Spicy and Sweet Sriracha Dipping Sauce

⭐ Why this recipe works

Simple ingredients and easy to make. This sweet sriracha sauce can double as a salad dressing, burger topper, or stir-fry sauce.

It is a healthier version of creamy sriracha tahini dressing or spicy mayo without oil, nuts, or vegan sour cream.  

📋 Key Ingredients, notes & substitutions

Sriracha. Was there life before sriracha? There are probably several brands at your grocery store or fridge if you like spicy foods. Stick to the classic sriracha flavor. The smoky type or sriracha bbq sauce will change the flavor profile. Check the labels to ensure it’s vegan.

Soy sauce. Use dark soy sauce or the light, lower-salt variety. Coconut aminos or other amino acids are a good substitute for soy sauce. Alternatively, Tamari is an excellent gluten-free option.

Rice vinegar. You’ll need acid to balance the sweetness, and rice vinegar gives this dipping sauce a slight Asian flare. For a citrus option, fresh lime juice could be used. Lemon juice might be too sour for this recipe.

Maple syrup. This is our honey substitute, and it’s a good one. Check out our comprehensive list of agave syrup substitutes for other options, including date syrup.

Garlic. Sriracha already has garlic, but 2 extra cloves won’t overpower this sauce. You can use ½ a teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute. I’ve not tried this recipe with onion powder, but a pinch might be interesting.

Ginger. Fresh ginger adds another layer of unique spiciness. Finely mince or grate fresh ginger root. I've not tried this recipe with ginger powder, but you can start with ½ a teaspoon and adjust if you go in that direction.

🥣 Instructions and pro tips

Equipment needed: Use a knife or garlic press to prepare the garlic cloves and a grater for the ginger (or knife). Next, you’ll want a small saucepan plus a whisk or wooden spoon. The source of heat is the stovetop.  

The cooking method involves mixing the ingredients in a small saucepan and simmering for 10 minutes. Simmering is important because it reduces the liquids, thickens the sauce, and merges the flavors.

After mixing the ingredients, set the heat to low and slowly simmer the sauce. Stir the sauce a few times to ensure the ingredients aren't sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. The longer you simmer it, the more it thickens.

Once the sauce has thickened, transfer it to a small bowl and serve it warm or at room temperature. 

Pro tip: Reducing intensifies the flavor. If you aren't sure of the spice level, start with a tablespoon of sriracha and add more as the sauce reduces.

💬 Frequently asked questions

🍴 What to serve with sriracha dipping sauce

There are no limits to the creative ways you can use this sauce. From classic dippers like sweet potato fries to potato chips to air fryer tofu or buffalo cauliflower wings – anything goes! You can dress up French fries, tater tots, vegan chicken tenders, or veggie balls so efficiently that the ketchup bottle will be long forgotten.

Spicy sriracha sauce clings to veggies and gives your salads or bowls a new flavor. In record time, it can dress up a bowl of adzuki or black beans. Add some steamed veggies, and it's a quick and easy lunch.

🌡️ Storage / Freezing / Reheating

Keep this tasty sauce in a sealed container or jar in the fridge for a week. Stir and let it warm to room temperature to thin it.

I don't recommend freezing dipping sauce as it will get watery and lose much of the flavor.

Although dipping sauce is delicious hot, warm, or cool, you can quickly reheat it in the microwave or on the stove on low.