tanginess; low-calorie choice.
• Shredded carrot (optional): Adds crunch and color; source of beta-carotene.

Sauce Nuoc Mam Vietnamien Sauce De Poisson Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1-2 bird’s eye chilies, finely sliced (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon shredded carrot (for garnish, optional)

How to Make this Sauce Nuoc Mam Vietnamien Sauce De Poisson Recipe

1. Start by preparing all your ingredients: finely mince the garlic, slice the bird’s eye chilies, and shred the carrot if you choose to use it as a garnish.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/2 cup of fish sauce with 1 cup of water. Stir until well mixed.

3. Add 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice to the bowl. Make sure to squeeze the limes just before this step for the best flavor.

4. Gradually dissolve 1/4 cup of sugar into the mixture, stirring continuously until completely blended.

5. Stir in 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar if you want an additional tang to the sauce. This step is optional but adds depth.

6. Add the finely minced garlic to the mixture, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the sauce.

7. Depending on your preferred spice level, add 1-2 finely sliced bird’s eye chilies to the bowl. Start with one chili and taste, adding more if you enjoy extra heat.

8. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the sugar is fully dissolved.

9. Transfer the sauce to a clean jar or bottle with a lid, allowing it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.

10. Just before serving, garnish with a tablespoon of shredded carrot for a touch of sweetness and color, if using. Serve as a dipping sauce for dishes like spring rolls, grilled meats, or seafood. Enjoy!

Sauce Nuoc Mam Vietnamien Sauce De Poisson Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Medium-sized mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Mixing spoon or whisk
7. Citrus juicer or reamer
8. Clean jar or bottle with lid
9. Grater or peeler (if shredding carrot)

FAQ

• What is the purpose of adding lime juice? Lime juice adds a tangy flavor and balances the saltiness of the fish sauce, while also providing acidity.
• Can I use a different type of chili if I don’t have bird’s eye chilies? Yes, you can substitute with any chili of your choice, but adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
• Is the rice vinegar necessary? Rice vinegar is optional and adds a mild tangy note, but the sauce is still delicious without it.
• How long can I store the prepared sauce? Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for optimal freshness.
• Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh? Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used as a convenient substitute.
• Why add shredded carrot as a garnish? Shredded carrot adds a touch of color and slight sweetness to the sauce, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor profile.
• Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Yes, it can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together and become more pronounced over time.

Sauce Nuoc Mam Vietnamien Sauce De Poisson Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Lime juice can be substituted with lemon juice in equal amounts.
• Sugar can be replaced with palm sugar or honey at the same measurement.
• Bird’s eye chilies can be substituted with jalapeños or serrano peppers, adjusting the amount based on spice preference.
• Rice vinegar can be swapped with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Shredded carrot for garnish can be replaced with shredded daikon or thinly sliced cucumber for a different type of crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Balance the Flavors Taste the sauce before letting it rest and adjust the balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy to your preference. You can add more sugar if it’s too tangy, or more lime juice if you prefer a sharper taste.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients Always opt for fresh lime juice as it greatly enhances the flavor compared to bottled juice. Similarly, choose fresh garlic and chilies for the most vibrant taste.

3. Customize the Spice Level If you’re unsure about the heat level, start by adding half of a chili and gradually increase until you reach your desired spice level. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s mixed in.

4. Chill for Better Flavor After the sauce has rested at room temperature, consider refrigerating it for an additional hour. This can help meld the flavors more deeply and provide a refreshing coolness when served.

5. Storage Tip This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use a clean, air-tight container to preserve its freshness, and always use a clean spoon when serving to avoid contamination.