Tram sauce recipe isn’t just a condiment it’s the bold, tangy-sweet flavor bomb from Vietnamese-inspired street food. At Primed Recipes, Chef Monica believes every dish tells a story. This one speaks of balance, joy, and unforgettable flavor.
Blending creamy mayo, zesty tamarind, spicy chili garlic, and sweet brown sugar, this homemade tram sauce enhances even the simplest meals. You can drizzle it on noodles, dip fries into it, or slather it on a sandwich. Most importantly, it’s ready in under 10 minutes.
PrintTram Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3/4 cup (approx. 6–8 servings as a dip)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy, tangy-sweet tram sauce recipe is a bold Vietnamese-inspired condiment made with tamarind paste, chili garlic sauce, and mayonnaise. It comes together in just 5 minutes, delivering the perfect balance of sour, sweet, spicy, and creamy. Ideal for dipping, drizzling, or spreading, this sauce pairs beautifully with spring rolls, noodles, tofu, wraps, and fries. Its versatility and bold flavor make it a standout in any kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste – provides tangy depth
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise – creates a creamy base (use vegan mayo if desired)
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce – adds heat and savory depth (like sambal oelek)
- 1 tsp soy sauce – for a touch of umami
- 1 tbsp brown sugar – balances heat with sweetness
- 1 tbsp lime juice – brightens the flavor
- 1–2 tbsp water – optional, to adjust consistency
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together tamarind paste and lime juice until fully blended.
- Add the mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and soy sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Mix in the brown sugar and whisk until dissolved.
- Add water one tablespoon at a time, only if the sauce is too thick.
- Taste the sauce and adjust to your preference add more sugar for sweetness or more chili for heat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Stir before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Vegan Option: Use your favorite egg-free mayonnaise.
- Smoky Variation: Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or a small drop of liquid smoke.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Serving Ideas: Great with spring rolls, fries, tofu skewers, rice bowls, wraps, or grilled vegetables.
- Make Ahead: Flavors deepen if made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: Vietnamese-American
What Is Tram Sauce and Why Is It Special?
Tram sauce is a Vietnamese-style condiment made with tamarind, mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and brown sugar. It delivers a balanced combination of sweet, tangy, spicy, and creamy in every bite. Because of its unique taste, it’s often used on street food like rice bowls and spring rolls.
You won’t find this bottled in stores. Instead, it’s made fresh, often in food carts or home kitchens. As a result, every version is slightly different, which makes it even more special.
Why You’ll Love This Tram Sauce Recipe
There are several reasons this tram sauce recipe stands out. First, it’s highly customizable you can make it spicier or sweeter. Second, it requires only pantry staples and no special equipment. Furthermore, it’s quick and keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
If you’re already a fan of our crispy tofu fries or vegan banh mi, this sauce will elevate those dishes even more.
Ingredients for Vietnamese Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tamarind paste | 2 tbsp |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Chili garlic sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 1 tsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Water (optional) | 1–2 tbsp |
How to Make This Sauce at Home
Time needed: 5 minutes
- Step 1:
First, whisk together tamarind paste and lime juice in a medium bowl until smooth. Then add the mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Step 2:
Next, mix in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely. However, if the sauce is too thick, gradually add one tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. After adjusting the flavor with more sugar or chili, chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3:
Now it’s ready to serve either cold or at room temperature.
Tram Sauce Recipe Tips and Flavor Variations
To make this sauce vegan, simply use your favorite egg-free mayonnaise. If you want a smoky version, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a small drop of liquid smoke. For a thinner dressing-style sauce, increase the lime juice and whisk in a splash of water.
Letting the sauce sit overnight in the fridge will deepen the flavor. Therefore, if time allows, make it in advance.
Serving Ideas for Sweet Tamarind Dipping Sauce
This sauce shines in many dishes. For example, it works beautifully as a dip for spring rolls and dumplings. It also pairs well with air-fried potatoes or grilled tofu. This tram sauce recipe also complements sweet potato taco bowls, vegan banh mi, or even a creamy pasta salad on a hot day.
Because it’s so versatile, you’ll find yourself using it more than you expect.
FAQs About Tram Sauce and Its Uses
It’s a bold mix of sweet, tangy, spicy, and creamy flavors. The tamarind adds citrusy depth, while the chili and mayo make it rich and punchy.
Not by default, but it’s easily veganized with egg-free mayonnaise.
Tram sauce keeps for up to 7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Therefore, before serving, give the sauce a quick stir to ensure the texture is even.
It pairs perfectly with wraps, tofu, noodle dishes, fries, grilled veggies, and more.