How to Use Dipping Sauces in Asian Cuisine: Tips and Tricks

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated September 1, 2022

Dipping sauces are used in Asia for everything from dumplings to spring rolls to fried chicken skewers to veggie rolls. They’re used to dip, of course, but also to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Let’s look at the different types of dipping sauces and how they’re used in Asia.

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The Art of Dipping: Understanding Dipping Sauces in Asian Cuisine

A dipping sauce is a flavorful liquid or semi-solid condiment that is used for dipping or covering food items. In Asian cuisine, dipping sauces are mainly used to enhance the flavors of dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, fried chicken, skewers, and veggie rolls. These sauces can be sweet, salty, sour, spicy, or a combination of these flavors.

The Perfect Combination of Ingredients

Asian dipping sauces are made using a variety of ingredients that combine to create a unique taste. Some of the common ingredients used in these sauces include soy sauce, ginger, white and rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, chili pepper, honey, lime juice, and sugar. A little cornstarch and water can be added to thicken the sauce, making it easier to scoop and serve.

Flavors and Tastes Across Languages

Asian dipping sauces are enjoyed across different languages and cultures. In Việt, the dipping sauce is called nước chấm, while in粵語中文, it is known as 蘸醬. These sauces can be bought pre-made from popular Asian dipping sauce brands, or you can make your own using a personal recipe.

Serving and Drizzling

When serving dipping sauces, it is important to make sure that they complement the dish they are being served with. For example, a salty and sour sauce would be great for potstickers, while a sweet and spicy sauce would be perfect for chicken skewers. Dipping sauces can be served in small bowls for individual dipping or drizzled over the food item to cover it completely.

Dipping Sauces for Your Asian Recipes

Making your own dipping sauce is not only easy, but it also ensures that you have an authentic taste that you won’t find in store-bought brands. Here are some homemade dipping sauce recipes to try:

• Chinese Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce- perfect for dumplings, shrimp, chicken, and pork belly
• Chinkiang Vinegar Dipping Sauce- great for dumplings and rice dishes
• Sesame Dipping Sauce- perfect for potato and chicken stew

Store-Bought Dipping Sauces

If you don’t have time to make your own dipping sauce, there are plenty of store-bought options available. Here are some popular brands to try:

• Kikkoman- offers a variety of dipping sauces, including soy sauce and teriyaki sauce
• Lee Kum Kee- known for their hoisin sauce and chili garlic sauce
• Huy Fong Foods- famous for their sriracha sauce

Pairing Dipping Sauces with Asian Dishes

Knowing which dipping sauce to pair with your Asian dish can take your meal to the next level. Here are some popular pairings:

• Soy sauce- goes well with sushi, stir-fried vegetables, and grilled meats
• Chinkiang vinegar- perfect for dipping dumplings and drizzling over rice dishes
• Spicy chili sauce- great for adding heat to your shrimp, chicken, and pork belly dishes

Tips for Using Dipping Sauces

Here are some tips to keep in mind when using dipping sauces in your Asian recipes:

• Don’t overdo it- dipping sauces are meant to complement the dish, not overpower it
• Use a small dish for dipping- this will prevent the sauce from spilling over onto your plate
• Experiment with different sauces- try different combinations to find your favorite pairings

The Wide Variety of Asian Dipping Sauces

Soy sauce is a typical Asian dipping sauce that is prepared by fermenting soybeans with saltwater. It has a complex flavor profile that is slightly sweet, salty, and savory. Soy sauce is a key ingredient in many Asian recipes and is used in a wide variety of dishes. It is perfect for dipping sushi, grilled meat, and vegetables.

The Sweet and Sticky Sauce

This sauce is usually made by adding honey or brown sugar to soy sauce and sesame oil. It is a popular dipping sauce for egg rolls, dumplings, and grilled meat. The sweet and sticky sauce is also great for adding an extra element of flavor to stir-fried vegetables.

The Smoky Dipping Sauce

The smoky dipping sauce is usually prepared by adding dry or fresh smoked ingredients to soy sauce and sesame oil. This sauce is perfect for dipping grilled meat and vegetables. It is also a great addition to rice dishes and noodle soups.

The Quick Tip

When preparing dipping sauces, it is important to keep in mind the size of the bowl or dish you will be serving it in. A small bowl is usually enough for a dipping sauce, but it is always better to have a slightly larger bowl to avoid spillage. Also, adding a few sesame seeds or sliced green onions can help bring out the flavor of the sauce.

Asian dipping sauces come in a vast variety of types and uses. Depending on the particular recipe or dish, a different type of sauce may be needed to achieve the best result. Having a wide variety of dipping sauces on hand can help bring a new element of flavor to any meal.

Exploring the Common Ingredients of Asian Dipping Sauces

When it comes to Asian dipping sauces, the ingredients used can vary depending on the country and the dish being served. However, there are some basic ingredients that are widely used in many Asian dipping sauces, including:

• Soy sauce: This is a staple ingredient in many Asian sauces and adds a savory, umami flavor to the mix. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce the sodium content of your sauce.
• Rice vinegar: This is a mild vinegar that adds a tangy flavor to the sauce. It’s a great way to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• Sesame oil: This oil has a nutty flavor that adds depth to the sauce. Use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a spicy, slightly sweet flavor to the sauce. You can use chopped or grated ginger, depending on your preference.
• Garlic: Garlic adds a savory flavor to the sauce. You can use fresh garlic or garlic powder.

