Nuoc Mam Chay Vietnamese Vegetarian Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- 5 garlic cloves
mashed or minced, I used a mortar and pestle
- 2 tsp chili paste OR 1-2 whole red chilies
mashed with some of the sugar.
- 1/2 cup vegan fish sauce
pictured above
- 1 1/2 cup boiled water
375 mL
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 limes
juiced
- 5 garlic cloves
mashed or minced, I used a mortar and pestle
- 2 tsp chili paste OR 1-2 whole red chilies
mashed with some of the sugar.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
Golden Mountain brand
- 1 1/4 cup boiled water
312 mL
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 limes
juiced
Directions
- 1
Mash together garlic, chili, and 2 tbsp sugar with a mortar and pestle.
- 2
Transfer the sugar garlic paste with the remaining sugar into a large jar and add the boiled water. Stir to dissolve sugar.
- 3
Add the soy sauce and lime juice and mix.
- 4
Adjust if you like it saltier (more soy sauce), spicier (more chili paste), etc.
- 5
Store in the fridge and enjoy!
- 6
Mash together garlic, chili, and 2 tbsp sugar with a mortar and pestle.
- 7
Transfer the sugar garlic paste with the remaining sugar into a large jar and add the boiled water. Stir to dissolve sugar.
- 8
Add the vegan fish sauce and lime juice and mix. The vegan fish sauce may differ in saltiness, depending on what brand you have. Start with 1 1/4 cups water, and adjust as needed. I ended up adding another 1/4 cup water to be about 1 1/2 cups water total. Adjust to your taste!
- 9
Store in the fridge and enjoy on many Vietnamese dishes!
Nuoc Mam Chay Vietnamese Vegetarian Dipping Sauce
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving the vibrant, complex flavors of Vietnamese cuisine but looking for a plant-based option? This Nuoc Mam Chay recipe delivers the quintessential sweet, salty, fermented, and tangy dipping sauce, all completely vegan.
This recipe shines by hitting all the right notes: the bright acidity of fresh lime juice, the pungent warmth of mashed garlic and chili, and the essential savory depth provided by either vegan fish sauce or high-quality soy sauce. It masterfully balances sweetness from sugar with tangy, umami-rich elements, creating a versatile and authentic Vietnamese dipping sauce that's completely plant-based.
Prepare for a symphony of flavors that awaken the palate. You'll experience a bright, zingy start from the lime, quickly followed by a savory, umami-rich depth, a hint of comforting sweetness, and a pleasant warmth from the chili and garlic. It's a light yet complex sauce that truly elevates a variety of dishes. You'll love how easily this vegetarian nước chấm chay comes together, offering an authentic taste experience without needing any animal products.
This Nuoc Mam Chay recipe offers flexibility. You can choose your preferred base: a vegan fish sauce for a more traditional fermented aroma, or soy sauce (like Golden Mountain brand) for a classic umami profile. Adjust the heat to your liking by using more or less chili paste, or substitute with fresh whole red chilies mashed with some sugar for a vibrant kick. Feel free to play with the balance of sweet and tangy by slightly altering the sugar or lime juice to suit your preference.
Serve this indispensable sauce with fresh spring rolls, crispy fried tofu, or as a dressing for vibrant rice vermicelli bowls. It's also fantastic alongside grilled vegetables or simply as a flavorful dip for your favorite appetizers.