Testing 6 Reader-Submitted Dumpling Dipping Sauces

Steps

1. 1
   Mix Dongchuan chili sauce with a splash of soy sauce. This slightly oily dip pairs especially well with pan-fried dumplings or steamed buns, and surprisingly tastes a bit like Taiwanese meatball (ba-wan) sauce.
2. 2
   Substitute Greek yogurt for Russian-style sour cream, stir in finely minced garlic, and let it sit for about an hour to infuse the garlic flavor.
3. 3
   Before serving, add salt, black pepper, and a touch of chili oil, stir lightly, then use as a dumpling dip — this combination effectively cuts through greasiness.
4. 4
   Mix miso with a generous amount of mirin and just a splash of sake, then sprinkle white sesame seeds on top to create a miso dip reminiscent of oden dipping sauce.
5. 5
   Dice onion and soak it long enough for the pungency to mellow into sweetness, then mix with soy sauce; if it tastes too salty, balance it with a little mirin and water.
6. 6
   Blend thick soy paste with fructose syrup; for extra depth, stir in minced garlic to create a garlic soy paste style, and add a bit more soy sauce to keep it from being too sweet.
7. 7
   Use the spicy sauce packet from a spicy chicken instant noodle brand directly as a dip; since it is quite spicy with limited savory depth, use it sparingly, or toss it with cooked or pan-fried dumplings instead for extra flavor.
8. 8
   All these dips can be adjusted to personal taste — feel free to experiment creatively to find your favorite way to enjoy dumplings.