This sauce is savory, tangy, and a little spicy. It makes dumplings taste even better. Use it for fried potstickers, steamed gyoza, or boiled dumplings. A good sauce ties all the flavors together. It also adds a nice finish to each bite.
The best sauce goes well with the filling inside the dumpling. That could be juicy meat or crunchy vegetables. I remember dipping homemade jiaozi into soy sauce as a kid. That taste stayed with me. Now I make it for my own family.
Sometimes I want a Japanese-style sauce. It’s full of umami and a little sour. Other times I pick a Chinese dumpling sauce with scallions, fresh garlic, and sesame oil. The nutty flavor adds a tasty crunch to soft dumplings.
The key is balance. It should be savory, tasty sauce, spicy, and full of flavor. When it’s just right, your dumplings go from good to great.
What Makes a Good Dumpling Sauce?
A good dumpling sauce should excite your taste buds with a mix of flavors. For me, it has to have the right balance of salty, spicy, tangy, and a little bit sweet, all while being packed with a whole lot of umami. The beauty of a perfect dumpling sauce is when you find yourself wanting to keep eating it, even after you’ve run out of dumplings. That’s how you know it’s just right!
The recipe I’m sharing here is my favorite combination, and I promise it does just that for me. Once you’ve made it, you’ll know it’s made to hit all the right notes. So, don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for more. This sauce truly has to hit the spot, and once you taste it, you’ll agree!
Chinese Dumpling Sauce Ingredients
To create the perfect dumpling sauce, the ingredients must blend beautifully together:
- Garlic: A single clove of minced garlic brings a pungent and slightly spicy undertone that perfectly infuses the sauce.
- Green onions: They add a refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness, helping to balance the flavors.
- Soy sauce: The savory base of this sauce, with earthy and almost imperceptibly sweet flavors, is an absolute must for the recipe.
- Chinkiang vinegar: A fruity and tangy ingredient, often served with dim sum favorites like xiao long bao and ginger, it adds depth and complexity.
- Chili oil: A sesame-based chili oil provides nutty perfection with a bit of fire. If you’re sensitive to spicy foods, simply add a little at a time to find the right amount of heat.
These ingredients, when combined, will create a sauce with the perfect balance of flavors, ensuring every dumpling bite is deliciously complemented!
Japanese Dumpling Sauce Ingredients
- Soy Sauce: I always go with regular Japanese soy sauce for this recipe because it has a richer flavor compared to other soy sauces and offers a more balanced taste.
- Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is milder than other vinegars. It brings a fruity, tangy kick with a touch of sweetness, much like apple cider vinegar. It’s perfect for sushi rice, salad dressings, and pickling, and I always keep it around for various Asian dishes.
- Chili Oil: Just a teaspoon of chili oil is all you need to give the sauce a little heat. Your gyoza will taste amazing with this! You can grab it from the store or even make your own.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re having trouble finding some of the ingredients I mentioned or if you have any dietary restrictions, there are plenty of substitutions you can try to make a perfect dumpling sauce. Here’s how to adjust the recipe:
Soy Sauce
For soy sauce, if you’re gluten-free, you can swap it for tamari or liquid aminos. My go-to brand for soy sauce is Kikkoman, but you can use your favorite variety, whether it’s the original or a low-sodium soy sauce.
Chili Oil
For chili oil, I love using Momofuku’s Chili Crunch. It has the right spice level with just a touch of sweetness, making it perfect for creating balanced sauces. If you’re looking for something else, Lao Gan Ma’s Spicy Chili Crisp is another great option that adds a ton of flavor, even though it’s not as spicy.
You can also make your own homemade chili oil by infusing your favorite seasonings like garlic, onion, star anise, and dried chili peppers in a neutral oil such as vegetable oil, canola, or even avocado. Don’t forget to add a bit of sugar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds for that perfect touch. I personally think chili oil is essential for this recipe, and I wouldn’t suggest replacing it with hot sauce.
Black Vinegar
When it comes to black vinegar, make sure you’re using Chinese black vinegar, not balsamic vinegar. I recommend Gold Plum Chinkiang Vinegar, but if you can’t find it, rice vinegar works too. It won’t have the same depth of flavor, but it’s a good substitution and works well in sauces. Rice vinegar has a more delicate acidity and tanginess, which creates a very smooth and pleasant sauce. Plus, it’s easier to find in most grocery stores!
