18 Vietnamese Fish Sauce Recipe Helen Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Vietnamese fish sauce, also known as nước mắm, is a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. This salty and pungent condiment is made by fermenting fish with salt and water, resulting in a rich and complex umami flavor. In this article, we will explore a traditional Vietnamese fish sauce recipe from renowned chef Helen, who has been making her own fish sauce for over 20 years. Not only will you learn how to make this essential ingredient at home, but you will also gain insight into the cultural significance of fish sauce in Vietnamese cooking.
Vietnamese Pho Soup is a traditional dish that has gained popularity all over the world. It is a flavorful and comforting soup that is perfect for any occasion. The rich broth is made from simmering beef bones and aromatic spices for hours, resulting in a deep and complex flavor. The soup is then filled with rice noodles, tender slices of beef, and fresh herbs, making it a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Vietnamese cuisine.
Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. They can be served as an appetizer, added to soups or salads, or even used as a topping for noodles. These meatballs are made with ground chicken, fragrant herbs and spices, and are baked to perfection. They are juicy, flavorful, and a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs. Give them a try and you won't be disappointed!
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Nước Mấm Chấm – Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Fish Sauce, Garlic, Sugar, White Vinegar
Nước Mấm Chấm, also known as Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce, is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. This sauce is a combination of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili peppers, resulting in a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. It is commonly used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, grilled meats, and salads. The sauce adds a burst of flavor to any dish and is a must-have in your pantry.
Main Ingredients: Pork Blade Steaks, Light Brown Sugar, Chopped Garlic
If you have ever been to a Vietnamese restaurant, you have probably seen Grilled Lemongrass Pork on the menu. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and for a good reason. The pork is marinated in a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, and other spices, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. It is then grilled to perfection and served with rice, noodles, or as a filling for banh mi sandwiches. This dish will transport you to the streets of Vietnam with its authentic flavors.
Vietnamese Caramel Chicken, also known as Ga Kho, is a popular dish in Vietnamese households. The chicken is simmered in a caramel sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and other aromatics, resulting in a sweet and savory dish. The caramelization gives the chicken a beautiful color and a depth of flavor that is irresistible. This dish is easy to make and pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
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Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Lemongrass, Garlic, Thai Chili
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, and soy sauce, resulting in a fragrant and tender meat. It is then grilled or pan-fried to perfection and served with rice or noodles. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and a great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.
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Grilled Vietnamese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Green Onions, Lime
Grilled Vietnamese Chicken is a staple in Vietnamese households. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and other spices, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meat. It is then grilled to perfection and served with rice, noodles, or as a filling for banh mi sandwiches. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues and will be a hit with your friends and family.
Vietnamese Eggrolls, also known as Cha Gio, are a popular appetizer in Vietnamese cuisine. These crispy and flavorful rolls are filled with ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables and are deep-fried to perfection. They are served with a side of fresh herbs and a dipping sauce, making them a perfect starter for any meal. These eggrolls may take some time to make, but the end result is worth it.
Pho, also known as Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup, is the most iconic dish in Vietnamese cuisine. This comforting and flavorful soup is made by simmering beef bones and spices for hours, resulting in a rich and fragrant broth. The soup is then filled with rice noodles, tender slices of beef, and fresh herbs, making it a complete and satisfying meal. It is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Vietnamese cuisine.
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Fresh and Easy Vietnamese Noodle Salad
Main Ingredients: Vermicelli Noodles, Carrots, Cucumbers, Green Onion
Fresh and Easy Vietnamese Noodle Salad is a perfect dish for hot summer days. This refreshing salad is made with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing made from fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers. It can be served as a side dish or a light meal and is customizable with your favorite protein or vegetables. This salad is a burst of flavors and textures in every bite.
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Authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho (Pho Bo)
Main Ingredients: Beef, Oxtail, Water, Yellow Onions, Fresh Ginger Root
Authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho, also known as Pho Bo, is a must-try for any pho lover. This version stays true to the traditional recipe and results in a rich and flavorful broth. The beef is cooked to perfection and the herbs and spices add depth to the dish. This pho is a labor of love, but the end result is worth every effort.
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Vietnamese Pho (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
Main Ingredients: Onions, Ginger, Beef Shin, Beef Brisket, Star Anise
Vietnamese Pho, also known as Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup, is a popular dish that has gained popularity all over the world. This flavorful and comforting soup is made by simmering beef bones and spices for hours, resulting in a deep and complex broth. The soup is then filled with rice noodles, tender slices of beef, and fresh herbs, making it a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Vietnamese cuisine.
