With simple ingredients and just about 5 minutes of your time, you can whip up the best umami, savory, and a bit spicy dipping sauce ever! A good dipping sauce is always great to have on hand. From spicy Chipotle Mayo to tangy Garlic Aioli to the herby Peruvian Aji Verde, I love all of our homemade sauces. Today’s dumpling dipping sauce is one I make all the time. Maybe that’s because I just can’t resist those addictive dumplings!
Ingredient Needed
You can find exact measurements for this sauce in the recipe card. I’ll also give you plenty of variations later in the post. Here is what you will need for my basic dumpling sauce, the one I make all the time.
Soy Sauce – The backbone of this sauce. You could go for a low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake, or a dark soy for a richer color. Rice Vinegar – For that tang! For a different twist, you could use apple cider vinegar. Chili Oil – This is where the heat comes in! Adjust the quantity to suit your heat tolerance. Although it’s readily available in the Asian section of supermarkets, I always keep around a jar of our Homemade Chili Oil. Sesame Oil – This adds the aroma and the nutty flavor. A little goes a long way, so be careful not to overpower the sauce. Sesame Seeds – Great in anything Asian. Garlic – The must aromatic. Sugar – Sometimes I use honey for a little different flavor.
Easy Dumpling Dipping Sauce Recipe
This one seriously couldn’t get much easier! Step 1: I whisk together all ingredients in a bowl. Step 2: Then I simply serve it with my favorite dumplings, wontons, potstickers or gyoza.
Variations
Swap the spice: I sometimes replace the chili oil with Sriracha or gochujang for a dipping sauce that’s still spicy but has a different flavor profile. Citrus : Instead of vinegar, I add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice for a citrusy kick. Add herbs: Sometimes I stir in some finely chopped cilantro or scallion. Umami boost: To intensify the umami flavor, I include a spoonful of miso paste. Sweet & sour: For a balanced tang, I add a splash of orange or pineapple juice.
What to Serve with Dumplings
Dumplings are so great on their own (with the sauce of course!). I often whip up some frozen dumplings as a quick lunch. But if you want to make them part of a larger meal, there are plenty of options. I love them alongside Asian soups. Some top contenders are my Spicy Ramen and Egg Roll Soup. You can also serve dumplings as an appetizer of side dish for any of your favorite Stir Fry Dishes. If you want something on the side, while allowing your dumplings to shine as the main star, consider Hibachi Fried Rice or Asian Cucumber Salad.
Jason’s Tips
Proper Whisking: I make sure to whisk all the ingredients thoroughly. This ensures that the sugar and oils emulsify well, leading to a smoother, more consistent sauce. Taste Test: Before finalizing my sauce, I always do a quick taste test. I adjust any of the components to my liking – more chili oil for heat, a dash more vinegar for tang, etc. Double or Triple: Making dumplings for a crowd? Don’t hesitate to double or triple the recipe. It scales up perfectly and can be stored in the fridge for future use.
Give your favorite Asian dumplings the treatment they deserve. Whip up my quick batch of Dumpling Sauce, and get dipping. I bet you can’t stop at just one! While you’re here, be sure to check out our collection of favorite Asian Recipes, which includes stir frys, soups, curries, salads and more. Pin or bookmark this great recipe so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes for you.
Dumpling Sauce, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
More great Asian sauces:Stir Fry SauceGeneral Tso SauceSweet and Sour SauceBulgogi SauceYum Yum SauceTeriyaki SauceHunan SauceYakisoba Sauce