The BEST Sauces for Egg Rolls!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Egg rolls are a popular appetiser found in many Asian cuisines, known for their moreishly crispy exterior and flavoursome, fresh, and crunchy filling.

While egg rolls themselves are already delicious, the right sauce can elevate them to a whole new level of mouthwatering goodness.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best sauces you can pair with your egg rolls as well as their key ingredients, so you can impress your guests at your next gathering or simply treat yourself to a scrumptious snack! 

Whether you’re a fan of tangy, sweet, or spicy flavours, you’re sure to find the perfect sauce to suit your taste buds.

Let’s get going!

spring rolls

Popular SAUCES FOR EGG ROLLS

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is the classic dipping sauce for egg rolls.

It’s savoury, salty, and easily paired with many types of egg rolls.

You can use light soy sauce for a milder flavour or dark soy sauce for a richer taste.

To spruce it up, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a dash of sesame oil.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

If you’re a fan of tangy flavours, sweet and sour sauce is the perfect choice.

It combines the perfect balance of sweetness from sugar and tanginess from vinegar, creating a mouth-watering dipping sauce.

Some popular additions include pineapple juice, ketchup, or even a bit of chilli sauce for a spicy kick.

Be sure to also check out what to do with leftover sweet and sour sauce! 

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a popular and versatile Chinese sauce that goes great with egg rolls.

It’s thick, sweet, and savoury, with a blend of soy sauce, sugar, fermented soybean paste, and spices.

For a lighter consistency, you can mix it with a bit of water or soy sauce, and add a few drops of sesame oil for extra flavour.

Peanut Sauce

Peanut sauce is an excellent choice for those looking for a rich, nutty flavour.

It’s made from peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar, with optional additions like chilli sauce or ginger for extra spice.

This sauce goes particularly well with vegetarian egg rolls or ones filled with tender chicken! 

Got leftovers? Take a browse through ideas for using up peanut sauce! 

Sweet Chilli Sauce

Sweet chilli sauce is a favourite for those who enjoy sweet and spicy flavours.

It consists of chilli peppers, sugar, vinegar, and garlic, creating a perfect blend of heat and sweetness.

This sauce pairs well with various egg roll fillings, and it’s also great for drizzling over your dish!

Sriracha Sauce

If you’re looking for a spicy and flavourful addition to your egg rolls, Sriracha sauce is an excellent choice.

This popular Asian-style hot sauce is made primarily of chilli peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar.

To make your own Sriracha sauce, blend together red chilli peppers, garlic, sugar, salt, and vinegar to create a smooth, slightly thick sauce.

You can adjust the heat by using more or less chilli peppers, depending on your preference.

A great way to mix things up with Sriracha sauce is to create a dipping sauce by combining it with other ingredients.

For example, to create a creamy, spicy sauce, mix together:

  • 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

You could also add green onions and sesame seeds to your sauce for an additional burst of flavour and texture.

Simply chop some green onions and sprinkle them over the sauce, along with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds, before serving.

Plum Sauce

Another delicious sauce option for egg rolls is plum sauce.

This sweet and tangy sauce is made from plums, sugar, and spices, making it a perfect contrast to the savoury ingredients found inside egg rolls.

To make homemade plum sauce, you’ll need:

  • 1 cup pitted and chopped ripe plums
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

Simmer the ingredients together in a saucepan until the plums are tender and the sauce has thickened.

After cooling, you can strain the sauce for a smoother texture, or leave it chunky for added texture.

If you want to elevate your plum sauce, consider adding finely chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

These additional ingredients will add extra layers of flavour, making your dipping sauce even more enjoyable with each bite of your egg rolls.

Key Ingredients for Egg Roll Dipping Sauces

When making a dipping sauce for your egg rolls, there are a few essential ingredients that will elevate the flavours and make your recipe truly stand out.

Understanding these components really helps you to understand what makes a good sauce and how to pair them with your favourite foods, ultimately making you a better home cook. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the essential ingredients that you’re likely to be using if you’re making your sauces from scratch… 

Garlic

Garlic is a staple in many dipping sauces, adding a robust, savoury element that complements the flavours of your egg rolls.

