Nuoc cham dipping sauce

3 /4 cup

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Stephen Ceideburg
2Cloves garlic
2Fresh chile peppers, preferably Serrano
1tablespoonSugar
3tablespoonsFish sauce
tablespoonFresh lime juice
4tablespoonsWater

Directions

This sauce truly defines Vietnamese cuisine. It goes well with deep fried, roasted and grilled foods. [Amen! S.C.] In a mortar, pound the garlic, chile pepper and sugar into a paste.

(Or blend in a food processor or blender.) [It's better in a mortar.

Trust me... S.C.] Transfer mixture to a bowl and add fish sauce, lime juice and water; stir to blend. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes or until ready to serve. Strain mixture into dipping saucers. [Not me--I prefer a chunky texture. S.C.]

Makes about ¾ cup.

Submitted By JOELL ABBOTT On 10-24-94