Basil-Soy Dipping Sauce

This dead-easy sauce is even better than it might seem, because you can completely change the main flavor by replacing the basil with cilantro, mint, lemongrass, lime leaves, or even a different type of basil. This makes a fantastic dipping sauce for Vietnamese Summer Rolls.

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 or 2 fresh Thai chiles, seeded and thinly sliced

1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, preferably

• Whisk together all the ingredients plus 2 tablespoons water until the sugar is dissolved.
• Let sit for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

MAKES: About 1/2 cup

TIME: 15 minutes