Skip to Content

20 Best Sauces for Rice Bowls

Are you looking for a delicious way to make your rice bowls more flavorful?

Rice bowls are one of the most popular dishes around the world, and they can be made in countless ways.

To take your bowl to the next level, adding a sauce is essential.

From teriyaki and soy sauce to tahini and miso paste, there are so many different sauces that you can use to give your bowl added flavor.

In this article, I’ll share 20 of my favorite sauces for rice bowls – from classic recipes to creative twists.

Read on to find out which ones will become staples in your kitchen!

Why Add A Sauce To Your Rice Bowl?

Easy Rice Bowl

Adding a sauce to your rice bowl can add flavor, texture, and complexity to the dish.

  • First, sauces provide an extra layer of flavor that can help bring out the flavors of other ingredients in the bowl. For example, adding a teriyaki or soy-based sauce to your rice bowl will enhance the umami notes of vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant.
  • Second, sauces can also add texture and contrast to a dish; for instance, adding a spicy chili oil or sesame dressing will give your rice bowl some crunchy elements as well as heat.
  • Finally, sauces are great for creating complex dishes with multiple layers of flavor; by combining different types of sauces you can create unique combinations that will make your meal more interesting and enjoyable.

20 Best Sauces for Rice Bowls

Rice bowls can be a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures.

The key is finding the right sauce to bring out those flavors, while also adding something special.

Here are 20 delicious sauces that will elevate your rice bowl dishes:

1. Yumm Sauce

Yumm Sauce has a creamy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

  • How to Make It: To make Yumm Sauce, combine 1 cup of almond flour with 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast in a food processor or blender. Add 1/2 cup of cooked chickpeas (or canned), 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Blend until smooth.
  • Variations: There are several variations on the basic recipe for Yumm Sauce that can be used to customize it to your taste preferences. For example, you can add garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor; use tahini instead of almond flour; or add some hot sauce for an extra kick!
  • Common Uses: Yumm Sauce is commonly used as a dip for vegetables or chips; as a topping on salads; as an ingredient in rice bowls; as a spread on sandwiches and wraps; or simply enjoyed by itself!

2. Peanut Sauce

Peanut sauce is a condiment made from ground peanuts, coconut milk, and spices.

It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine as a dipping sauce or to add flavor to dishes such as noodles, salads, and rice bowls.

  • How To Make It: Start by combining 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/4 cup of coconut milk in a bowl. Then add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Mix all the ingredients together until they are fully combined and the desired consistency is reached (add more coconut milk if needed).
  • Variations: There are many variations on this classic recipe that can be made depending on your taste preferences. For example, you can add chili flakes for some heat; lime juice for an extra zing; garlic for an added depth of flavor; or cilantro for freshness.
  • Common Uses: Peanut sauce is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or other fried appetizers but it can also be used to dress up salads or noodle dishes like pad thai. It’s also great as a marinade for grilled meats like chicken or pork chops and makes an excellent topping for burgers or sandwiches.

3. Creamy Wasabi Sauce

Creamy Wasabi Sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment made with wasabi paste, mayonnaise, and other ingredients.

It has a unique flavor that combines the heat of wasabi with the creaminess of mayonnaise.

  • How To Make It: Start by combining 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of wasabi paste in a bowl. Then add 1 tablespoon each of rice vinegar and soy sauce, as well as 1 teaspoon of honey or sugar to taste. Mix all the ingredients together until they are fully combined and you have a smooth sauce.
  • Customizations: You can customize this recipe to suit your own tastes by adding different herbs or spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or even some grated ginger for an extra kick! You can also adjust the amount of wasabi paste depending on how spicy you like it.
  • Common Uses: Creamy Wasabi Sauce is great for adding flavor to rice bowls or sushi rolls. It’s also delicious when used as a dip for vegetables or fried foods like tempura shrimp or chicken nuggets.

4. Raita

Raita is a condiment made from yogurt, cucumber, and spices.

