A Dipping Sauce That Complements Every Type of Dumpling (2024)

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 3 mins

Total: 8 mins

Servings: 4 servings

130 ratings

Write a Review

Add a comment

Chinese dumplings (jiaozi)are one of the most traditional dishes in Chinese cuisine and a must-have at everything from family dinners to banquet meals. But a dumpling wouldn't be a dumpling without the dipping sauce that goes with it. They simply require something tangy, sometimes spicy, to help cut through the rich savoriness of the dumpling filling.

Just as thereare many different types of dumplings, there are many types of dipping sauces. This recipe is a quick, easy, and popular version. It uses a soy sauce and rice vinegar base with garlic, sesame oil, and hot chile oil for flavor. The sauce works great for classic pork-filled dumplings but also pairs wonderfully with pockets filled with eggs, prawns, or vegetables. With some simple substitutions, you can also make the perfect sauce for Japanese gyoza and Thai pot stickers.

Instructions are given for making your own chile oil, but a store-bought version is fine to use. You can use Sichuan (Szechuan) peppercorn oil instead. Both will give the sauce a nice spicy kick. As always, you can adjust the flavor to suit your personal preference.

Use this recipe either for homemade Chinese dumplings or store-bought dumplings. While those often come with dipping sauce, you will be better able to adjust the seasonings if you make it yourself.

A Dipping Sauce That Complements Every Type of Dumpling (1)

What You'll Need To Make This Dumpling Sauce Recipe

A Small Saucepan

A Heatproof Bowl

A Small Whisk

"This recipe is fast and easy to make and tastes like what you'd get at a Chinese restaurant. I made the chili oil step, but store-bought chili crisp would be great, too. I tried both rice vinegar and Chinese black vinegar and preferred the black vinegar for its savory depth." —Danielle Centoni

A Dipping Sauce That Complements Every Type of Dumpling (5)

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

For the Chile Oil:

1 teaspoon chili powder (or chile flakes)
2 tablespoons cooking oil of your choice

For the Sauce:

2 small cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoonslight soy sauce
2 tablespoons Chinese rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon chile oil, or more to taste
See Also
White Garlic Pizza Sauce

Steps to Make It

If you decide to make your own chile oil, you will start with that step. Otherwise, skip ahead to directions for the dipping sauce.

Make the Chile Oil

Gather the ingredients.
Place the chili powder or chile flakes into a heatproof bowl.
In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil.
Pour the hot oil into the chili powder. Let itcool.
Thechile oil can be stored in the fridge in an airtight jar or container if not used immediately.

Make the Dipping Sauce

Gather the ingredients.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of the hot chile oil. Whisk until well combined.
Serve with your favorite dumplings.

Tips

The dipping sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Serve the dipping sauce in individual small dishes for each guest. This eliminates any worries about "double-dipping."

Recipe Variations

Add thin strips of ginger or chopped green scallions as a crunchy garnish that also adds flavor.
For a hint of sweetness, stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar; brown sugar is a popular choice for Asian sauces and marinades.
To put a Japanese spin on this dipping sauce—perfect for gyoza—substitute ponzu for the soy sauce and mirin for the Chinese rice wine vinegar.
For Thai-style pot stickers, swap the chile oil fornam prik pao(Thai chile paste) and add a splash of lime juice.

What Is a Good Substitute for Rice Vinegar?

If you enjoy exploring Asian recipes, a bottle of rice wine vinegar will come in handy. It's a common ingredient in many sauces and marinades, and the rice adds a sweetness not found in every type of vinegar. The best substitutes are apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, and Chinese black vinegar. Standard white vinegar is a decent option but lacks the sweetness, so consider adding a little sugar to the sauce.

Helpful Links

How to Freeze Pot Stickers
Basic Chinese Yeast Dough
Basic Tips for Cooking Chinese Food

All About Pot Stickers and Preparation, Serving, and Fun Facts

Chinese Sauces
Side Dishes
Asian Food
Chinese Food

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
105	Calories
11g	Fat
2g	Carbs
1g	Protein

Show Full Nutrition Label

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories	105
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g	14%
Saturated Fat 1g	5%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 839mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate 2g	1%
Dietary Fiber 1g	3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg	1%
Calcium 15mg	1%
Iron 0mg	2%
Potassium 79mg	2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Recipe Tags:

Chinese Sauce
chinese
superbowl
condiment

Rate This Recipe

I don't like this at all.It's not the worst.Sure, this will do.I'm a fan—would recommend.Amazing! I love it!Thanks for your rating!