The Flavorful Trio

If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your dipping sauce, consider adding one or more of these ingredients:

• Chili sauce: This is a spicy sauce that can add a kick to your dipping sauce. Use it sparingly if you don’t like things too hot.
• Honey: This is a great way to add some sweetness to your dipping sauce. It pairs well with spicy sauces.
• Peanut butter: This is a classic ingredient in many Asian dipping sauces. It adds a creamy texture and a nutty flavor to the mix.

The Garnishes

Garnishes can help to bring out the flavors of your dipping sauce and make it look more appetizing. Here are some garnishes you can use:

• Chopped onions: This adds a fresh, pungent flavor to the sauce.
• Pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers or carrots, can add a tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, can add a bright, fresh flavor to the sauce.

The Preparation

Here are some tips to help you prepare your Asian dipping sauce:

• Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
• Adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you want a spicier sauce, add more chili sauce. If you want a sweeter sauce, add more honey.
• If you’re serving the sauce with fried or grilled food, consider adding a teaspoon of oil to the mix. This will help the sauce to stick to the food.
• If you’re serving the sauce with steamed food, consider adding a teaspoon of hot water to the mix. This will help to warm up the sauce before hitting the food.

The Serving

Asian dipping sauces are a quick and easy way to add flavor to any dish. Here are some ways to serve your dipping sauce:

• Pair it with your favorite appetizer, such as spring rolls or dumplings.
• Use it as a marinade for grilled or fried food.
• Use it as a dressing for a fresh salad.
• Serve it as a dipping sauce for cut vegetables.

The Authentic Touch

If you want to showcase an authentic Asian dipping sauce, consider making a homemade sauce. Here’s a simple recipe for a classic Chinese dipping sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic

Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Garnish with chopped green onion and serve with your favorite Asian dish.

Mastering the Art of Dumpling Sauces: What Makes a Tasty Dip?

When it comes to making a good dumpling sauce, the ingredients are key. A great sauce needs to strike the perfect balance between sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spiciness. Here are some specific components that a good dumpling sauce needs:

• Soy sauce: This is the base of most dumpling sauces and provides saltiness.
• Rice vinegar: This provides sourness and tanginess to the sauce.
• Sugar: This adds sweetness to the sauce and helps to balance out the saltiness and sourness.
• Water: This is used to thin out the sauce and helps the other ingredients to dissolve.
• Chili flakes or fresh chili: This adds spiciness to the sauce and gives it a kick.
• Garlic: This provides a nutty richness to the sauce.
• Sesame seeds or oil: This rounds out the flavors and provides a nutty richness to the sauce.

The Proper Recipe

Now that you know the specific ingredients that a good dumpling sauce needs, it’s time to put them together. Here’s a basic recipe for a homemade dumpling sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and you’re ready to go. Of course, there are many variations of this recipe that you can try, depending on your personal taste preferences. Some recipes may include additional ingredients like ginger or scallions, while others may emphasize the use of specific local ingredients.

The Final Factor: Thinning and Thicking

One factor that can make or break a dumpling sauce is the consistency. A good sauce should be thin enough to easily dip your dumplings into, but thick enough to cling to the wrapper and filling. Here are some tips for getting the consistency just right:

• If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more water to thin it out.
• If your sauce is too thin, add a bit more soy sauce or sugar to thicken it up.
• Adding a bit of cornstarch to the sauce can also help to thicken it up.

Offering a Variety of Options

While the basic soy sauce and vinegar recipe is a classic, there are many different variations of dumpling sauce that you can try. Here are some popular options:

• Spicy: Add more chili flakes or fresh chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sweet: Increase the amount of sugar in the sauce for a sweeter taste.
• Tangy: Use chinkiang vinegar instead of rice vinegar for a tangier flavor.
• Nutty: Add more sesame seeds or sesame oil to the sauce for a nuttier taste.
• Garlic: Use more minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.

The Importance of Elevating Your Dumpling Experience

A good dumpling sauce can elevate your dumpling experience from tasty to unforgettable. It can compliment the juicy filling and allow the wrapper to shine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the perfect sauce for your dumplings. And if you’re not up for making your own sauce, there are plenty of options available in the international aisle of your local grocery store or online. Just be sure to read the labels and choose a sauce that will provide the nuanced flavors you expect from a good dumpling sauce.

Asian Dipping Sauce Brands: A World of Flavor in Every Dip

When it comes to dipping sauces, Asian cuisine has a lot to offer. Here are some of the best Asian dipping sauce brands that you should try:

• Lee Kum Kee: This Hong Kong-based brand offers a wide range of dipping sauces, including soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce.
• Kikkoman: This Japanese brand is known for its soy sauce, but it also offers other dipping sauces like teriyaki sauce and ponzu sauce.
• Huy Fong Foods: This American brand is famous for its Sriracha sauce, but it also offers other dipping sauces like chili garlic sauce and sambal oelek.
• Mae Ploy: This Thai brand offers a variety of dipping sauces, including sweet chili sauce and peanut sauce.
• ABC: This Indonesian brand offers a range of dipping sauces, including sweet soy sauce and chili sauce.

Conclusion

Dipping sauces are a great way to add flavor to almost any dish. They can be used to enhance the taste of food or just used for dipping. As you can see, there’s a wide variety of sauces to choose from, and they’re used in almost every Asian dish.

You can use them to dip your food or drink them like a soup, so the possibilities are endless.

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

Read for free

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.