Spicy and Sweet Sriracha Dipping Sauce

This spicy and sweet sriracha dipping sauce is an easy vegan recipe with 6 main ingredients, oil-free, and the only spicy sauce recipe you'll ever need.

If you’ve ever tried honey sriracha sauce, this simple recipe is our vegan answer, and I promise, it’s even better.

Ingredients, Notes, and Substitutions

Sriracha. Likely there are several varieties available at the grocery store. 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. 

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.

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

Recipe Variations

It has happened. I ran out of sriracha. My substitute was Sambal oelek, and it worked great, although I used less because it is extra spicy. 

3-4 Soaked and blended dates make a sweeter and thicker sriracha sauce. If you already make date paste, then you know this drill. Dates are a great option for sweetening because they add dietary fiber, slowing down the sugar's impact. 

If you want to make a creamy sauce similar to a sweet, spicy mayo, add a simple cashew cream. Blend a few cashews with water and mix that into the sauce. This is a good option for a creamy dipping sauce rather than a stir-fry sauce. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. 

Step 2: Lower the temperature to medium once the sauce bubbles and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes. 

Pro Tips

• Simmering reduces the liquids, thickens the sauce, and merges the flavors. It also intensifies the flavor, so if you aren't sure of the spice level, start with a tablespoon of sriracha and add more after the sauce reduces. 
• 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. 

Serving Suggestions

This is a great dip for everything from classic dippers like sweet potato fries to air fryer tofu, buffalo cauliflower wings, or a bag of potato chips.

Beyond an easy appetizer, it doubles as a dressing for a quick Asian kale chopped salad or mixed with rice and sliced scallions for a quick side dish. Try it with quick Instant Pot Barley or switch up the flavor of Freekeh salad. A good sauce can inspire new recipes. No boredom here!