This Dipping Sauce for Asian Dumplings comes together in under 5 minutes with few and simple ingredients you might already have on hand! It’s perfect for serving up with all of your favourite Asian dumplings, whether they’re steamed, pan-fried or boiled.
I just loooooove Asian dumplings. You with me?! On our trip to Japan last year, out of all the good food we were surrounded by everywhere we looked, if I happened to see a dumpling of some sort, I would always gravitate towards it. I just HAD to have it. And trust me, there were lots. Asian dumplings come in all different shapes and sizes and the list of ingredients that can fill them are seriously endless. One of my favourite parts of going to a restaurant that specifically specializes in dumplings is being able to watch the little Asian men and women whip up thousands of them by the hour with their eyes practically closed. I don’t know how they do it! I mean, you can just tell they’ve been doing it for decades and boy, is it ever fun to watch!
But, hey, who would I – Mrs. Saucy herself – be if I didn’t firmly proclaim that every good dumpling needs a good dipping sauce. Am I right? A dipping sauce that has the perfect balance of flavours from tangy, to sweet, to fresh and savoury. One that is packed with umami, pairs perfectly with any dumpling and is as quick to whip up as a batch of dumplings are to cook. Don’t worry, boo. I gotchu.
This dipping sauce for Asian dumplings is exactly that! It’ll take any dumpling to a whole new level and goes well with a variety of different fillings which, hey, is SUUUUPER important when it comes to dumplings. That’s right. It don’t even matter what’s inside your dumpling – if you dip it in this sauce, it’ll taste GOOD. So, next time you’re whipping up a batch of your favourite Asian dumplings and you’re in need of a quick and easy dipping sauce to pair them with, make this one. I promise it has all of the flavours you AND your dumplings are gonna want and need. Trust me.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THE PERFECT DIPPING SAUCE FOR ASIAN DUMPLINGS
If you’re into Asian cooking like I am, you’ll likely already have all of the ingredients you’ll need to make this dumpling dipping sauce. And if not, now might be a good time to add them to your collection! Let’s discuss each one in a little bit more detail down below:
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, savoury element and depth of flavour to the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: A mild and slightly sweet vinegar made from fermented rice. It has a delicate flavour compared to other vinegars and adds a tangy acidity to the dipping sauce. If you don’t have any rice vinegar on hand, try substituting it with a different kind. White vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar might work in this recipe.
- Sesame Oil: Its nutty flavour adds richness and depth to the dipping sauce. Sesame oil has a pretty distinct taste so I wouldn’t recommend using a different kind of oil in its place.
- Honey: Provides sweetness to balance out the salty and tangy flavours of the sauce. However, uou can use brown sugar instead if you prefer. Honey adds a floral note, while brown sugar contributes a deeper, caramel-like flavour.
- Garlic: Adds a savoury depth to the dipping sauce and complements the other ingredients. Therefore, fresh minced garlic works best in this recipe. However, if you don’t have any on hand, you can use a 1/4 of a teaspoon of garlic powder instead of the 1 fresh clove.
- Ginger: Adds a refreshing kick to the dipping sauce and enhances its overall flavour profile. Also adds a slightly sweet and peppery flavour to this Asian dumpling sauce recipe. Therefore, fresh grated ginger works best in this recipe. However, if you don’t have any on hand, you can use a 1/4 of a teaspoon instead of the 1 teaspoon fresh.
- Green Onions: Optional. But you can use them as a garnish to add freshness and a pop of colour to the dipping sauce. However, you can use fresh chopped cilantro instead if you prefer. Green onions add a mild onion flavour, while cilantro adds a bright, citrusy note. While these ingredients are optional, they can enhance the overall presentation and taste of the sauce.
HOW TO MAKE DIPPING SAUCE FOR DUMPLINGS (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this recipe for dumpling dipping sauce in the recipe card down below. But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Balance the flavours to suit your preferences. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the ingredients accordingly. Balance the salty soy sauce with the tangy rice vinegar, sweet honey or brown sugar and aromatic garlic and ginger. The key is to achieve a harmonious balance of flavours that complement each other. EXTRA TIP: If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of water or a little more rice vinegar to the sauce. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker consistency, you can reduce the amount of liquid ingredients or increase the amount of honey or brown sugar.
