Thai-Style Chili, Lime, Garlic and Cilantro Dipping Sauce for Seafood (Nước Chấm Hải Sản Kiểu Thái)

The cilantro’s bold flavor and aroma pairs perfectly with seafood. I particularly enjoy it with clams, mussels, and other shellfish. I love using the clam as a scoop to throw back the sauce and clam like the shellfish aficionado that I am.

You can also have this sauce with other food that needs a Southeast Asian flair. Think of fried chicken, fried pork ribs, and even fried tofu. The acidity of the sauce complements the fatty fried taste. It’s absolutely delicious!

The sauce literally takes no more than 5 minutes and requires no cooking. Make a batch or two, or three. You can prepare it in advance but leave out the fresh ingredients (garlic and cilantro) until you are ready to serve.

Recipe below. Enjoy!

Thai-Style Chili, Lime, Garlic and Cilantro Dipping Sauce for Seafood (Nuoc Cham Hai San Kieu Thai)

Here are some tips for prepping seafood to eliminate any fishy smell:

Give the seafood a rub down with salt then rinse thoroughly with cold running water. This should get rid of most of the foul smell.
Blanch or cook the seafood in water with smashed ginger and sliced shallots. This will definitely get rid of any trace of any fishy smell. It also provides a fantastic aroma.

If the above fails, then the freshness of your seafood is questionable. It’s probably best to throw it out.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Thai-Style Chili, Lime, Garlic and Cilantro Dipping Sauce for Seafood (Nuoc Cham Hai San Kieu Thai)

Makes 1-1/2 cups

Ingredients

1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup lime juice (about 1-1/2 limes)
4 garlic cloves (chop finely or use a garlic press)
1/4 cup finely minced fresh cilantro
2 chili peppers (optional; finely mince)

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together hot water and sugar until dissolved.
Add fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, cilantro and chili peppers. Mix well and serve immediately. If prepping in advance, do not add garlic, cilantro and chili peppers until you are ready to serve.

OTHER DIPPING SAUCE/CONDIMENT RECIPES

Apr 12, 2024

Homemade Kho Sauce Recipe for Authentic Vietnamese Braised Dishes (Nuoc Sot Kho)

Apr 12, 2024

A thin brown sauce ready for use with traditional Vietnamese fish-sauce-braised dishes. Simply add your protein and braise until protein has cooked through and sauce has thickened to your liking. This yields 1-½ cups.

Apr 12, 2024

Feb 3, 2024

Vietnamese Pickled Mustard Greens (Dưa Cải Chua)

Feb 3, 2024

Make your own Vietnamese Pickled Mustard Greens (Dưa Cải Chua) in just 3-4 days. Perfect with Thịt Kho Tàu and a Lunar New Year favorite, this easy recipe brings you the tangy, crispy goodness of homemade pickles without vinegar.

Feb 3, 2024

Dec 18, 2023

House Mayo/Butter (Bơ) for Vietnamese Sandwich Bánh Mì

Dec 18, 2023

No Vietnamese sandwich, or bánh mì, is complete without its rich yellow smear of Vietnamese-style mayo. This recipe makes about ¾ cup mayo.

Dec 18, 2023

Nov 7, 2023

How to Cook Pork Blood (Huyết)

Nov 7, 2023

Learn how to cook congealed pork blood properly with a smooth texture and without the cheese holes. Its unique flavor and texture are perfect additions to complete your favorite Vietnamese dishes.

Nov 7, 2023

Apr 14, 2023

How to Make Crispy Fried Shallots (Hanh Phi)

Apr 14, 2023

A delicious and versatile topping, these crispy fried shallots add so much flavor and texture to many Vietnamese dishes. Say goodbye to soggy and burnt fried shallots with this foolproof recipe for crispy fried shallots at home each and every time.

Apr 14, 2023

Feb 3, 2023

Easy Vietnamese Liver Pâté Recipe for Bánh Mì Sandwiches

Feb 3, 2023

Pâté is a beloved livery spread for Vietnamese Bánh Mì sandwiches. Make your own pate at home with just a few simple ingredients and take your sandwich to the next level. This recipe makes about 2 cups.

Feb 3, 2023

Nov 12, 2022

Vietnamese Scallion Oil (Mo Hanh)

Nov 12, 2022

A simple yet delicious Vietnamese garnish of oil and scallions to give the finishing touch to many Vietnamese dishes. Brush them on grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, rice noodles, and many more.

Nov 12, 2022

Feb 18, 2022

Asian Crack Sauce Recipe

Feb 18, 2022

Looking for a new steak sauce? Try this amazing umami-packed Asian sauce. It’s a sweet and spicy sauce made from a combination of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, shallots, garlic, cilantro, and chili peppers. It’s so good on just about everything and so addicting that we simply call it the Asian crack sauce.