How to Make Dumpling Sauce
Making dumpling sauce at home is super simple and takes only 5 minutes! All you need are 5 ingredients: 2 tbs soy sauce, 1 tbs chili oil, 1 tsp black vinegar, 1 garlic clove (minced), and 1 green onion (sliced). Add them all into a small mixing bowl, stir well, and you’ll have a well balanced sauce with a perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and a touch of sour flavor. This is all you need to make a delicious sauce for your dumplings!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by adding the soy sauce, chili oil, black vinegar, garlic, and green onion into a small bowl. These basic ingredients create the main flavors of your sauce, and they’re super easy to mix. Once combined, you’re ready for the next step!
Step 2: Taste and Adjust
Give the sauce a quick taste test to see how it matches your preferences. If you like it spicier, just add a little more chili oil. For a saltier flavor, add more soy sauce. If you want it less salty, you can reduce saltiness by adding more black vinegar or a little sesame oil to adjust the balance.
Step 3: Final Touches
You can also tweak the flavor by adjusting the garlic or green onion based on how pungent you like it. For some added nutty flavor, try adding sesame seeds or a touch of sugar. These ingredients can be added optional depending on your taste. Once it’s to your liking, your perfect dumpling sauce is ready to enjoy!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Now, you’ve got a delicious homemade sauce that pairs wonderfully with your dumplings. You can even save the recipe for later or pin it to Pinterest so you can make it again any time!
Storage
When storing your dumpling sauce, it’s important to know how long it will stay fresh:
- Japanese dumpling sauce: Keep it in a storage container or a jar and refrigerate it for up to 6 weeks.
- Chinese dumpling sauce: Since it contains fresh ingredients like scallions and garlic, store it in a storage container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Make sure to store both sauces properly to enjoy them at their best!
What Dumpling Sauce is commonly Eaten with
- Yangzhou Fried Rice (Cơm Chiên Dương Châu)
- Vietnamese Fried Rice Cake With Egg (Bánh bột chiên)
- Easy & Simple Tuna Sushi Bake For One
- Salmon Sushi Bake
Dumpling Sauce
Description
This easy Dumpling Sauce is a quick, 5-minute recipe made with just 5 ingredients you probably already have in your pantry—soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and a splash of chili oil for heat. It’s the perfect savory, tangy, and slightly spicy dipping sauce that complements everything from crispy potstickers and steamed gyoza to boiled jiaozi. Whether you're looking for a Chinese dumpling sauce rich with umami or a Japanese gyoza sauce with a sour edge, this pantry-friendly recipe hits that perfect balance of flavor.
I’ve tested countless variations in my kitchen, and this authentic Asian dipping sauce remains my go-to—quick, reliable, and customizable. Add scallions or a touch of sugar if you like it sweet, or keep it bold with extra garlic. As a chef who grew up making family dinner staples, this sauce brings back memories of dunking dumplings into a soy-vinegar blend that always made every bite complete.
Whether you’re meal-prepping or just need a flavor booster for your favorite Asian appetizers, this restaurant-style dumpling sauce delivers versatile flavor with every drop. Great for beginners, and perfect for those who want a homemade sauce that rivals what you’d find at your favorite dumpling spot.
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 700kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Sodium 14000mg584%
- Potassium 900mg26%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 25g50%
- Vitamin A 35 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 130 mg
- Iron 5 mg
- Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg
- Magnesium 50 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 1.2 mcg
- Copper 1.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make ahead: This sauce gets better after a few hours. Keep it in a sealed jar. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Spice level: Want more heat? Add extra chili oil, red pepper flakes, or a bit of sriracha. Like it mild? Leave the spice out.
- Flavor balance: If it’s too salty, add a splash of water or a bit of sugar. If it tastes too sour, use less vinegar.
- Add-ins: To boost flavor, mix in grated ginger, scallions, or some toasted sesame seeds.
- Use it for more than dumplings: This sauce is tasty with spring rolls, egg rolls, bao buns, and even on noodles or rice bowls.
- Allergy tips: Need a gluten-free or soy-free choice? Try coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Kid-friendly version: Cut down the garlic and vinegar. Skip the chili oil to keep it soft for little taste buds.
