Tempura Dipping Sauce Recipe

Let’s dive into the art of umami with this simple yet soul-satisfying tempura dipping sauce—it’s like a flavor-packed hug for your taste buds, perfect for elevating any crispy creation to gourmet status!

I love creating simple yet flavorful components like this Tempura Dipping Sauce. By blending dashi stock, soy sauce, and mirin, we achieve a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a hint of sugar.

Adding grated daikon, green onions, or ginger can enhance both flavor and nutritional benefits.

Tempura Dipping Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Dashi Stock: Umami-rich, provides depth; low in calories.
• Soy Sauce: Salty and savory; adds depth, rich in sodium.
• Mirin: Sweet rice wine; contributes sweetness and gloss.
• Sugar: Sweetens; counterbalances saltiness, adds calories.
• Grated Daikon Radish: Adds freshness and texture; low in calories.

Tempura Dipping Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup dashi stock
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Grated daikon radish, optional for serving
• Thinly sliced green onions, optional for garnish
• Grated ginger, optional for serving

How to Make this Tempura Dipping Sauce Recipe

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of dashi stock, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1/4 cup of mirin.

2. Place the saucepan over medium heat.

3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar and continue stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.

4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

5. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.

6. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or sugar to suit your preference.

7. Pour the sauce into a serving bowl.

8. Serve the tempura dipping sauce warm or at room temperature.

9. If you like, add some grated daikon radish and grated ginger to the sauce directly or on the side.

10. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions before serving alongside your tempura.

Tempura Dipping Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
5. Serving bowl
6. Grater (if using grated daikon radish or ginger)
7. Knife (for slicing green onions)
8. Cutting board

FAQ

• What is dashi stock, and can I substitute it?
  Dashi stock is a Japanese soup base made from bonito fish flakes and kombu seaweed. If needed, you can substitute it with a mild chicken broth or a vegetarian stock, though the flavor profile will change.
• Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
  Yes, low-sodium soy sauce can be used if you prefer to reduce the salt content. It will not significantly alter the flavor of the sauce.
• What is mirin, and is there a substitute if I can’t find it?
  Mirin is a sweet rice wine commonly used in Japanese cooking. If unavailable, you can substitute it with a mixture of sugar and white wine or rice vinegar.
• Is grated daikon radish necessary?
  Grated daikon radish is optional, but it adds a refreshing touch and balances the sauce’s sweetness. It’s highly recommended if available.
• How long can I store the dipping sauce?
  The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Gently reheat before serving, if desired.
• How do I serve the tempura dipping sauce?
  Serve at room temperature, possibly with grated daikon and ginger, and sprinkle thinly sliced green onions as a garnish to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Tempura Dipping Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For dashi stock, you can substitute with a mix of 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon of instant dashi granules. If dashi is unavailable, a mild vegetable or chicken broth can be used as a last resort.
• Instead of soy sauce, tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.
• If mirin is not available, you can use a mixture of 3 tablespoons sake and 1 tablespoon sugar, or a combination of dry sherry and a pinch of sugar.
• For sugar, you can substitute an equal amount of honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener option.

Pro Tips

1. Balance the Flavor If you find the sauce too salty or strong, add a small amount of water to mellow it down without losing the essential tastes. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust as needed.

2. Enhance Umami For a deeper umami flavor, consider adding a small piece of kombu (dried kelp) to the dashi stock as it heats, then remove it before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

3. Boost Freshness with Citrus A splash of fresh citrus, like yuzu or lemon juice, can add a refreshing note to the sauce. Add just a teaspoon or two right before serving.

4. Infuse Aromatics While the sauce is simmering, add a small piece of garlic or a whole dried chili for additional flavor complexity. Remove them before serving to avoid overpowering the sauce.

5. Chill Before Serving For a cool contrast with hot tempura, chill the sauce in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This can enhance the experience of dipping hot, crispy tempura into a cool, savory sauce.