Sweet, tart and salty. What a fantastic combination of flavours that work so well together. Intertwined to entertain, this Fish Sauce Lime Vinaigrette is a delicious Asian inspired recipe.
If you have never had a whiff of pure fish sauce, your first impression will no doubt be “funky”! This concentrated liquid is incredibly pungent but its flavours certainly warrants its wide usage.
This umami liquid is salty, briny and sweet and it is used in many traditional Southeast Asian dishes that you are familiar with such as Pad Thai, larb and green papaya salad.
Fish sauce is made by fermenting fish in large barrels, usually ones of high oil content such as anchovies and mackerel.
This is done by adding a lot of salt to the fish and allowing it to do its work over time, with a minimum of 2 years for a good condiment.
This fermentation process allows the natural bacteria to break down the fish which then produces a brown to black liquid.
Due to how pungent fish sauce is, it is best to always be cautious about how much you need.
It has no qualms about taking over the flavours of your dish so I wouldn’t be too liberal with it. Less is more in this instance.
Fish Sauce Lime Vinaigrette Ingredients
Fish sauce: fish sauce is one of those condiments where it pays to get a good brand. We highly recommend Red Boat Fish Sauce, Megachef Premium Fish Sauce or Tiparos.
Lime: The lime juices will penetrate the pungent fish sauce to create some balance in the recipe.
Avocado oil: As the fish sauce is so strong, using a bland vegetable oil such as avocado oil will allow the fish sauce to shine. I use Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil everyday as my cooking oil and it’s brilliant.
Brown sugar: Adding some caramel and coffee-like undertones to the dressing. The brown sugar will also add to the overall sweetness of the salad.
Hot water: To dissolve the sugar and to then add to the rest of the ingredients.
Fish Sauce Lime Vinaigrette Method
In a small bowl, dissolve brown sugar with hot water.
Then add fish sauce, lime juice and avocado oil. Mix until well combined.
Best Salad For this Dressing
Tropical Mango Salad with Coconut Flakes
Sweet golden mangoes matched perfectly with roasted coconut flakes, crunchy red cabbage, fresh mint and salty peanuts with a tangy lime and fish sauce dressing. A vibrant and healthy mango recipe that is punchy and with a whole lot of tropical vibes.
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Fish Sauce Lime Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp hot water
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lime, juiced
Click on the toggle below for conversion to US Cooking Units.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve brown sugar with hot water.
- Then add fish sauce, lime juice and avocado oil. Mix until well combined.
Nutrition
*Disclaimer: Nutritional information provided is an estimate only and generated by an online calculator.
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Kate
This was easier to make than I thought. Super tasty! I added a bit more lime juice, though.
The Devil Wears Salad
Oh that’s great to know Kay! Extra lime definitely works if you love tart flavours. The fish sauce is quite salty.
Amanda Marie Boyle
I love making my own dressings. I never thought of using fish sauce as the base for one. It’s great!
The Devil Wears Salad
Glad you make your own dressing. So many people don’t and buy store bought bottles when they are so easy to make. Yeah, fish sauce and salad is great combination.
Kay
I made this add to a simple prawn and veg noodle salad! Tastes so good!
The Devil Wears Salad
Oh great idea! Love how versatile it is!
Christina
OMG this sounds so delish! I can’t wait to make this.
The Devil Wears Salad
Thanks Christina…. it’s pretty yum!
Suzanne
As a Vietnamese person, I could drink this directly! My favorite salad dressing <3
The Devil Wears Salad
LOL! You just made us laugh out loud!
Sunrita
Will be making this dressing soon. It’s an amazing combination of flavours. Can’t wait to try.
The Devil Wears Salad
Enjoy Sunrita!
Kasy Allen
I love finding new ways to use fish sauce in recipes and LOVE the idea of using this on a Japanese style salad. Yummo!
The Devil Wears Salad
Fish sauce is such a staple in our house. We add it to so many things so why not a dressing!
Shanelle
This dressing looks yummy! I can’t wait to try it.
The Devil Wears Salad
Thanks Shanelle! Hope you like it!