Japanese Dipping Sauces & Wasabi – Essential for Sushi, Gyoza and More

Japanese cuisine is known for its refined flavours. Dipping sauces play an important role in this. They are not intended to overpower a dish, but rather to enhance the natural flavours of fish, meat, vegetables and rice.

At Tjin’s Toko, you will find an extensive range of Japanese dipping sauces and wasabi with which you can easily serve authentic Japanese dishes.

What Japanese dipping sauces are there?

Japan has a wide variety of dipping sauces. Some are fresh and citrusy, while others are rich, creamy or savoury.

Popular types include:

• Wasabi
• Ponzu dipping sauce
• Sesame dipping sauces (Goma Dare)
• Gyoza dipping sauces
• Tempura dipping sauce (Tentsuyu)
• Yakiniku dipping sauce
• Soy sauce as a dipping sauce

Each sauce pairs well with different dishes and provides a unique taste experience.

Wasabi: the classic Japanese flavour enhancer

Wasabi is perhaps the best-known Japanese dipping sauce and flavour enhancer. The spiciness of wasabi differs from that of chili peppers: the sharp flavour quickly rises in the nose and also quickly disappears, allowing the flavour of the dish to remain.

Wasabi is commonly used with:

• Sushi
• Sashimi
• Poke bowls
• Noodles
• Grilled fish
• Meat dishes

In addition to ready-made wasabi paste, you can also find wasabi powder with which you can prepare fresh wasabi yourself.

Dipping sauces for gyoza

Gyoza are traditionally eaten with a simple dipping sauce made of Japanese soy sauce, rice vinegar and optionally a little chili oil. There are also ready-made gyoza sauces that are ready to use and perfectly suited to the savoury flavour of Japanese dumplings.

Tempura and fried dishes

For tempura, Tentsuyu is often used. This light sauce is made with dashi, Japanese soy sauce and mirin and forms the perfect combination with shrimp, vegetables and other fried Japanese dishes.

Yakiniku and barbecue

In Japanese barbecue, meat, chicken and vegetables are often served with rich dipping sauces based on soy, sesame, garlic and fruit. These sauces give grilled dishes a full, slightly sweet umami flavour.

Which dipping sauce suits your dish?

With sushi

• Wasabi
• Soy sauce
• Ponzu

With gyoza

• Gyoza dipping sauce
• Soy sauce with rice vinegar

With tempura

• Tempura dipping sauce (Tentsuyu)

With yakiniku

• Yakiniku sauce
• Sesame dipping sauce

With salads

• Ponzu
• Sesame dressing

Authentic Japanese quality

At Tjin’s Toko, we exclusively select authentic Japanese products from renowned brands. This way, you cook with the same flavour enhancers that are also used daily in Japan.

Discover more Japanese flavour enhancers

Combine your favourite dipping sauces with:

• Japanese Soy Sauce
• Mirin & Cooking Sake
• Ponzu
• Teriyaki Sauce
• Miso
• Dashi
• Sushi Ingredients

This way, you can get everything you need to cook authentic Japanese food at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dipping sauce do you use with sushi?

The best-known combination is Japanese soy sauce with a small amount of wasabi. Ponzu is also increasingly used because of its fresh citrus flavour.

Is wasabi the same as horseradish?

Traditional wasabi is made from the wasabi plant. Many wasabi pastes also contain horseradish and mustard to create the characteristic spicy flavour.

Which sauce goes with gyoza?

Gyoza are usually eaten with a combination of Japanese soy sauce and rice vinegar or with a ready-made gyoza sauce.

What do you use ponzu for?

Ponzu is a fresh citrus soy sauce that is delicious with sushi, sashimi, grilled meat, fish, salads and hotpot.

Can I also use Japanese dipping sauces as a marinade?

Yes. Many Japanese dipping sauces, such as yakiniku and sesame sauces, are also excellent as a marinade for meat, chicken or vegetables.

Which dipping sauce is suitable for tempura?

For tempura, Tentsuyu is traditionally used, a light sauce based on dashi, Japanese soy sauce and mirin.