Dumpling Sauce

This easy Dumpling Sauce Recipe is just what you need to elevate your favorite wontons, potstickers and gyoza.

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, we love all of our homemade sauces.

Today’s dumpling dipping sauce is one we make all the time. Maybe that’s because we just can’t resist those addictive dumplings!

Why this Recipe Works

• Flavor Harmony: The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil creates a trifecta of flavors that are savory, tangy, and spicy. The sesame oil and sesame seeds contribute a nutty layer, while the garlic adds a robust zesty note. The sugar cleverly balances out the other bold flavors, making each dip a symphony of taste.
• Ease of Preparation: No cooking, no fuss! Simply whisking together the ingredients yields a versatile sauce in minutes.
• Customizability: If you like your sauce a bit more spicy, tangy, or sweet, adjustments are a breeze. Simply tweak the ratios of chili oil, rice vinegar, or sugar to cater to your specific palate.
• Versatility: This sauce doesn’t just go with dumplings. It’s also a great stir fry sauce, or can be used as a dressing for Asian themed salads.

Ingredient Notes

You can find exact measurements for this sauce in the recipe card. We’ll also give you plenty of variations later in the post.

Here is what you will need for our basic dumpling sauce, the one we make all the time.

• Soy Sauce – The backbone of this sauce, offering deep umami flavors. 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 – It’s all about that tang! This ingredient brightens up the sauce and gives it a clean, acidic lift. For a different twist, you could use apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note.
• 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, we always keep around a jar of our Homemade Chili Oil.
• Sesame Oil – This adds the aroma and the nutty flavor, making the sauce intoxicatingly fragrant. A little goes a long way, so be careful not to overpower the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds – They offer a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Optionally, you can lightly toast them before adding to unlock even more flavor.
• Garlic – The quintessential aromatic! Fresh minced garlic contributes an edgy kick.
• Sugar – The silent hero that rounds off the edges, making sure no one flavor overpowers the other. Sometimes we use honey for a little different flavor.

How to Make Dumpling Dipping Sauce

This one seriously couldn’t get much easier!

Step 1: Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl.

Step 2: Serve with your favorite dumplings, wontons, potstickers or gyoza.

Variations

• Swap the Spice: Replace the chili oil for Sriracha or gochujang for a dipping sauce that’s still spicy, but with a different flavor profile.
• Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice for a fresh and zesty flair.
• Herbal Notes: Stir in some finely chopped cilantro or scallion for added freshness and color. It’ll also add another layer of complexity to the flavors.
• Ginger Zing: Add minced ginger for a warm, spicy undertone that makes the sauce even more invigorating.
• Umami Boost: Include a spoonful of miso paste to intensify the umami richness of the sauce. This creates a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Sweet & Sour: Incorporate a splash of pineapple or orange juice for a tropical sweetness that balances the vinegar’s tang.

What to Serve with Dumplings

Dumplings are so great on their own (with the sauce of course!). We 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.

We love them alongside Asian soups. Some top contenders are 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.

How to Store Dipping Sauce

This sauce keeps well refrigerated for about a week, stored in an airtight container.

If desired, you can warm it up a little in the microwave, or on stovetop, before enjoying.

Recipe Tips and Notes

As straightforward as this recipe is, a few tips can make you a dumpling sauce master:

• Proper Whisking: 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 your sauce, do a quick taste test. Adjust any of the components to your liking – more chili oil for heat, a dash more vinegar for tang, etc.
• Freshness Matters: Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Although garlic powder or jarred garlic can be convenient, fresh garlic is always best.
• 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 a quick batch of this 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.

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Dumpling Sauce, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!

More great Asian sauces:
General Tso Sauce
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Bulgogi Sauce
Yum Yum Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce