15 Vietnamese Plum Sauce Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Vietnamese plum sauce, also known as "mam xao" in Vietnamese, is a staple condiment in Vietnamese cuisine. It's a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that can elevate any dish. While there are many variations of this sauce, the authentic recipe has been passed down for generations and remains a popular choice for dipping, glazing, and marinating. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own homemade Vietnamese plum sauce and explore some creative ways to use it in your dishes.
The star ingredient in this sauce is fresh, ripe plums. Look for plums that are slightly soft to the touch and have a deep red or purple color. Plums are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
2. Sugar
To balance out the tanginess of the plums, we'll need to add some sugar to the sauce. You can use regular white sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
3. Fish sauce
Fish sauce, or "nuoc mam" in Vietnamese, is a key ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes. It adds a unique umami flavor to the sauce and is essential in creating the authentic taste of Vietnamese plum sauce.
4. Garlic and chili
For a spicy kick, we'll be using garlic and chili in this recipe. Finely chopped garlic adds a savory note while red chili flakes or fresh red chilies bring the heat.
5. Rice vinegar
Rice vinegar is a mild and slightly sweet vinegar that adds a tangy flavor to the sauce. It also helps to balance out the sweetness from the plums and sugar.
6. Cornstarch
To thicken the sauce and give it a glossy sheen, we'll be using cornstarch. It's a common ingredient in Asian sauces and helps to bind all the flavors together.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the plums
Wash and pit the plums, then chop them into small pieces. You can leave the skin on for a deeper flavor or remove it if you prefer a smoother sauce.
Step 2: Cook the plums
In a saucepan, add the chopped plums, sugar, fish sauce, garlic, chili, and rice vinegar. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the plums are soft and the sugar has dissolved.
Step 3: Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and a few tablespoons of water until it forms a smooth paste. Add this to the plum mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Cool and store
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool before transferring it to a jar or bottle. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Uses for Vietnamese Plum Sauce
There are countless ways to use Vietnamese plum sauce in your cooking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Dipping sauce
The most common use for this sauce is as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or grilled meats.
2. Glaze for meats
Brush the sauce on chicken, pork, or beef before grilling or roasting for a sweet and tangy glaze.
3. Marinade
Marinate your protein of choice in the sauce for a few hours before cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Stir-fry sauce
Add a few tablespoons of the sauce to your stir-fry for a delicious sweet and sour flavor.
With this homemade Vietnamese plum sauce, you can add a touch of Vietnamese flavor to any dish. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
