Easy Vietnamese-Inspired Chili Lime Dressing Recipe
This easy Vietnamese-inspired chili lime dressing is a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce perfect for salads, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce. Combining fresh lime juice, garlic, honey, fish sauce, and chili, it delivers a balanced flavor with a hint of sweetness and heat in just 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 3 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or to taste, recommend Red Boat Brand)
- 1/2 to 1 serrano chile or fresno chile, thinly sliced (adjust based on desired spice level)
Instructions
- Combine lime juice and garlic. In a small bowl, mix the fresh lime juice with the grated garlic. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes if possible, so the garlic flavor mellows and infuses into the lime juice.
- Add remaining ingredients. Whisk in the neutral vegetable oil, honey, fish sauce to taste (adjust depending on the brand’s pungency), and the thinly sliced chiles. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili based on your heat preference; start with half a chile for mild heat suitable for children.
- Letting the garlic sit in lime juice enhances the flavor by mellowing its sharpness.
- This dressing pairs beautifully with Vietnamese-style salads, grilled seafood, or as a flavorful dipping sauce.
- Fish sauce brands vary in saltiness and pungency; add gradually and taste as you go.
