How to Make Nước Chấm – The Essential Vietnamese Dipping Sauce

Apr 08, 2025

Published by: Ha Nguyen

The iconic Vietnamese Dipping Sauce is the soul of so many dishes - spring rolls, grilled meats, vermicelli bowls, you name it. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and umami, all in one magical bowl. Every Vietnamese family has their own spin on it, but the base remains the same: fish sauce, lime, sugar, garlic, and chili. Once you master this, you’re unlocking next-level flavors for all your Vietnamese feasts!

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Level

easy

Serve

4

Ready to start?

Ingredients

I. How to make?

Step 1:

Heat the base

  • In a pot over medium heat, add 1 cup water, 1 cup fish sauce, and 1 cup sugar.
  • Stir until the sugar fully dissolves.
  • Once it starts bubbling, turn off the heat immediately
Step image 1
Step image 2

Step 2:

Cool It Down

Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool completely. This step is crucial to keep the fresh ingredients vibrant.

Step 3:

Flavor Boost

  • Stir in lime or kumquat juice for a perfect balance.
  • Add minced garlic and chili - since the mixture is cool, they’ll float beautifully on top.
  • Mix well and enjoy!
Step image 1
Step image 2

II. How to store?

  • Store nước chấm in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Keep the garlic and chili separate until serving for the freshest taste.
  • Shake or stir before using!

Subscribe to our newsletter

email *

copyright © 2025
designed byHUNGRYAGAIN