It is popular in Indian cuisine and is often served as an accompaniment to rice dishes or curries.

The yogurt used for raita can be either plain or flavored with herbs such as mint or cilantro.

  • How To Make It: Making raita is simple and requires only a few ingredients. Start by combining plain yogurt with grated cucumber, chopped fresh herbs (such as mint or cilantro), salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and serve chilled.
  • Customizations: Raita can be customized to suit individual tastes by adding different types of vegetables such as carrots, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, etc., along with the cucumber; different types of herbs like dill or parsley; spices like cumin powder; and even fruits like pomegranate seeds for added sweetness.
  • Common Uses: Raita is commonly served alongside rice bowls or curries but can also be used as a dip for snacks such as samosas or pakoras. It can also be used to top salads for extra flavor and creaminess.

5. Mojo Sauce

Mojo sauce is a traditional Cuban condiment made from garlic, olive oil, and citrus juice.

It is usually served with roasted pork or chicken, but it can also be used as a marinade for other meats or vegetables.

  • How to Make It: To make mojo sauce, start by combining minced garlic cloves with olive oil in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add freshly squeezed orange juice and lime juice to the mixture and blend again until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Customizations: The basic recipe for mojo sauce can be customized by adding additional ingredients such as cumin, oregano, paprika, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, or even honey for sweetness.
  • Common Uses: Mojo sauce is most commonly served as an accompaniment to roasted pork dishes like lechon asado (Cuban-style roast pork) or ropa vieja (shredded beef). It can also be used as a marinade for grilled meats like chicken or fish before cooking them on the grill. Additionally, it makes an excellent dipping sauce for fried plantains or yuca fries!

6. Sweet Soy Sauce

Sweet soy sauce, also known as kecap manis, is a thick, sweetened version of traditional Indonesian soy sauce.

It is made by combining regular soy sauce with palm sugar or molasses and other seasonings such as garlic, star anise, and ginger.

The result is a dark brown syrup that has a sweet-salty flavor and a syrupy consistency.

  • How to Make It: To make sweet soy sauce at home, combine equal parts light or dark soy sauce with palm sugar or molasses in a small pot over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Add minced garlic cloves, star anise pods, and grated ginger to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or jar and let cool before using.
  • Customizations: You can customize your own sweet soy sauce by adding different spices like cinnamon sticks or cardamom pods to give it more depth of flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar depending on your preference.
  • Common Uses: Sweet Soy Sauce is commonly used in Asian cooking as both an ingredient in dishes like stir-fries and marinades as well as condiment served alongside rice bowls or noodle dishes for added flavor and sweetness.

7. Chipotle Crema

Chipotle crema is a Mexican condiment made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and chipotle peppers.

It has a creamy texture and smoky flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

  • How To Make It: Start by combining 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 2-3 finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together until they are fully combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as desired.
  • Customizations: The recipe for chipotle crema can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier version or add more chipotles if you like it spicier. You can also add other seasonings such as cumin or smoked paprika to give it an extra kick of flavor.
  • Common Uses: Chipotle crema is commonly used as a topping for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, quesadillas and rice bowls but it can also be used as a dip for chips or vegetables or even spread on sandwiches and wraps. It’s a versatile condiment that can add a creamy, smoky flavor to almost any dish.

8. Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a Greek condiment made from strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

It is typically served as an accompaniment to grilled meats or vegetables.

  • How To Make It: Start by grating the cucumber into a bowl and then squeezing out any excess liquid with your hands or a paper towel. Add the yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Finally add in chopped fresh dill or mint for extra flavor if desired.
  • Customizations: You can customize tzatziki sauce to suit your own tastes by adding different herbs such as oregano or parsley instead of dill or mint; using plain Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt; adding more garlic for extra flavor; substituting red wine vinegar for the lemon juice; or adding some diced red onion for added crunch and sweetness.
  • Common Uses: Tzatziki sauce is commonly used as a dip for pita breads and chips but can also be used as a topping on sandwiches and burgers; stirred into cooked grains like quinoa or couscous; spooned over roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini; served alongside grilled meats; or used as a salad dressing.

