Are you looking for a vibrant and flavorful sauce to elevate your next meal? Look no further than this delicious ginger fish sauce recipe! This incredibly versatile condiment is a perfect complement to a wide variety of dishes, from succulent roasted duck and crispy fried chicken to delicate pan-seared fish. The zesty ginger perfectly balances the salty umami of the fish sauce, creating a complex and addictive flavor profile that will leave your taste buds singing. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a handful of readily available ingredients.
This simple yet sophisticated sauce adds a burst of fresh, spicy flavor to any protein. Imagine the rich taste of the ginger fish sauce coating tender duck, the subtle sweetness enhancing the crisp skin of the chicken, or the bright notes cutting through the richness of the fish. Forget bland side dishes – this recipe is your secret weapon to transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Ready to learn how to create this magical sauce? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Small pot
Ingredients
- Ginger: 120g
- Chili Peppers (ripe red): 8
- Water: 80g
- Sugar: 100g
- Vinegar (banana or rice): 2 tablespoons
- Fish Sauce (Ba con cua, 30° protein): 120ml
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ginger and Chili
- Peel, wash, and cut the ginger into pieces for easy grinding. (You can also pound it, but squeeze out excess water to prevent bitterness.)
- Grind the ginger in a mortar.
- Cut and finely grind the chili peppers in the mortar.
Step 2. Cook the Ginger Syrup
- In a small pot, bring 80g of water to a medium heat. Add 100g of sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add half of the ground ginger and stir gently.
- Add two tablespoons of vinegar.
- Once boiling, add 120ml of fish sauce.
- Stir well, and once boiling again, turn off the heat to preserve the aroma.
Step 3. Combine and Cool
- Pour the mixture into a bowl to cool.
- Once completely cooled, add the remaining ginger and chili peppers.
Step 4. Store and Enjoy
- Store in a jar in the refrigerator. (Keeps for about 10 days)
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- If pounding ginger, squeeze out excess water to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute lemon juice for vinegar, adding it after the mixture has cooled.
- Using a high-protein fish sauce (30-40° protein) will enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this ginger fish sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors even meld better over time.
2. What can I use this sauce on besides duck, chicken, and fish?
It's incredibly versatile! Try it as a marinade, a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings, or even as a glaze for vegetables.
3. Can I adjust the amount of ginger to my liking?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, use less ginger. For a more intense ginger kick, add more.
This incredibly flavorful ginger fish sauce is a game-changer for your cooking repertoire, adding a burst of bright, zesty flavor to any dish. From simple weeknight meals to impressive dinner parties, this versatile sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, get cooking and experience the delicious difference!