Dumpling Sauce
A quick soy, rice vinegar and toasted sesame dipping sauce for dumplings, rice and noodles, ready in five minutes.
Soy sauce provides the savory base, rice vinegar adds brightness, sugar rounds the edges and toasted sesame oil brings a nutty finish. Adding water gradually makes it easy to balance either regular or low-sodium soy sauce without weakening the dip too much.

Instructions
- 1
Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sriracha or chili crisp if using, toasted sesame oil and green onion in a small bowl or lidded jar. Whisk or shake until the sugar dissolves.
3 min
- 2
Add the water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing and tasting after each addition, until the sauce has the desired intensity.
2 min
- 3
Serve immediately as a dip for dumplings or drizzle over rice or noodles. If made ahead, cover and refrigerate.
Ago's Notes
- If using full-sodium soy sauce, add the water gradually to soften the saltiness. Low-sodium soy sauce may need less or no water.
- Tamari may replace soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar may replace rice vinegar.
- Sambal, sriracha, chili crisp or another chili paste all work; leave it out for a mild sauce.
- Honey, brown sugar, hoisin sauce or stir-fry sauce may replace the granulated sugar, though hoisin and stir-fry sauce will add more seasoning.
- Refrigerate in a covered jar or airtight container for up to 1 week. Stir or shake before serving.
Taste after adding the first spoonful of water, then dilute only until the salty, tangy and lightly sweet flavors feel balanced.


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