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.
Get the recipe for Nuoc Cham) »
2. Vietnamese Peanut Sauce (Tương Chấm)
If you’re a fan of fresh spring rolls, you know they’re incomplete without peanut sauce.
This flavorful sauce combines garlic, hoisin sauce, and the main ingredient, nutty and creamy peanut butter.
It’s a must-have creamy sauce for Vietnamese spring rolls like shrimp and pork spring rolls (Gỏi Cuốn Tôm Thịt) and jicama and carrot spring rolls (Gỏi Cuốn Bò Bía).
Get the recipe for Tuong Cham »
3. Vietnamese Ginger Fish Sauce (Nước Mắm Gừng)
Bring a zesty kick to your dishes with Vietnamese ginger fish sauce.
This sauce combines fish sauce, sugar, lemon or lime juice, garlic, and the most important ingredient, freshly grated ginger.
It’s the perfect companion for Vietnamese Ginger Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà) and Vietnamese Duck Noodle Soup with Bamboo Shoots (Bún Măng Vịt).
Get the recipe for Nuoc Mam Gung »
4. Vietnamese Fermented Shrimp Sauce (Mắm Tôm)
For those with an adventurous palate, this dipping sauce is made with fermented shrimp and a squeeze of lime.
It’s pungent and may take some getting used to, but it’s oh-so-tasty.
This sauce is often served alongside Hanoi Fried Fish with Turmeric and Dill (Chả Cá Lã Vọng).
5. Vietnamese Fermented Anchovy Sauce (Mắm Nêm)
Here is another sauce made with fermented fish sauce to wake you up.
This sauce is made with fermented anchovy, crushed pineapples, sugar, lemon juice, chili peppers, lemongrass, and garlic.
It’s another hardcore pungent sauce, but once mixed with the right ingredients, it’s glorious.
You will find this sauce commonly served as a dipping sauce for Vietnamese Lemongrass Grilled Beef Spring Rolls (Thịt Bò Nướng Cuốn Bánh Tráng).
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.
Get the recipe for Muoi Tieu Chanh »
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.
Get the Recipe for Muoi Ot Xanh Sua Dac »
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.
Get the Recipe for Mam Kho Quet »
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.
Get the recipe for Nuoc Cham Xi Dau »
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.
Get the Recipe for Nước Chấm Nem Nướng »