You can use fresh garlic cloves, minced or crushed, or opt for garlic powder if you prefer a milder taste.

A tablespoon of minced garlic usually does the trick, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.

Ginger

Ginger adds a fresh and zesty kick to your sauce.

Use fresh ginger root for the most authentic taste, grating about a teaspoonful into your sauce.

If you don’t have fresh ginger, a teaspoon of ginger powder can be used as an alternative. Be sure to taste and adjust ginger levels to suit your personal preference.

Vinegar

Vinegar brings a tangy and bright acidity to balance the rich flavours in your egg roll dipping sauce.

The types of vinegar you choose can greatly affect the flavour profile of your sauce.

Rice vinegar is a popular choice for Asian dipping sauces, while white vinegar provides a milder tang.

Start with a tablespoon and adjust the amount to your liking.

Sesame Oil

A small drizzle of sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma that enhances the overall taste of the dipping sauce.

It’s important to use it sparingly, as the flavour can be quite potent.

About a teaspoon of sesame oil should suffice, but feel free to add more or less depending on your taste preferences.

Sugar

Adding a touch of sugar to your sauce can help balance the salty and tangy flavours.

You can use granulated sugar, honey, or even maple syrup.

Start with a teaspoon and adjust according to your desired level of sweetness.

If your sauce contains soy sauce, be mindful of its natural sweetness when adding sugar.

Egg Roll Sauce Pairings

In this section, we’ll explore the best sauce pairings for different types of egg rolls: Chicken Egg Rolls, Vegetable Egg Rolls, and Spring Rolls.

Chicken Egg Rolls

For chicken egg rolls, your best bet is a sweet and tangy sauce. One such option is sweet chilli sauce.

This sauce complements the chicken flavour well and adds a nice kick.

Combine the following ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until thickened:

  • 100 ml water
  • 100 ml rice vinegar
  • 100 g white sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 g red chilli flakes

Another great option is a classic plum sauce. Its fruity taste pairs well with chicken egg rolls.

Here’s a simple recipe:

  • 250 g plums, pitted and chopped
  • 125 ml water
  • 50 g brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp ginger, grated

Simmer all the ingredients until you reach your desired consistency, then puree with a stick blender and strain.

Vegetable Egg Rolls

For vegetable egg rolls, which often contain cabbage, a lighter, refreshing sauce is an excellent choice.

A cucumber yoghurt sauce would work wonders.

Mix together:

  • 200 g Greek yoghurt
  • 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Another delightful option is a soy-ginger dipping sauce that complements the earthiness of the vegetables in the egg rolls:

  • 60 ml soy sauce
  • 60 ml rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Whisk together all the ingredients and serve chilled.

Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are lighter than traditional egg rolls, so a bright, zesty sauce would be the perfect accompaniment.

Try a lime and coriander sauce:

  • 1 bunch fresh coriander, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

Another option for spring rolls is a peanut dipping sauce.

This rich, nutty sauce pairs excellently with the lightness of spring rolls. To make, combine:

  • 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp hot water
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped peanuts, for garnish

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and garnish with chopped peanuts. 

Conclusion

Choosing the best sauce for your egg rolls can truly elevate your dining experience.

As a resourceful and creative chef, you have a variety of options to choose from, depending on the flavours you’re aiming to complement.

Always keep in mind the ingredients of your egg rolls and the preferences of your diners.

For a classic and well-loved choice, sweet and sour sauce is ideal with its tangy and fruity depth.

If you’re looking to bring a bit of heat to your dish, try spicy sriracha mayo.

The creamy texture adds a rich contrast, while the kick of heat keeps it interesting.

For those who appreciate a more delicate flavour, plum sauce might be your best option.

Its blend of sweet and tangy notes creates a mild yet intriguing taste.

Alternatively, try peanut sauce for a nutty and savoury twist that pairs wonderfully with various fillings.

Lastly, remember that experimentation is key to finding your personal favourite sauces for egg rolls.

Feel free to mix and match ingredients, customise the traditional recipes, and even create your own signature sauces.