Nước Mắm Đường (Vietnamese Sweet Fish Sauce)

Name: Nước Mắm Đường (Vietnamese Sweet Fish Sauce)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 3 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp fish sauce ((or to taste)); 3 tbsp sugar ((or to taste)); chili ((sliced; to preference))

Don’t settle for sour fruit when you can balance it out with Nước Mắm Đường using just 3 ingredients! This Vietnamese Sweet Fish Sauce is thick and sticky, perfect for dipping your favorite fruits into. Give it quick mix and enjoy every bite packed with an incredible flavor kick!

If you love this combo, try our lighter version for savory dishes or spice your platter up with a classic chili salt!

Nước Mắm Đường in a dish surrounded by chili with a hand dipping a slice of green mango in the sauce.

A fruit dip worth making every time

Have you ever come home to realize that trusting the greengrocer wasn’t the best idea? Maybe their level of persuasion was just beyond mastery and before you knew it, you were home with a bag full of green mangoes that were sworn to be ‘very sweet’.

Then after a taste at home, none of them turned out to be sweet at all!

Unfortunately, this has happened to me on SO many occasions. But instead of feeling duped (which I may or may not have felt numerous times before), you can turn every sour mango into a deliciously addictive snack.

Nước Mắm Đường is a 3-ingredient family recipe that turns any tropical platter into a treat. Just like Nước Màu (Vietnamese Caramel), it’s a staple that’s a cultural treasure because while it’s not commonly known, many children growing up in Vietnamese households will recognize the signature flavor combination.

And when you pair that with freshly sliced green mangoes, it’s a trip right down memory lane. It comes hand in hand with classics like Thịt Kho (Braised Pork Belly and Eggs in Coconut Water), Bò Xào Xà Lách Xoong (Beef Salad) and Canh Khoai Mỡ (Creamy Purple Yam Soup)!

What’s the difference between Nước Mắm and Nước Mắm Đường?

The main difference is that Nước Mắm also has garlic and lemon or lime juice and is cooked until the sugar is dissolved. Nước Mắm Đường, on the other hand, only uses sugar, fish sauce and chili without any heat so it’s ideal for just eating with fruit.

Nước Mắm’s tangy profile makes it perfect as a light dipping sauce for savory dishes like Bì Cuốn (Shredded Pork Rice Paper Roll) and Bò Bía (Rice Paper Rolls with Chinese Sausage and Eggs). It’s often made in large reused jars or juice bottles and stored in the fridge for months at a time.

You can also use it as a dressing over salads or over grilled meats for a sweet, savory and citrusy kick.

Both have incredible flavor and can be made easily!

Why this recipe works

With just 3 ingredients, you’ll save a trip to the shops if you already have fish sauce in your kitchen.
It’s a no-bake and no-cook recipe that only requires a quick stir for everything to come together.
Since it’s so easy, you can make as much or as little as you need so it’s fresh every time instead of storing it in the fridge.

What you’ll need

Dishes of fish sauce and sugar along with a chili.

About the fish sauce

We use store-bought fish sauce that comes in bottles. Choose your favorite brand or make it vegetarian with vegan options.

This recipe also uses Thai bird’s eye chilis but you can use whichever fresh ones you have available.

How to make this recipe

In a serving dish, use a spoon to stir together the sugar, fish sauce and chopped chili. Stir until the sugar is blended in.

Note: Without heat, you’ll find that the sugar will stay undissolved in the mix. This is normal and can be stirred through with each fruit piece as you eat and dip.

Serve immediately as is with your favorite fruits!

Recipe FAQs

Which fruit do I eat this sauce with?

It’s typically eaten with sliced green mangoes, but anything on the tart side will work well. Options include java apples, star fruit, apples and pears.

Can I cook the sauce?

You definitely can, but cooking it down will mellow out the sugar. What’s signature about this Vietnamese Sweet Fish Sauce is the sharp sweet hit and crunchy texture from the sugar crystals.

How long can I store it for?

If you keep it in the fridge sealed well, you can have it up to a week. As with any refrigerated dish, it’s best to use a clean utensil to scoop the contents out before resealing it again.

Tips for the best results

Use granulated sugar. The small crystals add wonderful texture and will dissolve faster than larger types.
Opt for good quality fish sauce. Since this recipe only uses 3 ingredients, you want to maximize the taste by using fresh and potent ingredients. Popular brands include Squid Brand, Megachef, Three Crabs, Red Boat and Son.
Use fresh chili. This will complement the saltiness with a sweet and floral fragrance.

Nước Mắm Đường in a dish surrounded by chili and a plate of fruit.

Try these condiments!

Sa Tế (Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Sauce) – Jam-packed with flavor, there’s nothing quite as aromatic as this spicy blend.
Hoisin Peanut Sauce (Tương Chấm Gỏi Cuốn) – Creamy, thick and the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this side is the best way to complement Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls.
Scallion Ginger Sauce (薑蔥油) – Another few-ingredient recipe that promises big flavor! We love it smothered over chicken, but it goes well with pretty much anything, including plain rice.
XO Sauce (XO 酱) – You won’t have to wait until you’re at your favorite Chinese restaurant eating a banquet to have a taste of this classic anymore.
Sichuan Garlic Chili Oil – Mouth-numbing and super easy, this aromatic oil is a serious keeper!

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