This is the best dumpling sauce recipe made easy with minimal pantry ingredients! It's ready in just 5 minutes, cheaper and better than store-bought sauces. This flavorful sauce will elevate your dumplings or wontons and is perfect for anyone who wants to customize it.
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My easy dumpling sauce recipe is made of soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sesame oil with add-ons like green onions, ginger, sesame seeds, sugar, red pepper flakes, or chili oil.
The base tastes savory, tangy, and nutty, and the add-ons can make it taste sweeter, spicy, or more aromatic based on your preference. I love to enjoy this sauce with cooked dumplings, Japanese gyoza, wontons, or even savory pancakes!
Dumplings have been my jam since I was a kid. My mom and I would make the dumpling wrappers from scratch and fill them together. But dumplings need a good dipping sauce and after much testing, I created one that is customizable!
P.S. Don't forget to check out my homemade dumplings recipes: Chinese Pork Chive Dumplings, Pork Cabbage Dumplings, or Pork Shrimp Dumplings.
Why This Recipe
- I've tested this recipe with different types of soy sauce and it's important to stick with regular or all-purpose soy sauce (no dark soy sauce as it's too thick). I recommend Lee Kum Kee, Kikkoman, or Yamasa for the best results.
- Most dumpling sauce recipes are too salty, too spicy, or loaded with too many aromatics; my recipe is balanced and gives you control over all of that.
- Deliciously made with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Please scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
Sauce Base
- Regular Soy Sauce: Any all-purpose brand works [I recommend Kikkoman, Lee Kum Kee, or Yamasa]. Low-sodium or light soy sauce also work. Avoid using dark soy sauce as it's too thick.
- Chinese Black Vinegar: A malty, smoky vinegar for deep acidity [I recommend Chinkiang yellow label]. Substitutions: Use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma [I recommend Kadoya or Maruhon]. Avoid substituting with untoasted sesame oil as it doesn't taste the same.
Suggested Add-Ons
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Look for "roasted" or "toasted" labels. If unavailable, toast raw seeds in a dry pan until fragrant.
- Green Onions: To add aroma and color.
- Chili Oil / Chili Crisp: To add spice. [I recommend Lao Gan Ma, look for the jar with the red label featuring a Chinese man].
- Red Chili Flakes: Use Sichuan flakes for numbing heat or Gochugaru for mild sweetness. Avoid Italian red pepper flakes.
- Fresh Ginger: To add a refreshing, sharp taste that balances the salty flavors and cuts through the greasy taste of the dumplings.
- White Granulated Sugar: I recommend a touch of sugar to balance out the salty and tangy flavors. Substitution: Granulated cane sugar.
Note: Most Asian ingredients are typically found at Asian grocery stores, or you can check online.
Instructions
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make dumpling sauce:
- Make the sauce base: In a small bowl, combine regular soy sauce, black vinegar, and sesame oil, and mix well. This is your sauce base.
- Mix in suggested add-ons: Next, add all or some of the above suggested add-ons and mix into the sauce base. Enjoy with cooked store-bought or homemade dumplings!
Expert Tips
- Use a mini whisk to evenly distribute the sauce ingredients.
- If adding sugar to the sauce, mix well until it's fully dissolved.
- If adding ginger or green onions, use fresh aromatics and finely chop them so you don't end up eating chunks of it.
- If adding chili oil or chili crisp, add them to taste to control the spiciness.
Variation
- Gluten-free version: Replace the soy sauce with tamari sauce, coconut aminos, or gluten-free soy sauce. Replace the black vinegar with rice vinegar.
Pairing Suggestions
Dumpling sauce also pairs well with:
- Savory Pancakes: Pajeon, Korean Seafood Pancake, or Kimchijeon.
- Cooked noodles or rice.
- Protein: Cooked chicken, pork, beef, or tofu.
- Vegetables: Cooked bok choy, yu choy, gai-lan, or napa cabbage.
Storage
- Leftover unused dumpling sauce can last up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To enjoy, let it come to room temperature as the oil tends to solidify.
- Freezer: Unused dumpling sauce can be frozen for up to 4 months when stored in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, defrost the sauce overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature.
FAQ
Dumpling sauce can last up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To enjoy, let it come to room temperature as oil tends to solidify in the fridge.
Dumpling sauce can be made in large batches and frozen for up to 4 months in an airtight container. To enjoy, defrost the sauce overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.
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📖 Recipe
Easy 5-min. Dumpling Sauce (Customizable!)
Ingredients
Sauce Base:
- 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil toasted
Suggested Add-Ons (add all or pick & choose):
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds toasted, optional
- 1 teaspoon green onion finely chopped, optional
- 0.5 - 1 teaspoon chili oil
or as needed, optional - ½ teaspoon white granulated sugar recommended, but optional
- ½ teaspoon ginger peeled and thinly sliced, optional
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy version, optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine regular soy sauce, black vinegar, and sesame oil, and mix well. This is your sauce base.
- Next, add all or some of the above suggested add-ons and mix into the sauce base. Enjoy with cooked store-bought or homemade dumplings!
Kathy
I added 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes and 1 tsp mirin. Everyone loved it with our chicken lemongrass dumplings.❤️
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe and for leaving this positive review, Kathy! Glad everyone loved it with those delicious sounding dumplings!
Jim S
So good! It is quick and easy. It’s a perfect base to build from.
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe and for leaving this positive review, Jim! Glad you found it quick and simple.
CaSaundra
This is easy to make and turned out delicious! I will make this again and again!
Thanks Christie
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe! So glad you like it and i hope you continue to enjoy it in the future 🙂
Randi
Ran out of the dumpling sauces I usually have. Made this and it was great. Wasn’t so strong that it covered the taste of the dumplings and enhanced the flavor of the dumplings and made them even better. I will definitely be making this again.
christieathome
Thanks so much for making my dumpling sauce, Randi! Happy it worked out and glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Heather Machin
Very useful dipping sauce thank you! Make a triple batch with one of the tablespoons of soy sauce using sweet soy sauce and it suited us perfectly.
Added scallions and sesame seeds at the table for a tasty garnish. Frozen dumplings have never been so good! 😄
christieathome
Thank you so much for making my recipe! I'm so glad this simple dipping sauce worked out so well and that I could help take your dumplings to the next level!
Sue
This sauce was great and easy to make! Tastes like the sauce we get at restaurants. Thanks for sharing it!
I made more to have on hand. Does it need to be refrigerated? And does the Chinkiang vinegar need to be refrigerated?
christieathome
Thank you so much for making my recipe, Sue! Glad you enjoyed it with your dumplings. I would recommend refrigerating the dumpling sauce in the fridge. The vinegar can be left out at room temperature or stored in the fridge. Have a lovely day!
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
I love your homemade sauce, it's so much easier to make a sauce when it only requires 3 ingredients! And... I had never heard of Chinkiang Vinegar before, it sounds really really good! 😋
mabbi
These were so grood!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Oh these dumplings look absolutely perfect Christie. Sooo crispy on the outside and delicious!!!
Never Ending Journeys
What a great dumpling dipping sauce! In the past, I've dipped dumplings in spicy mustard, but this sauce looks so tasty. Thanks for sharing this!
Josiah - DIY Thrill
This sauce looks so good!