Cambodian kitchen notes · Recipes & traditions

ទឹកត្រីផ្អែម

Sweet Fish Sauce with Cambodian Palm Sugar

A little sweet, a little tangy, and full of savory flavor. This Cambodian dipping sauce brings together fish sauce, vinegar, and palm sugar for a versatile companion to fresh spring rolls, salads, cold dishes, and more.

A sweet-salty palm sugar dip is delicious with crisp green mango and the same balance works in many meals.

The sweetness that brings it together

In Cambodian cooking, palm sugar does more than make a dish sweet. Known as skor thnot (ស្ករត្នោត), it adds a warm, rounded sweetness that helps balance the saltiness of fish sauce and the sharp tang of vinegar.

In ទឹកត្រីផ្អែម, the result is a dipping sauce that tastes balanced rather than simply sugary. Add garlic and chili for a fragrant kick, then finish with crushed peanuts or shredded carrot for texture and color.

Palm sugar

Adds mellow sweetness and a warm, caramel-like note.

Fish sauce

Brings the deep, savory flavor at the heart of the dip.

Vinegar

Lifts the sauce with a bright, tangy finish.

Simple homemade recipe

How to Make Cambodian Sweet Fish Sauce

Use the same measuring unit for each part—tablespoons, cups, or another measure.

Easy 1 : 1 : 2 : 3 ratio

Ingredients

1 part fish sauce
1 part vinegar
2 parts Cambodian palm sugar
3 parts water
Minced garlic
Chopped chili
Crushed peanuts
Shredded carrot (optional)

Dissolve the palm sugar

Combine 1 part fish sauce, 1 part vinegar, 2 parts of palm sugar, and 3 parts of water. Then bring the mixture to a brief boil. | Keep all measurements consistent.

Cool and add the aromatics

Once boiled, top with chopped garlic, chilli, shredded carrot, and crushed peanuts per preferences.

Taste and serve

Adjust the sweet, salty, and tangy balance to your taste. Serve as a dip or drizzle a little over your favorite dish.

More than a spring roll dip

Make a small batch and keep it ready for meals that need a little extra sweet-savory flavor. The garlic, chili, peanuts, and carrot can be adjusted to suit what you are serving.

Fresh spring rolls

Serve on the side for dipping, with a balance of sweetness, tang, and savory flavor.

Salads & noodles

Spoon over fresh vegetable salads or toss with cold noodles for an easy flavor boost.

Grilled & Boiled Seafood/Meat

Pair with smoky charcoal-grilled meat or fish like ត្រីចៀនទឹកត្រីផ្អែម or use as a refreshing, punchy dip for tender boiled meats (like pork belly) and poached seafood.

Watch & Cook Along

See How to Make Cambodian Sweet Fish Sauce

Follow the simple palm sugar, fish sauce, vinegar, and water ratio, then pick up serving ideas for this sweet, savory Cambodian dipping sauce.

Recipe video

How to Make Sweet Fish Sauce

Follow the palm sugar, fish sauce, vinegar, and water ratio, then finish with garlic and chili.

Bring Cambodian palm sugar into your kitchen

Keep Cambodian palm sugar on hand for dipping sauces like this one, as well as marinades, stir-fries, and traditional sweets. One pantry staple can do much more than sweeten dessert.