If you haven’t heard of nuoc cham before, you are in for a treat. If you have, you know what I am talking about. Sweet, salty, full of lime — can you hear the love and adoration coming across your computer screen, because I can feel it.
This is a super easy dressing to whip up if you have the ingredients on hand. The good news is that once you have the fish sauce
, rice vinegar,
Sambal
or Sriracha
they will last in your pantry for a long time and allow you to whip up many, many rice noodle bowls.
This sauce is perfect for rice noodle bowls where it clings to all the veggies, herbs, and rice noodles. Best to serve in a small bowl on the side of the main course and pour over just before people begin eating.
I hope you love it as much as I do! It’s:
Basic + Buildable
Easy to make
Perfect for so many Vietnamese Dishes
Ready in less than 10 minutes
Easy to prep ahead of time
Easy to increase for a larger guest count
Always a crowd favorite
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #theeternalhostess on Instagram.

Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 limes (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 teaspoons sambal olek or sriracha
- 1/2 cup Water
Instructions
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to combine all ingredients together.
- Set aside until ready to serve.
Notes
- Can easily be made ahead of time and refrigerated to make easy