Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Leo)

This is a simplified version of the classic Vietnamese dipping sauce, usually made with fresh peanuts. This version uses peanut butter to make it simpler. Of course, hoisin sauce is a bottled Chinese condiment that will keep fresh in your refrigerator for a year. From Jim Fobel's Big Flavors.

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Yields: 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1⁄4 cup  smooth peanut butter
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 1  large garlic clove, minced (or crushed through a press)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄3 cup  chicken stock or 1⁄3 cup canned broth
• 1  tablespoon  vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla) or 1  tablespoon Thai fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla)
• 1  tablespoon peanuts, chopped. (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, blend together the hoisin sauce and peanut butter.
2. Stir in the oil, garlic, and cayenne.
3. Gradually stir in the stock and fish sauce.
4. Cover and chill until needed.
5. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and sprinkle with the chopped peanuts.
6. Serve cold.