- Use quality ingredients. Since this recipe relies on a few simple ingredients, using high-quality soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and fresh garlic and ginger can significantly enhance the flavour of the dipping sauce. Fresh ingredients will provide the best taste and aroma.
- Grate the ginger finely. Finely grating the ginger ensures that its flavour disperses evenly throughout the sauce. EXTRA TIP: Use a fine grater or a microplane to grate the ginger into a paste-like consistency.
- Mix well. Use a whisk or a fork to really mix all of the ingredients in the dumpling dipping sauce together. You want to ensure you thoroughly combine all of the flavours in the sauce for the best taste and flavour.
- Let the flavours meld (optional but recommended). Allow the dipping sauce to sit for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting period allows the garlic and ginger to infuse their flavours into the sauce. This results in a more flavourful dipping experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Dumpling dipping sauce is typically made from a combination of savoury, tangy and aromatic ingredients that come together to enhance the flavour of the dumplings. One of the key components of the sauce is soy sauce, which provides a salty and umami-rich base. Rice vinegar adds a tangy acidity that helps cut through the richness of the dumplings. Sesame oil contributes a nutty aroma and depth of flavour.
To balance out the flavours, sweeteners such as honey or brown sugar are often added. These add a touch of sweetness to the sauce. Fresh garlic and ginger are commonly included to provide a fragrant and spicy kick, further enhancing the complexity of the sauce. Optional ingredients like chili flakes, green onions, sesame seeds or cilantro can also be added for additional heat or freshness, depending on personal preference. Overall, the combination of these ingredients creates a versatile and flavourful dipping sauce that perfectly complements the taste and texture of Asian dumplings.
The choice of vinegar for dumplings often depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile of the dish. However, one of the most commonly used vinegars for dumplings in Asian cuisine is rice vinegar. Rice vinegar, known for its mild and slightly sweet flavour, complements the savoury and sometimes rich taste of dumplings without overpowering them. Its gentle acidity adds a refreshing tanginess to the dipping sauce, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Additionally, rice vinegar’s delicate flavour allows it to pair well with a wide variety of dumpling fillings, from meat and vegetables to seafood and tofu. While you can use other vinegars such as white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as substitutes, rice vinegar is often the go-to for its subtle taste and ability to harmonize with the flavours of the dumplings. Ultimately, the best vinegar for dumplings is one that balances acidity with sweetness and enhances the overall enjoyment of the dish.
Traditionally, Asian dumplings are often served with a variety of accompaniments that complement their flavours and textures. One of the most common and essential accompaniments is a dipping sauce such as this one, typically made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic and ginger. This savoury and tangy sauce adds depth and enhances the taste of the dumplings.
Alongside the dipping sauce, dumplings are often served with fried or steamed rice, providing a satisfying starch to balance out the meal. Stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli or snap peas, offer a refreshing and nutritious side dish. Additionally, you can serve a bowl of hot soup, such as wonton soup, egg drop soup or clear broth alongside dumplings for a comforting and warming meal. Depending on the region and personal preferences, other traditional accompaniments may include pickled vegetables, spicy sauces or a variety of condiments.
Homemade dumpling sauce can typically last for up to 2 weeks when stored properly in the fridge. To maximize its shelf life, it’s essential to store the sauce in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can lead to spoilage. Additionally, make sure to use clean utensils when scooping out the sauce. That way, you avoid introducing contaminants that could cause the sauce to spoil more quickly.
DIPPING SAUCE FOR ASIAN DUMPLINGS
This Dipping Sauce for Asian Dumplings comes together in under 5 minutes with few and simple ingredients you might already have on hand! It's perfect for serving up with all of your favourite Asian dumplings, whether they're steamed, pan-fried or boiled.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger, grated (or 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger)
- Optional: Chopped Green Onions or Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic and grated ginger until well combined. Taste and adjust the ingredients according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or brown sugar. If you prefer it tangier, add more rice vinegar. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
Notes
Optional: Allow the dipping sauce to sit for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting period allows the garlic and ginger to infuse their flavours into the sauce, resulting in a more flavourful dipping experience.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 246Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3509mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 21gProtein: 6g
Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.
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