Elevate your steamed seafood experience with a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese dipping sauce that's surprisingly easy to make. Forget bland accompaniments; this ginger fish sauce dip bursts with aromatic ginger, the savory depth of fish sauce, the sweetness of sugar, and a bright zing of lime. It's the perfect complement to delicate white fish, succulent prawns, or even tender crab legs, adding a complexity that transforms a simple meal into a culinary adventure. The subtle heat from the chili adds a pleasant kick, balancing the sweetness and creating an addictive flavor profile.
This irresistible ginger fish sauce dip is more than just a condiment; it's a journey for your taste buds. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy makes it incredibly versatile, suitable for various seafood dishes and even grilled meats. Ready to create this deliciousness in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions to make your own batch of this incredible ginger fish sauce dip.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Blender (optional)
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Fish sauce
- Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Tamarind: a few
- Ginger: 30 grams
- Lemon leaves: 2
- Chili peppers: 7
- Garlic
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the aromatics
- Peel and wash the ginger. Slice it into small pieces.
- Puree the ginger using a mortar and pestle or a blender. Squeeze out the excess water.
- Cut the garlic into small pieces and puree.
- Cut the chili peppers into small pieces.
- Roll up the lemon leaves and cut them into thin strips.
- Cut the tamarind in half and squeeze out the juice, removing the seeds.
Step 2. Make the ginger paste
- Crush the ginger in the mortar and pestle.
- Pound the chili peppers in the mortar and pestle.
- Combine the pureed ginger, chili peppers, and garlic in a bowl.
Step 3. Combine the ingredients
- Add 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, and 2 tablespoons of tamarind juice to the bowl.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined and dissolved.
Step 4. Add lemon leaves and serve
- Add the lemon leaves and mix well.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of ginger to your preference; too much can make the sauce too pungent.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more tamarind juice or water.
- You can double the recipe to make a larger batch.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 150-200
- Fat: less than 1g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 2-4g
FAQs
1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! This dip tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight in the refrigerator. Make it a day or two in advance for best results.
2. What kind of seafood does this dip pair best with?
It's fantastic with almost any steamed seafood! White fish, prawns, scallops, crab, and even mussels all benefit from its bright, savory flavor.
This simple yet flavorful ginger fish sauce dip is a game-changer for any seafood lover. With its vibrant taste and effortless preparation, it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, try it, and prepare to be amazed by how much it elevates your steamed seafood dishes!