Quick and easy Vietnamese nuoc cham recipe made with just 6 ingredients and a perfect flavor balance. You’ll want this Vietnamese dipping sauce out on the table all the time!

Nuoc cham, a Vietnamese fish dipping sauce, in a dark ceramic bowl, topped with minced garlic and sliced red chili, served with fresh spring rolls.

🤔 What is nuoc cham?

Nước chấm is a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili. It has a balanced sweet, salty, tangy, and savory flavor.

💖 About this Vietnamese sauce

It’s often served with Vietnamese spring rolls and fresh rolls, but it’s also great as a salad dressing, a quick marinade, or something to drizzle over grilled meats and noodle bowls.

You can use it with almost anything, really!

You’ll love how much brightness and flavor it adds to your Asian dishes, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a staple in almost every Vietnamese kitchen.

Overhead view of nước chấm Vietnamese dipping sauce with shrimp spring rolls on a bamboo mat, garnished with herbs and fresh ingredients.

🍚 Ingredient tips & substitutes

Just like with peanut hoisin sauce, the flavor and ingredients of this Vietnamese sauce can vary by region and personal taste. Some versions are sweeter, others more spicy or tangy. You can also make a vegan version using a plant-based fish sauce alternative.

Garlic
Red chili pepper Adjust the amount based on spice preference; I used Thai Jinda chili.
Fresh lime juice Adds bright acidity and balances the saltiness.
Fish sauce Salty and umami-rich. I used Megachef brand.
Warm water
Sugar Sweetens the sauce and rounds out the flavors. Both white or brown sugar can be used.

🍛 More Asian dipping sauces to try

Keep a small jar of this nuoc cham dipping sauce in the fridge to brighten up any homemade meal in seconds. Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Nuoc Cham Recipe (Vietnamese Fish Dipping Sauce)

Quick and easy Vietnamese nuoc cham made with fish sauce, lime, and garlic. A tasty dipping sauce with a sweet, salty, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Serving Size tablespoons

Equipment

Measuring spoons
Cutting board and knife
Small bowl and spoon

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Finely mince the garlic and red chili.
In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and warm water. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves.
Add the minced garlic and chili to the bowl. Mix well and taste.
Adjust the spice level or sweetness to your preference. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Nutrition Facts

Nuoc Cham Recipe (Vietnamese Fish Dipping Sauce)

Amount per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Fat

0.03

Saturated Fat

0.003

Polyunsaturated Fat

0.01

Monounsaturated Fat

0.001

Sodium

354

Potassium

Carbohydrates

Fiber

0.1

Sugar

Protein

0.4

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Calcium

Iron

0.1

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and should be considered approximate.

❓Frequently asked questions

How long can I keep this? Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The flavor holds up well, but give it a quick stir before using.

Can I make nuoc cham without fish sauce? Yes! For a vegan version, you can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce. The flavor will be a bit different, but still savory and delicious.