What Sauces Go With Sushi? Complete Guide!
Are you a sushi lover looking to take your sushi game to the next level?
Well, you’re in luck because today we’re talking about the saucy side of sushi!
From simple soy to creamy, spicy mayo, we’ll dive into the world of sushi sauces and help you discover the perfect pairings for your favourite rolls.
So grab your chopsticks and get ready to sauce it up!
What Sauces Go With Sushi?
Here’s the quick and simple answer…
Some of the most popular sauces to serve with sushi include soy, teriyaki, eel, spicy mayo, and ponzu.
Other delicious choices include wasabi, unagi, sweet chilli, kewpie mayo, and mango dipping sauce.
Keep reading for preparation tips, as well as guidance on how exactly to choose the perfect sauce for the kind of sushi that you’ll be serving.
(By the way, you might also want to take a look at our guide to the best desserts to serve after sushi).
Popular Sushi Sauces
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is the quintessential dipping sauce for sushi.
A good-quality soy sauce adds a savoury, umami flavour to your sushi, complementing the tender fish and perfectly seasoned rice.
When using soy sauce, it’s important to remember to dip your sushi lightly, as too much can overpower the delicate taste of the fish.
Teriyaki Sauce
Another popular choice is teriyaki sauce, a sweet and tangy sauce made from soy sauce, sugar and mirin.
This sauce works particularly well with grilled or cooked fish sushi, such as unagi (eel) or shrimp tempura rolls.
Teriyaki sauce can be drizzled over the sushi rolls or used as a dipping sauce on the side.
Eel Sauce
Eel sauce, also known as unagi sauce, is a rich, sweet, and slightly sticky sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar and sake.
It’s commonly drizzled over eel or other cooked fish sushi rolls, but it can also be used as a dipping sauce for other types of sushi.
The sweet and umami flavours of eel sauce pair nicely with the subtle taste of sushi rice, making it a favourite among sushi enthusiasts.
Spicy Mayo
Spicy mayo is a crowd-pleasing sushi sauce for those who like a bit of heat.
Made by mixing mayonnaise with Sriracha, and a little lime juice, this creamy, spicy concoction adds a delicious kick to your sushi.
It’s particularly great with rolls that contain avocado, crab, or shrimp but can also be enjoyed with other sushi varieties.
Ponzu Sauce
Ponzu sauce is a zesty, tangy citrus-based sauce that brings a refreshing burst of flavour to your sushi.
Made from a blend of soy sauce, citrus juice, and sometimes rice vinegar, this light sauce is perfect for dipping sashimi or sushi rolls with a lighter taste, like tuna or cucumber.
The citrusy flavour profile of ponzu sauce lifts and brightens the flavours of the fish and rice, creating a lovely balance on your palate.
Sauce and Sushi Pairings
In this section, we’ll explore a variety of sauces that enhance the flavours of your favourite sushi dishes.
From nigiri to sushi rolls and tempura, these sauces will make your sushi experience even more delightful.
Nigiri Sauces
Nigiri, a type of sushi featuring a slice of fish or seafood on top of a small bed of rice, pairs beautifully with a selection of sauces.
Make sure to try these sauces to elevate your nigiri experience:
- Soy Sauce: A classic choice, a light dip of soy sauce with your nigiri brings out the umami flavours of the fish, while keeping its essence intact.
- Ponzu Sauce: This citrus-based sauce, made with soy sauce, citrus juice, and often some mirin, adds a tangy twist to your nigiri bite.
- Wasabi: A staple in sushi cuisine, adding a dab of this pungent green paste to your nigiri plate creates a spicy contrast to balance the mild flavour of the fish.
Sushi Roll Sauces
Sushi rolls, made with a variety of fillings like vegetables, seafood, and fish, taste even better when paired with the right sauce:
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: A fantastic drizzle on top or dipping sauce, this spicy, creamy condiment adds a punch to any roll, especially dynamite rolls.
- Unagi Sauce: Also known as eel sauce, this rich, sweet-savoury sauce enhances the flavours of rolls with cooked fish and shrimp or even vegetarian rolls.
- Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): A thicker, sweeter version of the classic soy sauce, Kecap Manis works well with sushi rolls containing grilled or cooked ingredients, as it coats the roll in a delightful sweet glaze.
Tempura Sauces
When it comes to deep-fried tempura, whether it’s fish, shrimp or vegetables, the right sauce can elevate your crunchy bites to another level:
- Tentsuyu Sauce: A traditional dipping sauce made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, Tentsuyu perfectly complements your crispy tempura bites.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: For a touch of heat and sweetness, try pairing your tempura with sweet chilli sauce, which adds more complexity to the overall flavour.
