Imagine dipping your sushi in soy sauce each time you have sushi, whether at home or a restaurant. Isn’t that boring?! If you find it boring, it is not necessary to always dip sushi in soy sauce.
You can also dip them in any other sauce of your choice and an array of Japanese sauces.
What to dip sushi in besides soy sauce? One of the most common ways to enjoy sushi is by dipping it into a soy sauce-based sauce. But sushi can be dipped in a variety of sauces besides soy sauce such as unagi sauce, ponzu sauce, tamari sauce, tonkatsu sauce, wasabi sauce, Worcestershire sauce, etc.
There are many ways to eat sushi, and it’s one of Japan’s most popular dishes. This post will introduce you to a variety of sauces other than the widespread soy sauce to enjoy with your sushi.
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How to Choose the Right Sauce for Sushi?
With soy sauce being the most commonly used condiment for sushi, it can be easy to forget that there is a multitude of other sauces that can be used for dipping.
When choosing a sauce, it is important to take into account the sushi’s filling as well as the flavor of the soy sauce.
The best way to choose the right sauce for sushi is by thinking about what flavors you want to enhance.
Do you want your sushi to be savory? Spicy? Tangy? Sweet? There are many different flavors to choose from when it comes to sauces, so finding the right one for your sushi is easy.
Once you’ve decided on the flavor profile you’re going for, it’s time to choose a sauce. If soy sauce is your go-to, then there are plenty of other soy sauce-based sauces to try out.
But if you’re looking for something different, then there are plenty of other options to choose from.
Some people might like tangy and salty types of sauces with their sushi, while others might prefer a sweeter sauce. There are sauces of all types sweet, savory, tangy.
LEARN MORE: What Is Nori Maki Sushi?
Sushi Sauces Besides Soy Sauce
Apart from soy sauce, there are many other delicious dipping sauces that you can use to enhance your sushi experience. Or you can even make your own mix while considering the flavors of the particular sushi you are having.
Unagi Sauce
Unagi sauce is a soy sauce-based sauce that is sweet and savory. It is made with soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and mirin.
Ponzu Sauce
Ponzu sauce is a citrus-based soy sauce that is tangy and flavorful. It is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and kombu dashi.
Tamari Sauce
Tamari sauce is a soy sauce alternative that is gluten-free. It is made with soybeans, water, and salt.
Tonkatsu Sauce
Tonkatsu sauce is a Worcestershire sauce-based sauce that is savory and tangy. It is made with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, tomato paste, and onion powder.
Wasabi Sauce
Wasabi sauce is a spicy soy sauce-based sauce that is made with soy sauce, wasabi paste, and honey.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a soy sauce-based sauce that is savory and tangy. It is made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, anchovies, garlic, and onion.
Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a soy sauce-based sauce that is sweet and savory. It is made with soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and spices such as ginger-garlic. Honey may also be used as a sweetener.
Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a spicy, sweet, and salty sauce that is made with soybean paste, sugar, vinegar, garlic, salt, and chili peppers.
Sriracha Sauce
Sriracha sauce is a hot and tangy sauce that is made with red chili peppers, sugar, salt, garlic, and distilled vinegar.
Korean Galbi Sauce
The flavor of Korean Galbi sauce varies by brand, but it usually includes soy sauce, sugar, and fruit like pear and apple.
Oyster Sauce
Because oyster juice is added in oyster sauce, it has a fishy undertone, so those who prefer simple, mild flavors may want to skip this option.
Sweet Chilli Sauce
As the name suggests, this sauce is both sweet and spicy. It is made with sugar, vinegar, chili peppers, and garlic.
Mustard Sauce
Mustard sauce is made with mustard powder, vinegar, and sugar. It can also include other spices such as turmeric and garlic powder.
Ginger Sauce
Ginger sauce is made with ginger, vinegar, and sugar. It can also include soy sauce, garlic, and chili peppers.
Chili Oil
Chili oil is made with chili peppers and soybean oil. It can also include other flavors like sesame oil, garlic, and onion.
Nanami Togarashi Sauce
Nanami Togarashi sauce is a Japanese seven-flavor chili pepper spice blend that includes soy sauce. It is made with red chili peppers, orange peel, sesame seeds, seaweed, ginger, and garlic.
Mango Sauce
Mango sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is made with mango, sugar, and vinegar.
Tahini Sauce
Tahini sauce is a Middle Eastern sauce that is made with ground sesame seeds, garlic, and lemon juice. This will give your sushi a creamy and nutty taste.
Coconut Aminos
Coconut Aminos is soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. It is made with coconut sap and sea salt.
Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri is a green Argentinean sauce that is made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and oregano.
Chipotle Sauce
Chipotle sauce is a smoky, spicy sauce that is made with chipotles in adobo sauce, tomato paste, sugar, and vinegar.
Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish sauce is a creamy sauce that is made with horseradish, cream, vinegar, and spices.
Liquid Aminos
Liquid aminos is a soy sauce alternative that is made with soybean extract and water.
Cocktail Sauce
Cocktail sauce is a ketchup-based sauce that is made with horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce.
Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a savory, salty, and sour sauce that is made with anchovies, salt, and water. It is used in Thai, Vietnamese, and Filipino cuisine.
Yum Yum Sauce
Yum Yum sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is used in Japanese Hibachi restaurants. It is made with mayonnaise, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce.
These are just some of the sauces that go well with sushi. There are many other sauces out there that you can try. Just be creative and have fun with it!
LEARN MORE: What Does Nori Taste Like?
What Sushi Dipping Sauce Do Japanese Restaurants Use?
In Japanese restaurants, soy sauce and wasabi are the most common dipping sauces for sushi. However, other sauces such as soy sauce with ginger or soy sauce with garlic are also used.
Some restaurants also serve their sushi with a spicy dipping sauce made from Sriracha sauce.
For those who want something a little sweeter, restaurants also offer honey soy sauce as a dipping sauce.
And for those who want something really different, there are even restaurants that serve their sushi with a mango sauce.
So, the next time you are at a Japanese restaurant, be sure to ask what dipping sauces they have to offer.
You may be surprised at the variety of sauces that are available. And, who knows, you may even find a new favorite!
LEARN MORE: What Is Nori Sauce?
Why Do Most People Use Soy Sauce for Dipping Sushi?
Soy sauce is a salty, savory, and umami-rich dipping sauce that pairs well with sushi. It also helps to enhance the flavors of the sushi.
The main reason soy sauce is used for dipping sushi is that it brings out the flavor of the fish. soy sauce is also a good way to add salt to the sushi without making it too salty.
Soy sauce is not required, but it is common. Other dipping sauces such as soy sauce with ginger, soy sauce with garlic, or Sriracha sauce can be used.
LEARN MORE: What Is Yaki Nori?
Conclusion: What to Dip Sushi in Besides Soy Sauce?
Now that you have so many options at hand. Get going, try out and experiment with different sauces to dip your sushi. Or just make a mixture of different dipping sauces to create your own sauce.
Ditch the soy sauce, use fun sauces and enjoy your sushi!
