Fish sauce with garlic and chili is the soul of Vietnamese meals, especially when used as a dipping sauce for rice rolls, grilled pork noodles, fried spring rolls, or simply fresh herbs. However, not everyone knows how to mix fish sauce to make the garlic and chili float beautifully and harmoniously.
The Golden Ratio for Garlic Chili Fish Sauce
To make delicious fish sauce, remember the following “golden ratio”:
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1 part fish sauce
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1 part sugar
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1 part water (or fresh coconut water for a sweeter taste)
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1 part lime juice (or vinegar)
For example, if you use 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, add 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, and 3 tablespoons of lime juice.
When mixed in this ratio, the fish sauce will have a balanced salty, sweet, and sour taste that harmonizes the senses.
Tips to Make the Garlic and Chili Float Beautifully
This is the key to making your dipping sauce both appealing and tasty:
1. Mince the garlic and chili instead of pounding or slicing
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Garlic and chili should be minced finely to help them float on the surface of the fish sauce.
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If you have a small food processor, give it a quick pulse to save time.
2. Soak the garlic and chili in lime juice before adding them to the fish sauce
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After mincing, place the garlic and chili in a small bowl, add a few drops of lime juice, and let it sit for 5 minutes before pouring the mixture into the fish sauce.
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The acid in the lime juice helps the garlic and chili become “lighter,” making them float more easily and retain their color.
3. Use warm water for mixing
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Dissolve the sugar in warm water (around 40–50°C) first, then let it cool down before adding the fish sauce and lime juice.
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Warm water helps dissolve the sugar quickly and creates a clear and evenly flavored sauce.
Tips for Choosing the Best Ingredients for Delicious Fish Sauce
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Garlic: Use local garlic (smaller bulbs) as it has a stronger aroma and spiciness compared to Chinese garlic.
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Chili: Choose bird’s eye chili or small red chili for a spicier and brighter color.
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Fish Sauce: Opt for pure fish sauce with a high degree of umami (35–40 degrees), avoiding those with too many additives.
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Lime: Local limes are preferred for their juiciness and lack of bitterness.
How to Make Delicious Garlic Chili Fish Sauce
Ingredients:
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3 tablespoons of good quality fish sauce
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3 tablespoons of sugar
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3 tablespoons of water (or coconut water)
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3 tablespoons of lime juice
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1–2 cloves of garlic, 1 bird’s eye chili, minced finely
Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix the sugar with warm water until completely dissolved.
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Add the fish sauce and lime juice, stirring gently.
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Finally, add the garlic and chili that have been soaked in lime juice. You will see them floating beautifully on the surface.
Suggested Dishes to Enjoy with Garlic Chili Fish Sauce
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Fried spring rolls, egg rolls
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Grilled pork noodles, grilled pork patties
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Rice rolls, steamed rice cakes
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Boiled meat, fresh herbs
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Steamed or boiled seafood
A Few Notes:
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If you want to store it in the fridge for later use, omit the lime juice and only mix the fish sauce, sugar, and water. Add the lime juice and garlic-chili mixture just before serving to maintain freshness.
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You can also add a few slices of fresh chili to make it even more eye-catching.
With these simple tips, you can now mix your own delicious garlic chili fish sauce, with floating spices that sparkle and attract just like in restaurants. This “national” dipping sauce makes everything taste better and will surely impress anyone who tries it.
