Nuoc Cham | Shallot Oil

makes 2 cups

ingredients

• 5 tbsp sugar

• 3 tbsp water

• ⅓ cup fish sauce

• ½ cup lime or lemon juice (about 3 limes or 2 lemons)

• 1 - 2 clove garlic, crushed, peeled, and sliced or minced

• 1 or more bird's eye or Thai chilies, seeded, and sliced or minced

• 1 shallot, peeled, thinly sliced, rinsed, and drained (optional)

method

• Whisk together the sugar, water, fish sauce, and lime or lemon juice in a bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved.

• Add the garlic, chili, and shallot (if using), and let stand for 30 minutes before serving. Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks

shallot oil

To prepare shallot oil, heat 1/4 cup oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced shallots you are using in the pork bun; cook 5 minutes or until golden brown. Strain the shallot mixture through a sieve over a bowl. Reserve oil. Set fried shallots aside.