Name: Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon grated lime zest plus juice from 1 lime; 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (red chili paste); ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped; ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped; 1 large shallot, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; Pinch Kosher salt

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Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce is a staple at most Vietnamese tables. This flavorful sauce compliments so many Asian dishes, and here I've prepared my own version of this versatile sauce. It's sweet, sour, salty, savory, and spicy!

nuoc cham dipping sauce in a small white bowl with a white spoon along side

This "magic sauce" goes so well with seafood, but also with steak, spring rolls, you name it!

What's in this Vietnamese sauce?

Simple ingredients bring loads of flavor. Here's what you'll need:

extra-virgin olive oil
Asian fish sauce
lime
sambal oelek (red chili paste)
fresh cilantro and mint
shallots
garlic cloves
brown sugar
Kosher salt

[*See recipe card for exact quantities.]

nuoc cham dipping sauce in a clear glass bowl with a whisk

Vietnamese Nuoc Cham dipping sauce is so colorful and flavorful! You'll want to use this versatile sauce with so many Asian dishes.

How do you use nuoc cham?

Serve it up with chicken, spring rolls, dumplings, salads, steaks, noodle dishes... the uses are endless!

Check out these delicious recipes using nuoc cham

Grilled Flank Steak Lettuce Cups with Nuoc Cham: These Grilled Flank Steak Lettuce Cups are the perfect lettuce wrapped meal and are a cinch to make. They are incredibly flavorful and oh, so healthy!

Pan Seared Halibut with Nuoc Cham Slaw: Flaky Pan Seared Halibut is topped with a tangy, spicy slaw with Nuoc Cham dressing for an impressive, healthy dish!

pan seared halibut on top of a bed of quinoa and topped with a spicy nuoc cham slaw

Grilled Baby Octopus with Nuoc Cham: Tender Grilled Baby Octopus combined with a Vietnamese Nuoc Cham dipping sauce make this appetizer dish a winner!

grilled baby octopus on a plate with nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side and chopsticks

Asian Slaw with Nuoc Cham Dressing: Tangy, sweet and spicy, this Asian Slaw with Nuoc Cham Dressing is perfect as a side dish or on top of any protein like fish, burgers, or chicken!

Recipe notes

Most major grocery stores carry sambal oelek in the Asian section. Or you can find it at most Asian markets. You can use Thai chili peppers as a substitute.
Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or freeze it for up to six months.

Update Notes: This post was originally published on November 19, 2017, but was republished with slight text changes and additions, like step by step instructions and tips in July 2020.