Every home cook has that one sauce they can’t live without. For me, it’s my Simple Soy Dip. It’s the kind of sauce that doesn’t shout for attention but quietly transforms whatever it touches. Whether you’re dunking crispy dumplings, spooning it over steaming rice, or brushing it onto grilled meats, this dip brings a deep, savoury note that instantly elevates a dish from “nice” to “oh, that’s good.”
It all begins with a handful of pantry staples—hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, a hint of garlic, and a touch of ginger. These are the familiar faces of Asian-inspired home cooking, the bottles that seem to live permanently near the hob. You simply stir them together, wait a little while, and watch the magic happen. There’s something satisfying about how quickly this sauce comes together. No fussing with blenders or lengthy simmering. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a few thoughtful ingredients that know how to work together.
The soy sauce forms the heart of it all—salty, savoury, and rich with umami. It’s the depth that anchors the lighter, sweeter notes from the hoisin sauce. The sesame oil is where the fragrance comes in, lending that irresistible nuttiness that wafts up as soon as it hits a warm dish. Add to that a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a touch of minced garlic and ginger, and you’ve got a dip that balances sharp, sweet, and savoury flavours with absolute grace.
What I particularly love about this dip is its flexibility. You can adjust it to your liking without ever ruining the balance. Want it a bit thicker? A little more hoisin will do the trick. Prefer a punchier, more savoury note? Add an extra splash of soy sauce. I’ve even used it as a marinade for chicken or drizzled it over stir-fried vegetables. It’s one of those recipes that’s more of a guide than a rulebook.
And here’s the secret that makes it special—patience. Let it sit for a couple of hours in the fridge before serving. It doesn’t seem like much, but that time allows the garlic and ginger to mellow and blend with the sweet-salty base, deepening the flavour. The transformation is subtle but remarkable. What begins as a collection of distinct flavours becomes something harmonious and rounded.
When it’s time to serve the simple soy dip, warming it gently in a small saucepan releases all those beautiful aromas. It’s a small detail, but it makes a world of difference. The warmth brings the sesame oil to life and softens the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a silky texture perfect for dipping.
At home, I often serve this simple soy dip alongside spring rolls or gyoza when friends come over. It’s always the first thing people comment on—“What’s in this sauce?” they ask, as if it’s a family secret. And truly, it does taste like something far more complex than the few minutes it takes to make.
Even on quiet nights, when dinner is nothing more than leftover rice and some sautéed greens, a spoonful of simple soy dip can make the meal feel special. It’s comforting, familiar, and endlessly versatile—a simple sauce that never fails to impress.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt as a home cook, it’s that flavour doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the best dishes come from the simplest ideas. This soy dip is proof of that. With just a few ingredients and a bit of care, you can create something that turns ordinary food into something truly memorable.
So next time you’re standing in your kitchen, wondering how to give your meal that extra something, reach for the soy sauce and hoisin. Mix them with a dash of sesame oil, a whisper of garlic and ginger, and let them mingle in the fridge for a while. You’ll have a simple soy dip that’s ready whenever you are—simple, satisfying, and full of heart.
Simple Soy Dip
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 clove garlic peeled and minced
- 1 tsp green onions chopped
- ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp ginger peeled and minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl add the water, garlic, soy sauce, green onions, hoisin sauce, toasted sesame oil, sugar and minced ginger.2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp water, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp green onions, ½ tsp toasted sesame oil, ½ tsp sugar, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ tsp ginger
- Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Add more hoisin sauce if you want until you get the consistency you enjoy.
- Pour into an airtight container and store in the fridge until needed. At least 2 hours. This will also help the flavours to intensify.
- When the simple soy dip is ready to serve, warm gently in a saucepan and pour into serving dishes.
26 comments
Normally I use housing on its own but this dip as totally amazing
Such an easy recipe, yet the result feels gourmet.
Tastes better after chilling—definitely worth the wait.
The fragrance when it’s warmed up is irresistible.
I served this at a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe.
My family loved it with chicken skewers; I’ll be making it again.
The sesame oil gives it such a warm, nutty aroma.
I’ve stored a jar in the fridge, and it just gets better each day.
A little goes a long way, and it really enhances every dish.
This soy dip has become my go-to for dumplings and spring rolls.
This dip transformed my plain rice dinner into something special.
Such a great all-purpose sauce—works with everything!
Made it once for dumplings, now it’s a permanent fridge staple.
Absolutely delicious—simple, quick, and full of flavour!
The ginger gives it a lovely, gentle heat that lingers.
It’s amazing how the garlic and ginger blend so perfectly.
I can’t believe something this easy tastes so good.
A beautifully balanced soy dip—perfect in every way.
Loved the balance of hoisin sweetness with soy saltiness.
Simple Soy Dip proves that flavour doesn’t need to be complicated.
Fantastic with fried tofu—brings out all the best flavours.
Can’t believe it takes minutes to prepare yet tastes so refined.
This dip made my stir-fried vegetables taste restaurant quality.
A simple, no-fuss sauce that packs a ton of flavour.
Perfect balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic—just lovely.
Honestly, I could drizzle this over anything—it’s that good.