Skip to main content

Lime Jalapeño Dressing

The secret ingredient of this tangy, spicy dressing is fish sauce, or “nam pla.” Made from small, dried fish, nam pla is a staple in Southeast Asian cooking; its strong, distinctive flavor is mellowed by the lime. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding jalapeños or leaving them out entirely.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 1/4 cups

Ingredients

1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup fish sauce (nam pla)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 3 limes)
2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
4 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, 1 tablespoon water, garlic, jalapeños, sugar, and red pepper flakes until the sugar has dissolved.

  2. Make Ahead

    Step 2

    The dressing will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Pure Flavor
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.