10 Popular Vietnamese Dipping Sauces
What makes Vietnamese cuisine so unique and delicious is the smorgasbord of dipping sauces we have just for about everything.
From the mild peanut sauce to the more exotic pungent fermented fish dipping sauce, there’s always a sauce that complements a dish.
Below are the top 10 popular Vietnamese sauces that we simply can’t go without.
Click on the picture to learn more about each sauce and get the recipe!
1. Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm)
Nước Chấm, Vietnam’s mother sauce, is the sauce that complete many Vietnamese dishes.
Made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers, it offers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors. It’s the mildest of all Vietnamese sauces and the go-to default when others are too strong.
It’s the perfect, essential pairing for egg rolls (Chả Giò) and many other Vietnamese appetizers.
Learn how to make this must-have sauce at home and discover why no Vietnamese fridge is complete without a gallon of it ready to go.
6. Vietnamese Salt, Pepper & Lime Sauce (Muối Tiêu Chanh)
Sometimes simplicity is key.
Muối Tiêu Chanh is a traditional and simple Vietnamese dipping sauce that’s perfect for seafood or even dipping the beef pieces from Vietnamese Beef Stew (Bò Kho).
Made with just salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime, it complement the natural flavors of the seafood and other proteins without overpowering them.
7. Vietnamese Green Seafood Sauce (Muối Ớt Xanh)
Another sauce perfect for any seafood lover.
Vietnamese green seafood sauce combines green green Thai chili peppers, lime juice, lime leaves, and the most interesting ingredient of them all, sweetened condensed milk for a rich and sweet creaminess that rounds out all the flavors.
If you prefer a milder spice level, substitute some of the green chili peppers with green bell peppers for color and less heat.
8. Vietnamese Vegetable Sauce with Caramelized Fish Sauce (Mắm Kho Quẹt)
Originally a peasant dish derived from necessity, Mắm Kho Quẹt is a savory dipping sauce made by caramelizing fish sauce and sugar with a small amount of pork and dried shrimp.
It’s served alongside a platter of fresh and boiled vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, and squash.
It’s a delicious way to enjoy your vegetables.
9. Soy Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm Xì Dầu)
Here is a versatile and flavorful soy dipping sauce.
It’s perfect for pairing with pot stickers, wontons, dumplings, spring rolls, or grilled meats.
It’s simple to make and a great way to add a touch of umami.
10. Orange Sauce for Vietnamese Pork Sausage Spring Rolls (Nước Chấm Nem Nướng)
Here’s a savory orange sauce that’s often served warm and paired with Vietnamese pork sausage (Nem Nướng). This popular recipe is inspired by Brodard Restaurant in Orange County.
Made with annatto oil or prawn head fat for its signature orange color, dried shrimp and bouillon powder for umami, and sweet rice powder for thickness, this sauce has a creamy texture and layers of flavors.