9. Peruvian Green Sauce

Peruvian Green Sauce is a spicy, flavorful sauce made from jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice.

It’s a popular condiment in Peru and is often served with rice bowls or as a dip for fried foods.

  • How To Make It: Start by blending together jalapeños (seeds removed), cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper until smooth. Then adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Customizations: The recipe can be easily customized to suit your tastes. For example, you can add more or less jalapeño depending on how spicy you want it to be; use fresh parsley instead of cilantro; or add other herbs such as oregano or basil for extra flavor.
  • Common Uses: Peruvian Green Sauce is most commonly used as a condiment for rice bowls but it can also be used as a dip for fried foods like empanadas or yuca fries; drizzled over tacos; added to soups; spread on sandwiches; mixed into guacamole; stirred into scrambled eggs; or even used as an ingredient in salad dressings!

10. Gyoza Sauce

Gyoza sauce is a condiment made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

It is commonly used as a dipping sauce for gyoza (Japanese dumplings) but can also be used to flavor other dishes.

  • How To Make It: Start by combining equal parts of soy sauce and rice vinegar in a bowl. Then add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 minced clove of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if desired.
  • Customizations: The basic recipe for gyoza sauce can be easily customized to suit individual tastes or dietary needs. For example, you can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce if you’re avoiding gluten; use honey instead of sugar; or add chili flakes for some heat!
  • Common Uses: Gyoza Sauce is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for Japanese dumplings such as gyozas or potstickers but it can also be used to flavor stir-fries, noodle dishes, salads, soups and more!

11. Jalapeno sesame salsa

Jalapeno sesame salsa is a spicy, flavorful condiment made with fresh poblano peppers, sesame oil, sesame seeds, Himalayan salt and lemon juice.

It has a unique flavor that combines the heat of jalapenos with the nutty taste of sesame oil and the crunchy texture of toasted sesame seeds.

  • How To Make It: To make jalapeno sesame salsa, start by roasting two poblano peppers over an open flame until they are charred on all sides. Once cooled, remove the skin and stem from each pepper and dice them into small pieces. In a medium bowl combine 1/4 cup of toasted sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon of Himalayan salt and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add in the diced poblanos and mix everything together until combined.
  • Customizations: This recipe can be customized according to your tastes or dietary needs by adding different ingredients such as garlic powder or cumin for extra flavor; diced tomatoes for added texture; or honey for sweetness. You can also adjust the amount of jalapenos used depending on how much heat you prefer in your salsa.
  • Common Uses: Jalapeno Sesame Salsa is great served over rice bowls or tacos, as a dip for chips or vegetables, or as a condiment for grilled meats or fish. It also makes a great topping for nachos or burritos.

12. Maple Tahini Dressing

Maple tahini dressing is a creamy, savory-sweet condiment made with tahini, maple syrup, and other ingredients.

It’s often used as a salad dressing or dip for vegetables and grains.

  • How To Make It: Simply combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. The ingredients you’ll need are: 1/4 cup of tahini, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 clove of garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of water (or more if needed).
  • Customizations: You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs or spices such as cumin or smoked paprika. You can also add some heat by adding chili flakes or hot sauce. If you want to make it creamier you can add some plain yogurt or avocado.
  • Common Uses: Maple tahini dressing is great on salads but it can also be used as a dip for vegetables like carrots and celery sticks. It’s also delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and cauliflower before baking them in the oven. Additionally, it makes an excellent topping for rice bowls!

13. Lebanese garlic sauce

Lebanese garlic sauce, also known as toum or toom, is a creamy condiment made from garlic, oil, and lemon juice.

It has a thick consistency and a pungent garlicky flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet.

