Imagine a sauce so vibrant and versatile that it can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. This Vegetarian Vietnamese Dipping Sauce is not just a condiment—it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, this quick and easy recipe will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, elevating everything from spring rolls to salads with just a few simple ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small chili, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 clove garlic (minced), and 1 small chili (sliced, optional).
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce and water. Stir gently to mix them well.
- Add the sugar to the mixture. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. This may take a minute or two.
- Incorporate the rice vinegar into the mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to distribute the garlic evenly throughout the sauce.
- If you like a bit of heat, add the sliced chili to the sauce. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors as needed. You can add more sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for acidity, depending on your preference.
- Once the sauce is well combined and to your liking, transfer it to a serving bowl or a jar for storage.
- Let the sauce sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the vegetarian Vietnamese dipping sauce alongside fresh spring rolls, grilled vegetables, or as a dressing for salads.
Tips
- Use high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor profile—look for authentic brands with a rich, complex taste.
- For a more authentic touch, use palm sugar instead of regular sugar if available.
- Adjust the chili quantity based on your heat tolerance—start small and add more gradually.
- Let the sauce sit for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a smoother texture, you can briefly blend the ingredients or strain out the garlic pieces.
- Experiment with additional aromatics like grated ginger or lemongrass for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 30kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
