Basil Dipping Sauce

Makes: About ½ cup

Time: 15 minutes

F M V

This dead-easy sauce is incredibly useful, especially considering that you can completely change its nature by replacing the basil with cilantro or mint, or using them in combination.

Any of the variations would make a fantastic dipping sauce for Summer Rolls (page 618).

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce, plus more to taste
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 or 2 fresh Thai chiles, seeded and thinly sliced
• ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil, preferably Thai

Whisk all the ingredients with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Let sit for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld, then serve.

Lemongrass Dipping Sauce Replace the basil with 1 stalk lemongrass, peeled, trimmed, and minced.

Lime Leaf Dipping Sauce Replace the basil with 1 lime leaf, minced, or the grated zest of a lime.