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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Sauces

    Dumpling Sauce

    Modified: Apr 18, 2024 ยท Published: Sep 27, 2022 by Christie Lai ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 13 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This is the best dumpling sauce made with simple ingredients that is fully customizable! It's easily made in 5 minutes and it will take your dumplings to the next level!

    dumpling sauce
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients & Substitutes
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Pairing Suggestions
    • FAQ
    • Other recipes you may like
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Reviews

    My easy dumpling sauce recipe is made of soy sauce, Chinese Black Vinegar, sesame oil as the base with optional ingredients like green onions, ginger, sesame seeds, sugar, red pepper flakes, ginger and chili oil for heat!

    This is the best way to enjoy Chinese dumplings, store-bought dumplings, soup dumplings or Japanese gyoza.

    shot of dumplings with sauce

    This condiment is so simple and packed with flavor! The best part about this easy sauce is its made with primarily pantry ingredients and it's fully customizable!

    You can pick and choose which additions you want or don't want in your sauce. I just recommend keeping the base ingredients as is.

    Looking for homemade dumpling recipes? Check out my Chinese Pork Chive Dumplings, Pork Cabbage Dumplings, or Pork Shrimp Dumplings.

    Ingredients & Substitutes

    Please scroll down to the below Recipe card for exact measurements

    ingredients for dumpling sauce recipe

    Base Sauce

    • Regular soy sauce:ย or substitute with low sodium soy sauce or light soy sauce.ย If youโ€™re gluten-free, substitute with tamari sauce, coconut aminos or a gluten-free soy sauce.ย 
    • Chinese Black Vinegar: this is a black vinegar that is also known as Chinkiang Vinegar and it comes in a yellow bottle below. Or substitute with rice vinegar.
    • Sesame oil: or substitute with a neutral oil like avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil or peanut oil. Not olive oil.

    Suggested Additions

    • Sesame seeds: feel free to omit if allergic
    • Scallions or green onions: finely chopped
    • Chili Oil: for a spicy kick or omit if you can't tolerate spice
    • Red pepper flakes: for a spice or omit if you can't tolerate spice
    • Very thin slices of peeled ginger: optional
    • White granulated sugar or brown sugar: to balance out the salty flavors but optional

    Note: Most Asian grocery stores will carry most of the Asian specific ingredients.

    Instructions

    Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make dumpling sauce:

    base sauce for dumpling sauce

    In a small bowl, add regular soy sauce, black vinegar and sesame oil. Then whisk until combined. This is your base sauce.

    mix ingredients together in a small bowl

    Next pick and choose from the above suggested additions and mix those in the base. You can also add all of the suggestions and the sauce will taste incredible! Finally enjoy with cooked store-bought or homemade dumplings.

    Storage

    • Unused leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and it will last up to a 1 week to enjoy! To enjoy, let it come to room temperature as oil tends to solidify in the fridge.
    • Freezer friendly? Unused dumpling sauce can be stored in a freezer friendly airtight container and frozen up to 4 months or until you see freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature to enjoy.

    Pairing Suggestions

    This is a versatile dipping sauce, so you can pair it with pajeon (Korean scallion pancakes), Korean seafood pancake, spring rolls, plain proteins like chicken, pork, beef, seafood or tofu.

    FAQ

    Can I substitute with dark soy sauce?

    I wouldn't recommend it because dark soy sauce is usually thicker and darker in color. But you may as a very last resort.

    Can I make a big batch of the sauce?

    Yes, you can make a large batch of this homemade sauce and then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 4 months.

    What does Chinkiang Vinegar look like?

    Chinkiang Vinegar tastes like a toned down version of white vinegar. It's made of water, glutinous rice, wheat bran, sugar and salt. Furthermore, it looks like the image below where the vinegar is dark brown or black. This vinegar usually comes in a tall glass bottle with a yellow cap. Most Asian markets sell this ingredient. chinkiang vinegar chinese black vinegar

    Other recipes you may like

    • Chinese Green Onion Sauce
    • Sambal Oelek

    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    featured image of dumpling sauce

    Easy 5-min. Dumpling Sauce (Customizable!)

    Christie Lai
    This is the best dumpling dipping sauce made with simple ingredients that is fully customizable! It's easily made in 5 minutes and it will take your dumplings to the next level! You can add all of the optional ingredients or pick and choose. I recommend keeping the base ingredients as is. It's entirely up to YOU! All in all, the sauce will taste fantastic as long you can maintain the base sauce.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Condiments
    Cuisine Chinese
    Servings 1 or about 15 dumplings
    Calories per serving 49 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    Base Dumpling Sauce:

    • 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar/apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil or substitute with a neutral oil

    Recommended Additions (add all or pick & choose):

    • ยฝ teaspoon sesame seeds optional
    • 1 teaspoon green onion finely chopped (optional)
    • 0.5 - 1 teaspoon chili oil add as much as desired (optional)
    • ยฝ teaspoon white sugar to balance the salty flavors (optional)
    • ยฝ teaspoon ginger peeled and thinly sliced (optional)
    • ยฝ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy version (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, combine regular soy sauce, black vinegar and sesame oil. This is your base sauce.
    • Now pick and choose from the above suggested additions and mix those in the base. You can also add all of the suggestions and the sauce will taste incredible! Enjoy with your dumplings.
    Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!

    Suggested Equipment & Products

    • Measuring Set
    Nutrition
    Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1006mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    More Asian Sauce Recipes

    • featured image of sambal oelek
      Sambal Oelek
    • Japanese Carrot Ginger Dressing
      Japanese Carrot Ginger Dressing
    • featured image of chinese chili oil
      Chinese Chili Oil
    • Chinese Green Onion Sauce
      Chinese Green Onion Sauce

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. CaSaundra

      February 28, 2025 at 1:39 pm

      5 stars
      This is easy to make and turned out delicious! I will make this again and again!
      Thanks Christie

      Reply
      • Christie Lai

        March 10, 2025 at 3:42 pm

        Thank you so much for making my recipe! So glad you like it and i hope you continue to enjoy it in the future ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    2. Randi

      September 04, 2023 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      Ran out of the dumpling sauces I usually have. Made this and it was great. Wasnโ€™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.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        September 05, 2023 at 2:58 pm

        Thanks so much for making my dumpling sauce, Randi! Happy it worked out and glad you enjoyed it ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    3. Heather Machin

      May 21, 2023 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      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! ๐Ÿ˜„

      Reply
      • christieathome

        May 29, 2023 at 2:56 pm

        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!

        Reply
    4. Sue

      January 15, 2023 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      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?

      Reply
      • christieathome

        January 16, 2023 at 3:59 pm

        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!

        Reply
    5. Heidi | The Frugal Girls

      September 07, 2020 at 5:07 pm

      5 stars
      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! ๐Ÿ˜‹

      Reply
    6. mabbi

      September 04, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      These were so grood!

      Reply
    7. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      September 03, 2020 at 10:23 pm

      5 stars
      Oh these dumplings look absolutely perfect Christie. Sooo crispy on the outside and delicious!!!

      Reply
    8. Never Ending Journeys

      September 03, 2020 at 5:51 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    9. Josiah - DIY Thrill

      September 03, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      5 stars
      This sauce looks so good!

      Reply

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    Christie

    Christie is an Recipe Blogger with an expertise on Asian recipes! She makes Asian cooking approachable with step-by-step pictures, ingredient & recipe tips and a helpful cooking video. Her quick and easy recipes have been featured on BuzzFeed Tasty, Food52, The Kitchn, The FeedFeed, Sur La Table, Yummly and more! With a following of over 1M+, her recipes are made repeatedly by her loyal readers.

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