Introduction to Tempura Dipping Sauces
Hey there, If you’re anything like us, you know that tempura is the best crispy, golden delight of Japanese cuisine, but let’s be real—what’s tempura without tempura dipping sauces? Sure, you could just grab store-bought sauce, but where’s the fun in that? Today, we’ll discover tempura sauce (and its saucy cousins) to bring you three easy, mouthwatering recipes that will make your dinner night unforgettable.
3 Tempura Dipping Sauces You Need to Try Tonight
Here are three tempura dipping sauces that are quick to make and packed with flavor.
| Sauce | Key Ingredients | Prep Time | Best Paired With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Tempura Sauce | Dashi, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sugar | 5 mins | Shrimp Tempura, Veggies |
| Spicy Mayo Dip | Mayonnaise, Sriracha, Lime Juice | 3 mins | Vegetable Tempura, Tofu |
| Citrus Ponzu Sauce | Soy Sauce, Citrus Juice, Mirin | 5 mins | Seafood Tempura, Mushrooms |
The Classic Tempura Sauce
Let’s start with the classic tempura dipping sauce. This is the one you’ll find in most Japanese restaurants, and for good reason—it’s simple, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with just about anything. The secret? A base of dashi (Japanese soup stock), which adds flavor. Combine it with soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sugar!
Classic Tempura Sauce Recipe
- 1 cup dashi
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, and let it cool. Serve in small bowls for dipping.
Related article : How to Achieve Crispy Tempura Every Time
Spicy Mayo Dip
If you’re a fan of creamy, spicy flavors, this spicy mayo dip is for you. It’s ridiculously easy to make—just mix mayonnaise with sriracha and a squeeze of lime juice. The result? A tangy, spicy sauce that’s perfect for dipping vegetable tempura or tofu. It’s also a great way to add a little kick to your meal without overpowering the delicate flavors of the tempura.
Spicy Mayo Dip Recipe
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lime juice
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Done! (Yes, it’s really that easy.)
Citrus Ponzu Sauce
Looking for something a little different? Enter citrus ponzu sauce. This tangy, refreshing sauce is made with soy sauce, citrus juice (like yuzu or lemon), and mirin. It’s light, bright, and perfect for seafood tempura or mushroom tempura. Plus, it’s a great way to add a burst of freshness to your meal.
Citrus Ponzu Sauce Recipe
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp citrus juice (yuzu, lemon, or lime)
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let the flavors meld for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion:
And there you have it—three tempura dipping sauces. If you crave a little spice, or want something zesty and refreshing, these sauces have got you covered!
Frequently Asked Questions about Tempura Dipping Sauces
Definitely! These sauces are versatile. The classic tempura sauce works great as a dipping sauce for gyoza or sushi, the spicy mayo dip is perfect for drizzling on rice bowls, and the ponzu sauce is amazing as a salad dressing or marinade.
The spicy mayo dip is naturally gluten-free. For the other two, make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and mirin if needed.
No worries! You can use instant dashi powder or even substitute with a light vegetable or chicken broth. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious.
