Sa Tê:
Prepare to ignite your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Sa Tê – Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Sauce! This fiery condiment is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, renowned for its bold and aromatic profile that adds a zesty kick to a wide range of dishes.
Made with fragrant lemongrass, spicy chili peppers, garlic, and other aromatic spices, Sa Tế is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, noodles, and more.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or simply looking to explore new culinary horizons, this homemade sauce is sure to impress with its irresistible blend of flavors and versatility.
So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this essential condiment that will elevate your cooking to new heights!
Why Sa Tê – Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Sauce?
Sa Tê – Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Sauce is more than just a condiment – it’s a flavor-packed powerhouse that adds depth and complexity to any dish.
With its base of fragrant lemongrass and fiery chili peppers, this sauce delivers a burst of heat and aroma that tantalizes the senses. Whether you’re using it as a dipping sauce, marinade, or flavor enhancer, Sa Tê brings a vibrant kick to everything it touches.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, complementing a wide range of cuisines and dishes beyond Vietnamese cuisine.
From grilled meats and seafood to stir-fries and noodles, the possibilities are endless with Sa Tế by your side.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to create this essential sauce that will take your culinary creations to new heights!
Ingredients:
- 4 stalks lemongrass, white parts only, finely chopped
- 6-8 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a mortar and pestle or food processor, pound or blend the lemongrass, Thai bird’s eye chilies, garlic, and shallots into a coarse paste.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the lemongrass-chili paste to the saucepan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the sugar and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture caramelizes slightly.
- Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, water, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan, stirring well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, sugar, or fish sauce if needed to balance the flavors.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired taste and consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Transfer the Sa Tế – Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Sauce to a clean jar or airtight container for storage.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, allowing the flavors to intensify over time.
- Serve the Sa Tế as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, seafood, spring rolls, or noodles, and enjoy the fiery flavor with every bite!
Ways to Enjoy Sa Tế – Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Sauce:
- Use it as a marinade for grilled meats or seafood, adding depth and heat to your dishes.
- Drizzle it over stir-fries, noodle soups, or rice bowls for an extra burst of flavor.
- Mix it into dressings, sauces, or dips to add a zesty kick to your favorite recipes.
- Spread it onto sandwiches, wraps, or banh mi for a spicy twist on classic dishes.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of Thai bird’s eye chilies to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Congratulations, you’ve just created a batch of Sa Tế – Vietnamese Lemongrass Chili Sauce that’s sure to spice up your culinary adventures!
With its bold flavors and fiery kick, this versatile sauce is the perfect addition to a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats and seafood to noodles and stir-fries.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or simply looking to explore new flavors, Sa Tế is sure to impress with its aromatic profile and depth of flavor.
So, get ready to elevate your cooking to new heights and savor the fiery goodness of Sa Tế with every bite!
Don’t forget to share your Sa Tế adventures with me—I’d love to hear how you’re enjoying this essential condiment in your own kitchen. Until next time, happy cooking and bon appétit!