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This easy dumpling dipping sauce is salty, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. Made with soy sauce, black vinegar, and homemade chili oil, it takes 5 minutes to mix and instantly makes dumplings taste restaurant-level.
Easy Dipping Sauce For Dumplings
I’ve tried so many versions of dumpling sauce over the years, but this one hits that perfect balance: savory, tangy, and a little spicy without being overpowering. It’s my favorite easy dipping sauce for dumplings, simple to make, packed with flavor, and so much better than plain soy sauce. It goes perfectly with my Steamed Dumplings or Pan Fried Dumplings.
I used my homemade Chili Oil in this recipe for that deep, toasty heat and rich aroma, and the chili oil keeps for weeks. It only takes about 5 minutes to stir together, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain soy sauce again.
Your New Favorite Dipping Sauce
If you love sauces that instantly make everything taste better, this one’s a keeper.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. A quick mix of soy sauce, black vinegar, and chili oil gives you that perfect balance of salty, tangy, and spicy.
- Ready in minutes. Just stir everything together, no cooking needed, and you’ve got a restaurant-style dipping sauce in 5 minutes.
- Better than bottled. Freshly mixed, fragrant, and customizable to your taste. Adjust the heat, sweetness, or tang exactly how you like it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Soy sauce
- Chinkiang black vinegar
- Chili Oil
You can find all the exact amounts and details in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Pro Tip #1: Why Soy Sauce Is the Base
Soy sauce gives the sauce its salty, umami foundation. It’s what ties all the flavors together and makes the sauce savory enough to pair with dumplings, noodles, or stir-fries.
Pro Tip #2: The Secret Behind Chinkiang Black Vinegar
Chinkiang black vinegar is a staple in Chinese kitchens, known for its deep, slightly smoky flavor and mellow tang. It’s what gives the sauce that classic dumpling shop taste. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or online. It usually comes in a tall glass bottle with a yellow label.
Pro Tip #3: Why I Use Homemade Chili Oil
I like using my homemade Chili Oil because it’s fresher, more flavorful, and much cheaper than store-bought. You get that deep, toasty aroma and balanced heat that bottled versions just can’t match. Plus, it keeps for weeks, so it’s worth making a batch to have on hand anytime.
Pro Tip #4: Don’t Skip The Sugar
A small pinch of sugar might not seem like much, but it balances the saltiness and acidity so the sauce tastes smooth and well-rounded instead of harsh.
How To Make Dumpling Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, add the soy sauce, Chinkiang black vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, sugar, and a bit of cilantro or scallions. Toss in some sesame seeds if you like.
Give it a quick mix until the sugar dissolves and everything comes together nicely. You can serve it right away, or keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Store it in a small jar in the fridge and just give it a quick stir before serving since the chili oil might separate. It actually tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors blend together.
You don’t have to, but I recommend it. Homemade chili oil tastes fresher, more fragrant, and is way cheaper than store-bought. Plus, it keeps for weeks, so you can use it for noodles, stir-fries, and even eggs.
Regular light soy sauce works best because it adds saltiness and umami without overpowering the other flavors. Dark soy sauce is too thick and sweet for this recipe.
Up to one week in a sealed jar. The chili oil helps preserve it, but the fresh herbs (like cilantro or scallions) taste best within a few days.
This recipe makes 1/2 cup (125ml) and contains 345 calories.
What To Serve With This Recipe
For an easy and wholesome Chinese weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
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Dumpling Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinkiang black vinegar, Chinese black vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Chili Oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves, or scallions, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, Chinkiang black vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, sugar, cilantro (or scallions), and sesame seeds.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is well mixed. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to use.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
