Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe

Ever find yourself craving a dipping sauce that’s as vibrant and dynamic as your favorite playlist? This soy, sesame, and ginger sauce is my go-to for taking everything from dumplings to grilled meats to a whole new level. Intrigued? Let’s dive into this flavor-packed concoction!

Soy dipping sauce is incredibly versatile, and it is one of my favorites for dipping and drizzling. Why?

Because it is a delectably umami dip, which means I taste—I mean, I savor—a rich blend of flavors. Soy brings deliciousness to the table, of course, but it is far from alone.

Subtle sweetness from honey, the warm aroma of minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger, the depth from (a bit of) sesame oil, and the right amount of acid to balance it all out make this sauce perfect for pairing with just about anything.

Ingredients

• Soy Sauce: Rich in umami, adds deep savory flavor, contains sodium.
• Rice Vinegar: Tart and slightly sweet, balances with acidity.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty aroma, contains healthy fats.
• Honey/Sugar: Sweetens, balances vinegar’s acidity.
• Garlic: Pungent aroma, offers antioxidants.
• Ginger: Zesty warmth, supports digestion.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

How to Make this

1. In a tiny mixing bowl, join together soy sauce and rice vinegar, whisking them to ensure they are well blended.

2. Incorporate all the ingredients, adding the sesame oil to the mixture and whisking until everything is fully combined.

3. Mix in the honey (or sugar) to create a flavor balance. If using honey, make sure it is dissolved completely.

4. Finely mince the garlic clove and add it to the bowl, mixing well to distribute it evenly throughout the sauce.

5. Fresh ginger should be grated and added to the mixture, which should then be whisked in such a way that the flavors are combined.

6. Finely chop the scallions and mix them into the sauce for a boost of color and flavor.

7. Incorporate sesame seeds into the blend by stirring them into the sauce and ensuring they are evenly distributed.

8. To add some heat, you might prefer to use red pepper flakes mixed thoroughly into the sauce. Use your judgment to scale the amount up or down. It’s a good estimate, I think, to use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the flakes.

9. Let the sauce sit for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature so that the flavors can meld and come together.

10. Offer the soy dipping sauce with exquisite dishes, like dumplings, spring rolls, or grilled meats, and enjoy the moment!

Equipment Needed

1. Tiny mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Grater
8. Spoon

FAQ

• Can I use low-sodium soy sauce? Yes, low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you want to control the salt content while retaining flavor.
• Can I substitute rice vinegar with another vinegar? Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Is there a substitute for sesame oil? If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil, but the distinctive sesame flavor will be missing.
• How can I make the sauce spicier? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha or another chili sauce for more heat.
• How should I store the dipping sauce? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh? You can use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger if you don’t have fresh, but the flavor will differ slightly.
• What dishes pair well with this soy dipping sauce? This sauce pairs well with dumplings, spring rolls, sushi, or grilled meats.

Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used in place of rice vinegar.
You can replace sesame oil with olive oil or peanut oil for a different flavor profile.
Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar can replace honey.
A substitute for garlic is 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
If fresh ginger is unavailable, you can substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.

Pro Tips

1. Balance the Sweetness If you find the sauce too tangy or salty, consider adjusting the sweetness to taste. You can add more honey or sugar incrementally until the desired balance is achieved.

2. Enhance the Garlic For a more pronounced garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic clove before mincing and adding it to the sauce. Roasting will mellow and enhance the flavor, adding depth to your sauce.

3. Fresh Ginger To make the most of the ginger’s flavor, use a microplane grater when grating it to release more juice and aroma, ensuring it infuses better in the sauce.

4. Customized Heat Level Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference for heat. To enrich the sauce without relying on flakes, consider adding a few drops of chili oil or finely chopped fresh chili.

5. Flavor Development Prepare the sauce a day in advance if possible. Store it in the refrigerator to allow flavors to develop further. Bring it back to room temperature before serving to ensure the flavors are at their best.