Soy Dipping Sauce

Soy Dipping Sauce

Soy dipping sauce is a staple condiment in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines. It is typically made with soy sauce, vinegar, and other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and green onion.

The history of soy sauce itself can be traced back to ancient China, where it was originally made by fermenting soybeans, wheat, and salt. Over time, soy sauce spread to other parts of Asia and became a popular seasoning for various dishes.

Here’s a recipe for a simple soy dipping sauce:

Author N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 green onion finely chopped
  • 1 Serrano pepper — thinly sliced rings
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil optional

Instructions

  • In a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until the honey is fully dissolved.
  • Stir in the minced garlic grated ginger, chopped green onion and Serrano pepper.
  • If desired add the sesame oil for extra flavor.
  • Serve as a dipping sauce for sushi dumplings, or other Asian-inspired dishes.

Notes

Note: You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add more honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or more garlic if you like a stronger garlic flavor.

In Japanese cuisine, soy sauce-based dipping sauces such as shoyu and ponzu are commonly served with sushi and sashimi. The dipping sauce is usually mixed with wasabi, a spicy condiment made from Japanese horseradish, to give it an extra kick.

In Chinese cuisine, soy dipping sauce is often served with dim sum, which are small bite-sized portions of steamed or fried dumplings, buns, and other savory dishes. The dipping sauce can also be used as a marinade for meats and tofu.

In Korean cuisine, soy dipping sauce is used as a condiment for grilled meat dishes such as bulgogi, which is marinated beef cooked on a grill or stove top. The sauce can also be served with tofu or other vegetable dishes.

Overall, soy dipping sauce has a long history in Asian cuisine and is a versatile condiment that can be used with a variety of dishes.