You'll love this Asian dipping sauce because it's simple to make with pantry ingredients like red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's quick and easy and ready in about 5 minutes.
Since it works well as a dip or marinade, try it with my Sausage Kabobs for the ultimate quick weeknight dinner.
Why it's awesome
Making your own Asian dipping sauces is so easy, it shouldn't be overlooked. You can adjust the flavor levels and make just the amount you need.
The ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. You can find al the ingredients at Target or Walmart. You may already have items like soy sauce and rice vinegar on hand.
It's a versatile sauce that's not just for dipping your favorite Chinese inspired dishes like egg rolls, spring rolls, and pot stickers! It can also be made into a marinade for beef and chicken or a stir fry sauce with foods like shrimp and pork.
Key Ingredients
Soy sauce - the key ingredient that gives this sauce it's salty and umami flavor. I always opt for low sodium.
Maple syrup - Adds a touch of sweetness for balanced flavor. Use brown sugar, if desired.
Chili garlic sauce - tons of garlic flavor without too much spice. Try spicy Harissa if you really want a lot of heat.
Rice vinegar - adds a nice sour punch. You can use white vinegar instead, but I don't recommend anything sweet like balsamic or raspsberry. Rice wine vinegar can also be used along with seasoned rice vinegar, which has a touch of sweetness.
Chinese five spice powder - literally a blend of 5 spices that encompass the 5 tastes. Garam masala would make a good substitute.
Red pepper flakes - just like the kind you sprinkle on pizza.
Garlic and ginger powder - the powders blend well, but you can use freshly grated garlic and ginger if preferred.
Directions
Add ingredient to a bowl and whisk until well combined.
Recipe Tips
Store this Asian dipping sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Taste the dipping sauce and make any adjustments. You may like your sauce sweeter or spicier.
Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to add a creamy, nutty flavor.
Use as a dip for egg rolls or gyoza. It's also great as a dip with steak and chicken.
Use as a stir-fry sauce to spice up chicken and broccoli or fried rice.
Splash some on roasted veggies along with some sesame seeds for an Asian inspired twist.
Use as a marinade for delicious steak bites. Add to a ziplock bag along with cubes sirloin steak and marinate for 2 hours in the refrigerator. Cook as desired.
FAQ
Asian sauces are usually made with soy sauce and other key flavors like garlic and ginger.
Chinese five spice is made from combining cinnamon, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, fennel seeds, and star anise.
Combining ground cayenne, cinnamon, and cloves could make a good substitute for Chinese five spice.
More Asian inspired recipes
Ramen Noodles with Ground Beef
Turkey Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps
Asian Dipping Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or fresh, grated
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger powder or fresh, grated
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine.
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