PERFECT DUMPLING SAUCE
A Chinese dumpling is one of the world’s finest culinary creations. Whether fried, steamed, or boiled, dumplings are best served with a contrasting sauce that complements the juiciness of the ingredients inside the chewy, thin dough. Ideally, dumplings should be served with a dipping sauce, however, this isn’t always the case.
SAUCE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN DUMPLING
I, too, have sloppy habits when making dumpling sauce. When it comes to dipping sauces, I’m not above sprinkling a little black vinegar or chili sauce on top of a plate of dumplings without giving it any attention.
In retrospect, I see how an excellent dumpling sauce can make all the difference in the world when it comes to enjoying dumplings. When I made this sauce for my family after our final day of blogging, I found that a good dipping sauce can elevate a nice dumpling experience to something genuinely amazing in just five more minutes.
IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A GOOD DUMPLING SAUCE?
Dumpling sauce is a simple concoction that uses a careful mix of salty, sweet, spicy, and sour flavors to work its magic.
Soy sauce serves as the sauce’s foundation and is thinned up with hot water before use. Rice vinegar adds a slight sourness, balanced with a small amount of sugar (more easily dissolved in hot water).
Garlic and chili oil, particularly one with a lot of chili flakes like our handmade chili oil, are responsible for the dish’s spiciness.
Garlic, especially minced garlic, cannot be overstated. Raw garlic adds a kick of heat and acidity to the sauce.
Adding sesame seeds and sesame oil at the end adds a nutty richness that completes the flavor of the sauce.
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of dumplings.
For example, we’ve offered a variety of dumpling recipes, including veggie dumplings, pork and chive dumplings, and more.
The recipe for our homemade dumpling sauce has been requested often over the years, and now it’s here!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hot water
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of chili oil
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon of sesame oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 tablespoon hot water should be dissolved. Add the sesame oil, sesame seeds, chili oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and soy sauce. To blend, stir.
- Enjoy with freshly prepared dumplings!