Nuoc Mam Gung
Nuoc Mam Gung Recipe - Vegetarian Thai Cuisine
Introduction
Nuoc Mam Gung is a traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce made with ginger, garlic, chilis, lime, and fish sauce. It is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can be served with a variety of dishes.
History
Nuoc Mam Gung has been a staple in Vietnamese cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Vietnam, where ginger is commonly used in cooking. The sauce is typically served with seafood dishes, spring rolls, and grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 1 piece of ginger, peeled (5 cm piece)
- 2 tbsp of caster sugar
- 2 birds eye chilis
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 0.5 lime, peeled and sectioned
- 2 tbsp of nam pla (fish sauce, available from oriental supermarkets)
How to prepare
- Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Taste the mixture and add more lime or Nam Pla if desired.
Variations
- Add chopped cilantro or mint for a fresh herb flavor.
- Substitute soy sauce for fish sauce for a vegetarian version.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Use fresh ginger for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chilis to suit your spice preference.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nuoc Mam Gung with grilled meats, seafood, spring rolls, or as a dipping sauce for vegetables.
Cooking Techniques
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use soy sauce as a substitute for fish sauce.
- Use honey or agave nectar instead of sugar.
Make Ahead Tips
Nuoc Mam Gung can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Nuoc Mam Gung in a small bowl with a garnish of sliced chilis or a sprig of cilantro.
Pairing Recommendations
Nuoc Mam Gung pairs well with dishes like grilled shrimp, spring rolls, and vermicelli noodles.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Nuoc Mam Gung in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Nuoc Mam Gung contains approximately 30 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Nuoc Mam Gung contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Nuoc Mam Gung contains approximately 0 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Nuoc Mam Gung contains approximately 1 gram of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Nuoc Mam Gung is a good source of vitamin C from the lime and garlic.
Alergens
Nuoc Mam Gung contains fish sauce, which may not be suitable for those with fish allergies.
Summary
Nuoc Mam Gung is a low-calorie condiment that is rich in flavor and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
Nuoc Mam Gung is a flavorful Vietnamese dipping sauce made with ginger, garlic, chilis, lime, and fish sauce. It is a versatile condiment that can be served with a variety of dishes and is easy to make at home.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a friend's house for a traditional Vietnamese dinner. As I sat at the table, surrounded by the mouth-watering aromas of lemongrass and garlic, my friend's mother brought out a small bowl of clear, amber-colored sauce. She explained that it was called Nuoc Mam Gung, a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers.
I was immediately intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures in this simple yet complex sauce. I asked my friend's mother for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. As I watched her prepare the sauce, I was struck by the care and attention to detail she put into each ingredient. She explained that the key to a good Nuoc Mam Gung was to balance the sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors perfectly.
After that dinner, I couldn't stop thinking about the Nuoc Mam Gung. I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work. I minced the garlic and chili peppers, squeezed the fresh lime juice, and measured out the fish sauce and sugar. As I mixed everything together, I could already smell the familiar aroma of the sauce wafting through my kitchen.
The first taste of my homemade Nuoc Mam Gung took me back to that warm summer evening at my friend's house. The flavors were perfect – tangy from the lime juice, savory from the fish sauce, sweet from the sugar, and spicy from the chili peppers. I knew I had succeeded in recreating the sauce that had captivated me so much.
I couldn't wait to share my newfound recipe with my family and friends. I made a big batch of Nuoc Mam Gung and brought it to our next family gathering. As everyone dipped their spring rolls and grilled meats into the sauce, their faces lit up with delight. They couldn't get enough of the bold and addictive flavors of the Nuoc Mam Gung.
Over the years, I have made Nuoc Mam Gung countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my taste. Sometimes I add a little more sugar for a sweeter sauce, or extra chili peppers for a spicier kick. No matter how I make it, the sauce always brings back memories of that first taste at my friend's house.
I have shared the recipe with many friends and family members, all of whom have fallen in love with the flavors of Nuoc Mam Gung. It has become a staple in our household, served with everything from spring rolls to grilled meats to noodle dishes. I love the way it adds a burst of flavor to any meal and how it always brings people together around the table.
As I look back on that fateful dinner that introduced me to Nuoc Mam Gung, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and experiment with new recipes. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and discovering this sauce has only deepened my love for creating delicious dishes. I will always cherish the memory of that first taste of Nuoc Mam Gung and the journey it has taken me on in my culinary adventures.
Categories
| Lime Recipes | Thai Recipes | Thai Salads | Thai Vegetarian | Vegetarian Recipes |