Vietnamese Dressing

Name: Vietnamese Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 0.25 cup fish sauce, preferably Red Boat or Three Crabs brand; 1 fresh lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons); 1 clove garlic clove, finely grated or minced; 1 long green or red chili (like Thai bird's eye or serrano), finely sliced; 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar or white rice vinegar; 1 tbsp caster sugar or granulated white sugar; 2 tbsp lukewarm water

Bright Vietnamese Nuoc Mam Dressing

This punchy, versatile dressing brings Vietnamese flavors to salads, grilled meats, or fresh spring rolls. Fish sauce provides the umami foundation while lime juice and rice vinegar create the perfect acidic bite. A touch of sugar rounds everything out, and fresh chili adds just the heat you want.

VietnameseAsianSauceQuick MealsNo Cook

Prep5 min

Cook—

Total5 min

Servings—

Difficultyeasy

Ingredients

¼ cupfish sauce, preferably Red Boat or Three Crabs brand
1 fresh lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 clovegarlic clove, finely grated or minced
1 long green or red chili (like Thai bird's eye or serrano), finely sliced
2 tbsprice wine vinegar or white rice vinegar
1 tbspcaster sugar or granulated white sugar
2 tbsplukewarm water

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk vigorously until the sugar completely dissolves, about 30 seconds. The dressing should look clear, not cloudy — if you still see sugar granules, keep whisking. Taste and adjust the balance as needed: more lime for tartness, more fish sauce for depth, or more chili for heat. Use immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to one week.