Classic
1/4 cup fish sauce (brand I use is Flying Lion Phu Quoc )
1/2 cup water
3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice , or to taste
3 large garlic cloves (preferably mashed in a mortar and pestle but minced will work fine)
1 Tablespoon sugar , or to taste
1-2 fresh thai chiles (or Serrano), to taste sliced small
1 teaspoon crushed fresh ginger root (optional for another variation)
Except for the heated one, combine ingredients in a small bowl or food processor (for ones without scallions/peppers/garlic) and combine well. For the heated one, combine the liquid ingredients and sugar in a pot over medium heat until sugar is melted. Remove from heat and add in the remaining ingredients.