- Ginger Soy Sauce: Mix soy sauce with grated ginger for a refreshingly zesty dip that works wonders with seafood and vegetable tempura.
Specialty and Homemade Sauces
In this section, we’ll explore a variety of specialty and homemade sauces that can truly enhance your sushi experience.
These sauces include Yum Yum Sauce, Kewpie Mayo, Mango Dipping Sauce, Peruvian Green Sauce, Gyoza Dipping Sauce, and Aji Amarillo Sauce.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
Yum Yum Sauce
Yum Yum Sauce is a creamy, slightly tangy sauce that’s perfect for dipping your favourite sushi rolls.
To make your own, whisk together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tsp of ketchup, 1/2 tsp of sriracha, a pinch of white sugar, and 1/2 tsp of rice vinegar for a delightful condiment.
Kewpie Mayo
Kewpie mayo, a Japanese mayonnaise, has a rich, velvety texture and a slight tang.
It’s absolutely delicious with sushi, especially drizzled over rolls or used as a base for sriracha mayo.
Mango Dipping Sauce
If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side, try a mango dipping sauce!
Combine pureed mango with a touch of your favourite hot sauce, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil.
It pairs wonderfully with sushi, adding a fruity, tropical twist to your meal.
Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
Aji Verde is a Peruvian green sauce bursting with bold flavours like cilantro, lime, and garlic.
This zesty sauce is perfect for sushi lovers seeking a little extra kick.
Combine 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 chopped jalapeno, juice from 1 lime, 3 cloves minced garlic, and salt to taste to make this vibrant sauce.
Gyoza Dipping Sauce
Gyoza dipping sauce is a classic Japanese condiment that pairs well with sushi and gyoza dumplings alike.
To make your own, mix 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tsp of sugar, 1 tsp of sesame oil, and 1 tsp of sweet chilli sauce for a vibrant, tangy sauce.
Aji Amarillo Sauce
Aji Amarillo is a golden Peruvian sauce with a delicious blend of heat, acidity, and mild sweetness.
It complements sushi beautifully, adding a touch of South American zest.
To make Aji Amarillo sauce, simply blend 3 tbsp of aji amarillo paste with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, and salt to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common dipping sauces for sushi?
There are several popular dipping sauces that can be served with sushi to enhance its flavour.
These include soy sauce, wasabi, and ponzu sauce.
Some sushi rolls also have additional sauces drizzled on top, such as spicy sriracha mayo or unagi sauce. Feel free to try different options and find your preferred combination.
How to make spicy mayo for sushi?
Spicy mayo is a delicious and easy-to-make sauce that pairs well with sushi rolls.
Simply mix equal parts of mayonnaise and sriracha, then adjust the spiciness to your taste.
For extra creaminess and flavour, you can also add a dash of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar. Stir well, and your spicy mayo is ready to be drizzled over sushi or used as a dipping sauce.
Which sauce is the orange one on sushi?
The orange sauce that is commonly drizzled on sushi rolls is spicy mayo.
This tangy and creamy sauce is made from a combination of mayonnaise and sriracha, giving it that orange hue. It’s a versatile and delicious addition to sushi, adding a touch of heat and richness.
What is the recipe for the best sushi sauce?
The best sushi sauce really depends on your personal preference, as different sauces cater to different tastes.
For a simple and classic choice, many people enjoy using soy sauce, wasabi, and a slice of pickled ginger. For something more creative, you can try making unagi sauce or a creamy sriracha aioli. Experiment with a variety of sauces to find your favourite.
How can I make sushi sauce at home?
Making sushi sauce at home is quite simple and allows you to customise the flavour to suit your taste.
One popular option is ponzu sauce, which can be made by combining soy sauce, citrus juice (like lemon or yuzu), rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Spicy mayo, mentioned earlier, is another great choice.
By making your sushi sauce at home, you can ensure you have the perfect accompaniment for your sushi rolls.
What is the yellow sauce served with sushi?
The yellow sauce you may have encountered at sushi restaurants is likely aji amarillo sauce.
Aji amarillo is a Peruvian yellow chilli pepper, and the sauce is made by blending the pepper with oil and seasonings to produce a spicy and tangy flavour. This sauce is less common in traditional Japanese sushi, but adds a unique kick to fusion-style sushi rolls.