Feb 18, 2022

Jan 19, 2022

Vietnamese Fermented Dried Daikon in Fish Sauce (Dưa Món)

Jan 19, 2022

This side dish is commonly eaten with banh tet or its square-shaped version, banh chung, during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration (tet). This recipe makes 2 cups.

Jan 19, 2022

Dec 13, 2021

Fermented Shrimp Paste Dipping Sauce for Green Mangoes (Mắm Ruốc Chấm Xoài)

Dec 13, 2021

Serve up tart green mangoes with this sweet, salty and spicy dipping sauce. This umami-packed dipping sauce uses pungent shrimp paste, but combined with the right ingredients, it’s perfection. You will never eat green mangoes without it ever again. It also works well with any tart firm fruit, or whatever fruit that needs a Southeast Asian kick.

Dec 13, 2021

Nov 19, 2021

Vietnamese Pickled Daikon & Carrots for Bánh Mì (Đồ Chua)

Nov 19, 2021

A Vietnamese sandwich (Banh Mi) without pickled daikon and carrot is a naked sandwich and isn't worth eating … at least you will notice something missing. Use this super easy recipe to add a much-needed sweet and tangy crunch to your sandwich! Not only is it great on sandwiches, but it’s also added to Vietnamese salads and topped as a garnish to many Vietnamese grilled meat dishes.

Nov 19, 2021

Dec 26, 2020

Thai-Style Chili, Lime, Garlic and Cilantro Dipping Sauce for Seafood (Nước Chấm Hải Sản Kiểu Thái)

Dec 26, 2020

This Thai-style dipping sauce is very similar to the Vietnamese dipping sauce (Nước Mắm Chấm). It contains the five S’s: sweet, spicy, sour, savory, and sexy. The main difference is the use of cilantro. The cilantro’s bold flavor and aroma pairs perfectly with seafood. It takes no more than 5 minutes and requires no cooking.

Dec 26, 2020

Oct 8, 2020

Vietnamese Sate Sauce - Chili Oil with Shallots, Garlic & Lemongrass (Ớt Sa Tế)

Oct 8, 2020

Vietnamese sate sauce is a spicy and flavorful condiment of garlic, lemongrass, and shallots. It is a sweet and savory sauce that you can throw in noodle soups, stir-fries, or in a marinade for grilled meats. This sauce is commonly found on restaurant tabletops for customers to give their food an immediate spicy boost of Southeast Asian flavors.

Oct 8, 2020

Jul 24, 2020

Vietnamese Pickled Red Chili Peppers With Garlic (Ớt Ngâm Giấm Tỏi)

Jul 24, 2020

Here is a quick and simple recipe for pickled chili peppers. Pickled chili peppers are used as a side condiment to many soups, noodles and stir-fries. These chilies deliver a milder version of heat, along with a sweet and sour note that complements many dishes well.

Jul 24, 2020

May 28, 2020

Vietnamese Green Mango Sweet & Savory Dipping Sauce (Nước Mắm Chấm Xoài)

May 28, 2020

Here is a sweet, savory, umami-packed dipping sauce for unripe sour green mangoes. It’s made with a combination of fish sauce, sugar, fried shallots, fried garlic, salted shrimp and chili peppers. Everything is cooked together for an immediate burst of Southeast Asian flavors.

May 28, 2020

Nov 15, 2019

Vietnamese Seafood Lime/Lemon, Salt & Pepper Dipping Sauce (Muoi Tieu Chanh)

Nov 15, 2019

A traditional and simple Vietnamese dipping sauce for seafood is salt, pepper and a squeeze of lime or lemon (Muoi Tieu Chanh). Serve the salt and pepper in a small bowl, along with a fresh wedge of lemon or lime for an elegant presentation.

Nov 15, 2019

Oct 2, 2019

Simple No Cook Soy Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham Xi Dau)

Oct 2, 2019

Here is a soy dipping sauce recipe that requires no cooking. To make this sauce, simply toss together some pantry ingredients and you’re done. This soy dipping sauce offers a savory and acidic taste that goes nicely with pot stickers (dumplings), wontons, blanched vegetables and steamed/fried fish.

Oct 2, 2019

Sep 27, 2019

Vietnamese Grilled/Baked Pork Sausage Spring Rolls with Orange Dipping Sauce (Nem Nuong Nha Trang)

Sep 27, 2019

Nem Nuong Cuon or Nem Nuong Nha Trang is a spring roll appetizer that appears in many Vietnamese restaurants. These spring rolls are made with rice paper and filled with Vietnamese grilled / baked pork sausage, lettuce, assorted herbs, a crunchy component made from either fried rice paper wrapper or egg roll wrapper and comes with its signature orange dipping sauce on the side.

