Sa Tế (Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Sauce)

This Vietnamese Sa Tế is the Lemongrass Chili Sauce that’s simmered until there’s an irresistible depth of flavor! It packs a memorable spicy punch and keeps well for ages. Our homemade version is SUPER easy to make, pairing outrageously well with your favorite stir fries, vegetables, meats and noodle soups.

For a Chinese inspired take, try our Sichuan Garlic Chili Oil!

The sauce that you’ll love to reach for

I think of Sa Tế whenever I want a sauce worth smothering all over my Grilled Pork Chops, tossing right through my Char Siu Lo Mein or drizzling over a bowl of steaming hot Pork and Prawn Clear Noodle Soup.

We usually only get served a tiny dish when we eat Phở at Vietnamese restaurants, which is never enough. But since making it at home, I haven’t run into that problem!

Our homemade Lemongrass Chili Sauce will turn any of your favorite family meals into a showstopping flavor bomb. Not only will it douse your food with plenty of spice-infused garlic, the fragrant kick from 7 different aromatics is simply unforgettable.

You may even want to keep some tissues nearby because this is one of those condiments that has no mercy; you could be wiping away at sweat AND some tears.

With the signature firey kick, there’s no reason why this homemade Sa Tế shouldn’t be stocked in everyone’s fridge!

Why this recipe works

• Roasting the chilis adds an extra depth of smokiness and brings out its natural sweentess.
• Seasoning with fish sauce enhances the Sa Tế with umami flavor.
• Using annatto seeds brings out the rich red color without compromising on taste.

What you’ll need

About the chili

There are many varieties of chilis to choose from, but we like to use bird’s eye chili for its spiciness. Other popular options for Sa Tế include the long red and green chilis or Thai chili, but any of your favorite ones will work for this recipe.

How to make this recipe

Cut the chili so that you’re left with just the red part of the plant and put them in the oven preheated at 180°C (356°F) to roast for 10 minutes or until dehydrated. Put them in a bowl to cool when ready.

Tip: Line the tray with foil to prevent any sticking.

Meanwhile, finely chop the garlic, red shallots and galangal.

Chop the lemongrass roughly into 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8″) segments.

Use a food processor to blitz the lemongrass, then pour into a bowl and set aside for later.

Repeat the previous step with the roasted chilis.

Pour the annatto seeds into 2 US cup oil in a saucepan and keep the heat on low to infuse the color into the oil for 3-5 minutes or until red.

Use a sieve to strain the seeds from the oil into a bowl.

In a new saucepan or wok, combine 1 US cups oil with the star anise and Chinese cinnamon bark on low heat for 2 minutes or until the aromatics begin to bubble.

Remove the star anise and Chinese cinnamon bark and add the chopped garlic, red shallots and galangal to brown for 1 minute.

Pour in the lemongrass, chili, dried chili flakes, fish sauce, salt, sugar and chicken bouillon powder and stir for 10 minutes or until golden.

Pour in the annatto seed oil and stir to combine for 1 minute.

Let the Sa Tế cool and store in airtight containers to be enjoyed with your meals!

FAQs

Tips for the best results

• Use fresh ingredients. While all of the grown products can be found frozen, you’ll get a much more potent flavor profile using the freshest produce.
• Keep the heat low and steady. It may take a little longer, but cooking the aromatics using a low-medium heat prevents them from burning and brings out the best aromas.
• Cook with a neutral-flavored oil. To preserve the taste of every ingredient, opt for oils that are not overpowering. Peanut, vegetable, canola, grapeseed and rice bran oil are all great options.

Dress up your dishes with these amazing sauces!

• Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nước Mắm) – A signature that adds tanginess, spice and sweetness, no Vietnamese family will be short of this in their fridge.
• Peanut Hoisin Sauce for Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls – If you love Summer Rolls, you can’t miss out on this rich and creamy pairing to enjoy with the ultimate light meal. We even have a vegetarian version!
• Scallion Ginger Sauce (薑蔥油) – Four ingredients. All-purpose. Packed with taste. Need I say more?
• XO Sauce (XO 酱) – Made using delicacies, XO anything is one way to show others that you have a fantastic meal AND are enjoying life’s luxuries!

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This post was originally published on 1/9/20 and updated with new photos in September 2022.

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