  • How To Make It: Making toum requires patience and precision. The ingredients are blended together slowly while adding the oil in small increments until it reaches the desired consistency. This process can take up to 10 minutes depending on how powerful your blender is. Once all of the ingredients have been added, blend for an additional minute or two until you get a smooth paste-like texture with no chunks of garlic remaining.
  • Customizations: Toum can be customized by adding different herbs such as parsley or cilantro for extra flavor. You can also add spices like cumin or paprika for some heat if desired. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice used to make it more tart or less acidic according to your preference.
  • Common Uses: Toum is commonly served alongside grilled meats such as shawarma and kebabs but it’s also great on sandwiches, salads, roasted vegetables, falafel wraps, french fries – really anything! It’s also delicious when used as a dip for breads like pita chips or crackers.

14. Stir Fry Sauce

Stir fry sauce is a combination of sour, salty, and spicy ingredients that are used to flavor stir-fries.

It typically includes soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar.

  • How To Make It: Start by combining equal parts soy sauce and rice vinegar in a bowl. Then add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for every 2 tablespoons of the soy/vinegar mixture. Finally, add red pepper flakes to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon). Mix everything together until combined.
  • Customizations: You can customize this basic recipe by adding other flavors such as garlic or ginger powder, honey or brown sugar for sweetness, or even some chili paste for extra heat.
  • Common Uses: Stir fry sauce is most commonly used to season stir-fried vegetables and meats but it can also be used as a marinade for grilled foods or as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls.

15. Ponzu Sauce

Ponzu sauce is a Japanese condiment made from soy sauce, dried bonito flakes, lemon juice, dried kelp (kombu), and sugar.

It has a tart and savory flavor that is often used as a dipping sauce or marinade for various dishes.

  • How to Make It: To make ponzu sauce at home, combine 1/2 cup of soy sauce with 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice in a bowl. Then add 2 tablespoons of sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of dried bonito flakes and 1 teaspoon of dried kelp (kombu). Stir everything together until combined and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Customizations: The basic recipe can be customized by adding other ingredients such as mirin (sweet rice wine) or sake (rice wine). You can also adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a more tart flavor you can increase the amount of lemon juice or reduce the amount of sugar.
  • Common Uses: Ponzu sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for sashimi or tempura dishes, but it can also be used as an ingredient in salads or dressings. It’s also great for marinating meats like chicken or beef before grilling or roasting.

16. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark-colored condiment made from fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies, and various spices.

It has a sweet and savory flavor with hints of smokiness.

The name hoisin comes from the Chinese words for ‘seafood‘ (海鮮) and ‘sauce’ (沙茶).

  • How to Make It: All you need are some basic ingredients such as soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar or white wine vinegar, chili paste or chili flakes for heat if desired. Simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until they are well combined.
  • Customizations: You can customize your homemade hoisin sauce by adding other flavors like ginger or five-spice powder for an extra kick of flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness level by adding more sugar or honey if desired.
  • Common Uses: Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls but it can also be used as an ingredient in stir-fries and marinades to add depth of flavor to dishes like beef satay skewers or grilled pork chops.

17. Satay Sauce

Satay sauce is a Southeast Asian condiment made from a combination of spices, herbs, and other ingredients.

It is typically served as an accompaniment to grilled meats such as chicken or beef satay.

The sauce can be either creamy or chunky in texture and has a sweet-savory flavor profile with notes of peanut butter, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, and lime juice.

  • How To Make It: Start by combining equal parts peanut butter and coconut milk in a bowl until smooth. Then add minced garlic, grated ginger root, chopped red chili peppers (or chili flakes), fish sauce (optional), brown sugar (or honey), lime juice, and salt to taste. Mix everything together until combined then set aside while you prepare the rest of your meal.
  • Customizations: You can customize this recipe by adding additional flavors like curry powder or cumin for more depth of flavor; tamarind paste for tartness; sesame oil for nuttiness; or even some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for brightness.
  • Common Uses: Satay sauce is most commonly used as an accompaniment to grilled meats such as chicken satay skewers but it also makes an excellent dip for vegetables or fried foods, and can be used as a marinade for fish or other proteins. It can also be used as a condiment for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.

18. Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a sauce or marinade made from finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, and red wine vinegar.

It originated in Argentina and Uruguay but has become popular around the world.

The name comes from the Basque word tximitxurri which means “a mixture of several things in no particular order.”

  • How to Make It: To make chimichurri, combine 1 cup of fresh parsley leaves (stems removed), 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves (or 2 teaspoons of fresh oregano leaves), 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
  • Customizations: You can customize your chimichurri by adding other herbs such as cilantro or basil; spices such as cumin or chili powder; citrus juice such as lemon or lime; nuts such as almonds or walnuts; cheese such as feta or Parmesan; vegetables such as bell peppers or onions; and even fruits like mangoes for sweetness.
  • Common Uses: Chimichurri is commonly used on grilled meats like steak, chicken, pork chops, fish fillets etc. It is also commonly used as a condiment, on sandwiches, salads and as a dip.

19. Harissa

Harissa is a spicy chili pepper paste that originated in North Africa.

It is made from a blend of hot peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices such as cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, and mint.

The flavor of harissa can range from mild to very spicy depending on the type of peppers used.

  • How To Make It: Making harissa at home is easy and requires only a few ingredients. Start by roasting red bell peppers over an open flame or in the oven until they are charred all over. Peel off the skin and discard it before blending the roasted peppers with garlic cloves, olive oil, ground cumin, coriander seed powder, caraway seeds (optional), salt to taste and some lemon juice for acidity. Blend everything together until you have a smooth paste-like consistency.
  • Customizations: You can customize your harissa by adding different types of chilies or other spices like smoked paprika or oregano for extra flavor. You can also adjust the spiciness level according to your preference by adding more or less chili peppers to the mix.
  • Common Uses: Harissa is commonly used as a condiment in Middle Eastern cuisine but it has become popular around the world due to its unique flavor profile and versatility in cooking applications. It can be added to soups, stews, marinades, sauces, and even used as a spread. It is also used to season grilled meats and vegetables, or used as a marinade for fish or poultry.

20. Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory Japanese condiment made from soy sauce, mirin (a type of rice wine), sake (rice wine), sugar, and sometimes ginger.

It is used as both a marinade and glaze for meats, fish, vegetables, and other dishes.

  • How to Make It: Making teriyaki sauce at home is easy! All you need are the ingredients listed above plus some cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken it up. Simply combine all the ingredients in a small pot over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Then add the cornstarch or arrowroot powder while stirring constantly until it thickens into a glossy sauce.
  • Customizations: You can customize your teriyaki sauce by adding different flavors such as garlic, chili peppers, sesame oil, honey, or even fruit juices like pineapple juice. You can also adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar depending on your preference.
  • Common Uses: Teriyaki sauce is commonly used as a marinade for meats like chicken and beef before grilling or baking them. It’s also great for stir-fries and noodle dishes like ramen or udon noodles with vegetables. Additionally, it makes an excellent dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls!
Sauces

20 Best Sauces for Rice Bowls

Although I'm a big fan of plain rice, I'm always looking for ways to make it more interesting. In this article, I'm sharing my 20 favorite sauces for rice bowls. From creamy peanut sauce to spicy sesame sauce, these recipes are guaranteed to take your rice bowl to the next level. I'll provide detailed instructions on how to make each sauce, as well as how to combine different sauces for even more flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Yumm Sauce
  • Peanut Sauce
  • Creamy Wasabi Sauce
  • Raita
  • Mojo Sauce
  • Sweet Soy Sauce
  • Chipotle Crema
  • Tzatziki Sauce
  • Peruvian Green Sauce
  • Gyoza Sauce
  • Jalapeno sesame salsa
  • Maple Tahini Dressing
  • Lebanese garlic sauce
  • Stir Fry Sauce
  • Ponzu Sauce
  • Hoisin Sauce
  • Satay Sauce
  • Chimichurri
  • Harissa
  • Teriyaki Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a sauce recipe in 30 minutes or less!
Website | + posts

Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.