Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1/3 cup fish sauce
• 1/2 cup lime or lemon juice (about 3 limes or 2 lemons)
• 1 large clove garlic, crushed, peeled and sliced or minced
• 1 or more bird's eye or Thai chilies, seeded, and sliced or minced
• 1 shallot, peeled, thinly sliced, rinsed and drained (optional)

Instructions

1. Whisk together the sugar, water, fish sauce and lime or lemon juice in a bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the garlic, chili and shallot (if using), and let stand for 30 minutes before serving.