Vietnamese Tương Chay (Vegan Dipping Sauce) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Special equipment needed:
None

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and water until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, lime juice, grated ginger, chopped scallions, and chopped cilantro to the bowl and mix well.
3. Let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: None
Temperature:
None
Serving size:
Makes about 1 cup of sauce, serving size varies.

Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 tablespoon):
Calories: 20
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total Carbohydrate: 4g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tamari or coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce.
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar.
- Coconut sugar or honey can be used instead of brown sugar.
- Red pepper flakes can be substituted with fresh chili peppers or chili paste.

Variations:
- Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- Use lemongrass instead of ginger for a citrusy flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for a sweeter and richer taste.

Tips and tricks:
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Storage instructions:
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Reheating instructions:
None

Presentation ideas:
Serve the sauce in a small dipping bowl alongside fresh vegetables, spring rolls, or tofu.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro.

Pairings:
Pairs well with fresh vegetables, spring rolls, tofu, or rice paper rolls.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the sauce is too salty, add a little more water or lime juice to balance the flavors.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to use clean utensils and wash your hands before preparing the sauce.

Food history:
Tương Chay is a vegan version of the traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce, which is usually made with fish sauce.

Flavor profiles:
Salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables, spring rolls, or tofu.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

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Occassion: N/A

Region: Vietnamese

Taste: Savory, Umami, Tangy, Spicy, Aromatic