Sep 27, 2019

Aug 26, 2019

10 Popular Vietnamese Dipping Sauces

Aug 26, 2019

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. Here are 10 popular Vietnamese sauces that we simply can’t go without.

Aug 26, 2019

Jul 13, 2019

Vietnamese Fermented Shrimp Sauce (Mam Tom)

Jul 13, 2019

This Vietnamese fermented shrimp sauce (Mam Tom) is the traditional dipping sauce for Hanoi Fried Fish with Turmeric and Dill (Cha Ca La Vong).

Jul 13, 2019

Four Popular Vietnamese Unripe Green Mango Dipping Sauces

Jun 24, 2019

In Vietnam, mangoes are rarely eaten when ripe. It’s the tart and crunchy unripe green mangoes that is highly sought after. When unripe green mangoes are paired with a sweet, spicy and savory dipping sauce or powder, it becomes a popular Southeast Asian snack. Here are the four popular dipping sauces that you can eat with unripe green mangoes.

Jun 24, 2019

Mar 20, 2019

Vietnamese Green Seafood Sauce with Condensed Milk (Muoi Ot Xanh Sua Dac Cham Hai San)

Mar 20, 2019

This Vietnamese green seafood sauce has one ingredient that you wouldn’t expect: sweetened condensed milk. The taste is surprisingly delicious with so many different flavors: sweet, sour, spicy savory and the newest of them all, rich from the condensed milk. This sauce is perfect for any seafood lover. Simply boil, grill, or steam your seafood and serve this sauce on the side.

Mar 20, 2019

Feb 10, 2019

Vietnamese Ginger Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam Gung)

Feb 10, 2019

Vietnamese ginger fish sauce (Nuoc Mam Gung) is made from mixing together fish sauce, sugar, lemon/lime juice, garlic and ginger. It’s sweet, sour and spicy with a nice zing from freshly grated ginger, making it the perfect dipping sauce for poached chicken, duck and grilled seafood.

Feb 10, 2019

Jan 30, 2019

Vietnamese Crunchy Pickled Jalapenos (Ot Ngam Giam)

Jan 30, 2019

Unlike other pickled jalapenos, these jalapenos are crunchy and fresh tasting, even after one month in the fridge. Like most Vietnamese pickling, this method doesn’t involve a hot water bath that cooks the vegetables. Therefore, it doesn’t last an eternity. However what lacks in perishability, makes up in the taste. These pickled jalapenos have the perfect balance between spicy, sweet and sour. Best of all, they have a crispy texture that you won’t find in any store-bought pickled jalapenos.

Jan 30, 2019

Jan 19, 2019

Classic Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham)

Jan 19, 2019

Nước Chấm is a quintessential sauce in Vietnamese cuisine. Made from simple ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, this sauce adds a delicious umami flavor to a wide range of dishes. It's a staple item in Vietnamese households and provides an essential finishing touch to many Vietnamese dishes.

Jan 19, 2019

Jan 11, 2019

Annatto Oil (Dau Hat Dieu)

Jan 11, 2019

Annatto oil, also known as Achiote Oil and Atsuete Oil, is a natural orange-red food dye used in many Asian and Latin cuisines.

Jan 11, 2019

Vietnamese Peanut Dipping Sauce for Spring Rolls (Tương Chấm Gỏi Cuốn)

Jan 11, 2019

Classic creamy Vietnamese peanut sauce for fresh spring rolls/summer rolls. This recipe makes about 2 cups.

Jan 11, 2019

Oct 13, 2018

Vietnamese Vegetable Dipping Sauce with Caramelized Fish Sauce (Mắm Kho Quẹt)

Oct 13, 2018

Mam Kho Quet is a sauce and vegetable dish derived from poverty when Vietnamese farmers had plentiful vegetables but very little protein. The dipping sauce is made by caramelizing fish sauce and sugar in a small clay pot with a small amount of pork, dried shrimp, dried fish, and/or pork fat. The sauce is then served in the clay pot alongside a platter of fresh and boiled vegetables.

Oct 13, 2018

Aug 8, 2018

Pot Sticker Soy Dipping Sauce

Aug 8, 2018

Store-bought potsticker dipping sauce is the worst. I finally came up with a homemade version that I absolutely love! Not only is this soy dipping sauce great for pot stickers, it is also great for dipping vegetables.

Aug 8, 2018

Mar 15, 2018

Vietnamese Caramel Cooking Sauce (Nuoc Mau)

Mar 15, 2018

Vietnamese Caramel Sauce (Nước Màu) is not a sauce you put on ice cream or an ingredient you use in baking. It's not even sweet. In fact, it's bitter. Vietnamese caramel sauce is used in many Vietnamese savory caramelized dishes (Món An Khô). Its purpose is to color meat to make it more appetizing.

Mar 15, 2018