Soy Dipping Sauce and Marinade

This is an ideal dipping sauce for simply prepared (even steamed) fish, shrimp, chicken, or pork, and of course Fried Wontons or Egg Rolls; it’s also perfect for drizzling over Sushi Bowls or tossing with hot or cold Chinese egg noodles. And you can make it even easier by skipping any or all of the garlic, ginger, or scallion. You also might try substituting 1/4 cup ketchup for the sugar (don’t knock it until you try it) or, in Korean style, adding 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds to the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar or sake, use fruity white wine or a tablespoon of cider or white vinegar mixed with a tablespoon of water.

MAKES: About 1 1/2 cups

TIME: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or sake
• 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced or grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup minced scallion

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar or sake, dark sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and minced scallion.
2. Stir the ingredients until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Use the sauce immediately or refrigerate it for up to 2 days.

VARIATION:

• Tahini Soy Sauce: For a thicker and richer version, omit the ginger and scallion. Substitute 1/4 cup honey for the vinegar and add 2 tablespoons of tahini. Optionally, sprinkle with hot red pepper flakes for added heat.
• Sweet-and-Sour Sauce: Omit the sesame oil. Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons and the vinegar to 3 tablespoons. Cook the sauce briefly over low heat, stirring, to dissolve the sugar. Adjust the taste by adding more vinegar or sugar if needed. Use it as a basting sauce for roasted, grilled, or broiled vegetables, fish, poultry, or meat. You can make it hot-and-sour by adding cayenne to taste.

USES:

Here are some suggested uses for the Soy Dipping Sauce and Marinade:

• Dipping Sauce: Serve it alongside simply prepared or steamed fish, shrimp, chicken, or pork. It pairs well with Fried Wontons, Egg Rolls, or other fried snacks. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for raw veggies or chips.
• Marinade: Use the sauce to marinate fish, meat, or poultry before grilling, broiling, or roasting. The flavors will infuse into the protein, adding a delicious savory taste. Remember to blot the food dry before cooking and consider covering it with a fresh coat of oil to promote browning.
• Drizzling Sauce: Drizzle the sauce over Sushi Bowls or toss it with hot or cold Chinese egg noodles for added flavor. You can also use it as a finishing touch on top of grilled or steamed vegetables or baked potatoes.
• Salad Dressing: Thin the sauce with a little lemon juice or sherry vinegar and olive oil to create a flavorful salad dressing. It adds a savory and tangy element to fresh greens or mixed salads.
• Rice or Grain Enhancer: Stir the sauce into cooked rice or other grains to add creaminess, body, flavor, and protein. It can elevate the taste of plain grains and make them more exciting.
• Sauce for Roasted Meats and Vegetables: During the last 5 or 10 minutes of cooking, spread the sauce on top of roasted vegetables, poultry, or meat. Be careful not to overcook it, as the sauce may burn. It will add a savory glaze and enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Fruit Salad Twist: Mix the sauce into chopped raw fruit and/or nuts for a more complex fruit salad. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors can create an interesting contrast.

These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and explore other ways to use the Soy Dipping Sauce and Marinade. Its savory and umami-rich profile can add depth and complexity to a variety of dishes.

This Soy Dipping Sauce and Marinade is a versatile and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or drizzle for various dishes, it adds a delicious umami and tangy kick. Enjoy experimenting with the variations and exploring the different ways to incorporate this sauce into your meals.