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Vietnamese Fish Sauce (Nuoc Chom)
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Sugar, Fresh Lime Juice, Fish Sauce, Garlic
Vietnamese Fish Sauce, also known as Nuoc Chom, is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. This sauce is made from fermented fish and is used as a base for many Vietnamese dishes. It adds a depth of flavor to any dish and is a key ingredient in many dipping sauces. The sauce may have a strong smell, but don't let that deter you from trying it out in your dishes.
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Vietnamese Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: Japanese Cucumbers, Jalapeno, Scallions, Garlic Clove
Vietnamese Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that complements any meal. The salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. It is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. This salad is a great way to add some freshness to your meals.
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Vietnamese Zoodle Pho
Main Ingredients: Sweet Onion, Fresh Ginger Root, Garlic Cloves, Star
Vietnamese Zoodle Pho is a healthy and low-carb twist on the traditional Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup. Instead of rice noodles, this version uses zucchini noodles, making it a perfect option for those watching their carb intake. The broth is still rich and flavorful, and the addition of fresh herbs and vegetables makes it a complete and satisfying meal. Give this pho a try for a guilt-free and delicious meal.
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Shrimp Pho - Vietnamese Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Rice Noodles, Coriander Seeds, Cloves, Black
Shrimp Pho, also known as Vietnamese Noodle Soup, is a lighter and seafood-focused version of the traditional beef pho. The broth is made with shrimp shells and aromatics, resulting in a flavorful and fragrant base. The soup is then filled with rice noodles, succulent shrimp, and fresh herbs, making it a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is a must-try for any seafood lover.
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Traditional Vietnamese Chicken Pho (Pho Ga)
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Ginger, Coriander Seeds, Fennel Seeds
Traditional Vietnamese Chicken Pho, also known as Pho Ga, is a lighter and more delicate version of the classic beef pho. The broth is made with chicken bones and a combination of aromatic spices, resulting in a flavorful and comforting base. The soup is then filled with rice noodles, tender chicken, and fresh herbs, making it a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a lighter and healthier option without compromising on flavor.
Vietnamese Caramelized Ground Pork, also known as Thit Heo Kho Trung, is a popular dish in Vietnamese households. The pork is simmered in a caramel sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and other aromatics, resulting in a sweet and savory dish. The caramelization gives the pork a beautiful color and a depth of flavor that is irresistible. This dish is easy to make and pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
Vietnamese Pho is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Vietnam. This flavorful and comforting soup is made by simmering beef bones and spices for hours, resulting in a rich and complex broth. The soup is then filled with rice noodles, tender slices of beef, and fresh herbs, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Don't be intimidated by the long list of ingredients, the end result is worth the effort.
Pho Ga, also known as Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup, is a lighter and more delicate version of the classic beef pho. The broth is made with chicken bones and a combination of aromatic spices, resulting in a flavorful and comforting base. The soup is then filled with rice noodles, tender chicken, and fresh herbs, making it a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a lighter and healthier option without compromising on flavor.
Making Your Own Vietnamese Fish Sauce
Ingredients
To make Vietnamese fish sauce, you will need fresh anchovies, kosher salt, water, and a large glass jar. The quality of the fish is crucial as it will determine the flavor of the final product. Look for small, whole anchovies that are still fresh and have not been gutted or filleted.
Step 1: Cleaning the Fish
Start by cleaning the anchovies thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any dirt, scales, and excess blood. Once cleaned, pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Layering the Fish and Salt
In a large glass jar, begin layering the cleaned anchovies with a generous amount of kosher salt. For every two pounds of anchovies, use one pound of salt. This will help draw out the moisture and preserve the fish as it ferments.
Step 3: Adding Water
After every layer of fish and salt, add a small amount of water to the jar. Continue layering until all the fish and salt are used up. Make sure the water covers the fish entirely.
Step 4: Fermenting
Once the jar is filled, tightly close the lid and store it in a cool, dark place for at least six months. During this time, the fish will gradually break down and ferment, resulting in a pungent and flavorful fish sauce.
Step 5: Straining
After six months, strain the fish sauce through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container. Discard the solids and store the fish sauce in the refrigerator for up to a year.
The Cultural Significance of Fish Sauce in Vietnamese Cuisine
Fish sauce has been a crucial ingredient in Vietnamese cooking for centuries. It is used in a variety of dishes, from dipping sauces to marinades and soups. In Vietnamese culture, fish sauce is considered an essential element of a balanced meal, providing a salty and savory flavor to enhance other ingredients. It is also believed to have medicinal properties and is often used in traditional remedies.
In conclusion, making your own Vietnamese fish sauce may seem like a daunting task, but the result is a flavorful and versatile condiment that adds depth and complexity to your dishes. With this recipe from Chef Helen, you can now create your own fish sauce at home and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance in Vietnamese cuisine. So why not give it a try and elevate your cooking to the next level?
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