5 minutes
This Beijing-Style Bold Dipping Sauce is quick to make and bursting with flavor. In just about 5 minutes, you'll have a versatile and delicious sauce that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
1. Dissolve Sugar
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Stir until you see a clear liquid with no granules, which means the sugar has fully dissolved.
2. Combine Ingredients
Combine the dissolved sugar mixture with 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, 0.5 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, and the finely chopped white part of a scallion. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined.
3. Add Chili Oil (Optional)
If you like a bit of heat, add Ultimate Chili Oil to taste. Mix it in until you reach your desired level of spiciness.
By introducing a bit of Sichuan peppercorn powder and chili oil into the core recipe, you can create a numbingly spicy Sichuan version that's perfect for dipping or drizzling over grilled meats or cold noodles.
A Korean twist can be achieved by adding gochujang (Korean chili paste), a little honey for sweetness, and finely chopped green onions. This sauce is fantastic for Korean BBQ wraps or as a dip for vegetables.
By adding coconut milk, peanut butter, and a bit of Thai red curry paste to your core recipe, you create a rich and creamy Thai-style peanut sauce. It’s perfect for satay, tossed with noodles, or as a dressing for salads.
Modify the core recipe by substituting the sesame paste with a citrus element, like yuzu juice or a combination of lemon and lime juices, and adding a splash of mirin for sweetness. This variation creates a tangy and refreshing ponzu sauce that's great for dipping sashimi or dressing cold salads.
Simplify the core recipe by focusing on soy sauce, sesame oil, and a generous amount of cooked scallions. This sauce is a classic accompaniment to Shanghai-style soup dumplings (xiaolongbao).
Taste as you go and adjust seasonings for the perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements.
Use fresh aromatics, finely minced or grated, for a bright, pungent flavor in the sauce.
Use high-quality, authentic ingredients like Chinese sesame paste for the most authentic and flavorful result.
Allow the sauce to rest and flavors to meld for at least 10 minutes, or longer in the refrigerator, before serving.
Toast sesame seeds before using to enhance their nutty flavor, but avoid burning.
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