This Vietnamese Green Seafood Sauce is a vibrant, herb-packed condiment that transforms any seafood dish—whether it's grilled shrimp, steamed fish, or a decadent seafood pasta—into something extraordinary. With the brightness of lime, the freshness of cilantro and Thai basil, and the zing of garlic and green chilies, this sauce is a pescatarian delight that elevates everything from simple summer shrimp to rich lobster dishes.
Vietnamese Green Seafood Sauce
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Condiment, Dip
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 1.5 cups of sauce, enough for 4–6 servings
Food processor or blender essential for a smooth, well-emulsified sauce
Citrus juicer for fresh lime juice
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula to help scrape down the sides of the processor
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
- ½ cup fresh Thai basil optional but adds an anise-like freshness
- ¼ cup fresh mint optional
- 4 –5 garlic cloves smashed
- 2 small green Thai chilies seeds optional based on desired heat
- 1 small jalapeño seeded for mild heat
- ¼ cup fish sauce for a homemade fish sauce recipe twist
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice about 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup light olive oil or neutral vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon finely grated lemongrass or ginger for extra aroma
Prep the aromatics
Rinse cilantro, basil, and mint, then roughly chop. Peel garlic and slice chilies and jalapeño.
Blend the flavor base
Add garlic, chilies, jalapeño, herbs, lime juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and lemongrass (if using) to the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides.
Emulsify
With the processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until smooth but not over-processed–you want a lively, herbaceous green texture.
Adjust seasoning
Taste and add more salt, lime juice, or sugar to balance sweetness, sourness, and saltiness. If you prefer more umami, a splash of extra fish sauce deepens the flavor.
Serve or store
Transfer to a jar and refrigerate. Sauce keeps for 4–5 days and can thicken slightly; stir in a tablespoon of water or olive oil before serving to loosen.
Pairings
- Grilled shrimp or scallops – brush them with sauce right after cooking for a bright, fresh finish.
- Steamed or pan-fried white fish – like cod, snapper, or halibut; drizzle sauce on serving plate.
- Seafood pasta sauce – toss linguine with sautéed shrimp, garlic, olive oil, and finish with this green sauce for a breezy, garden-style seafood pasta.
- Lobster sauce recipe twist – add a spoonful into melted butter for lobster tails or claws, giving a herbaceous alternative to rich butter-based lobster sauces.
- Cajun butter sauce for seafood – mix half green sauce with melted Cajun-spiced butter for crawfish, shrimp boils, or crab legs.
- Seafood dipping sauce – serve alongside a platter of fried fish or tempura shrimp.
- B loves seafood boil sauce – elevate your shrimp boil with this tangy, herbal sauce on the side.
- Shrimp cocktail sauce easy alternative – use this in place of the classic tomato-based dip; its bright, clean flavors are a refreshing twist for chilled shrimp.
- Cocktail sauce recipe update – mix the green sauce with a bit of ketchup or homemade cocktail sauce base for a sophisticated take on shrimp cocktail sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use different herbs?
Yes! While cilantro is traditional, you can boost Thai basil or mint for variation. Even parsley or dill gives a unique twist in this homemade sauce recipe.
2. What type of fish sauce works best?
A clear, single-ingredient fish sauce is ideal. Avoid imitation or mixed sauces for best flavor in this fish sauce recipe.
3. Can I substitute for spicy heat?
Absolutely. For less heat, reduce chilies or remove seeds. To intensify, add serrano or more Thai chilies.
4. Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes. For best quality, freeze in ice cube trays and transfer cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw as needed—great for a quick seafood seasoning recipe boost.
5. Can I use this on non-seafood dishes?
Definitely! Use it as a zesty salad dressing, drizzle over grilled vegetables, or mix into grain bowls—it's more than just a seafood sauce.
