The 11 Best Sauces for Spring Rolls

Are you looking for a delicious way to spice up your spring rolls?

Look no further!

There are many different sauces that can be used to give your spring rolls an extra kick of flavor.

From sweet and savory to spicy and tangy, the right sauce can take your spring roll experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

In this article, I’ll share 11 of my favorite sauces for spring rolls – all of which are easy to make at home with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge.

So let’s get started!

What Are Spring Rolls?

Spring rolls are a type of Asian appetizer or snack made with thin wrappers filled with a variety of ingredients.

The wrappers can be either wheat-based, like in Chinese spring rolls, or rice paper-based, like in Vietnamese spring rolls.

Common fillings include vegetables such as cabbage and carrots, proteins such as pork and shrimp, and herbs such as cilantro and mint.

Spring rolls are usually served cold but can also be deep fried for a crispy texture.

The origin of the spring roll is unclear; some believe it was invented in China while others credit Vietnam.

Regardless of its origin, the dish has become popular around the world due to its versatility and delicious flavor combinations.

It is often served at restaurants alongside other dishes or on its own as an appetizer or snack.

The 11 Best Sauces for Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a delicious and popular snack that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

The key to making them even more delicious is finding the right type of sauce to dip them into.

Here are 11 sauces that pair perfectly with spring rolls, each offering their own unique flavor:

1. Hoisin dipping 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 molasses and five-spice powder.

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

• To Make It: To make hoisin dipping sauce at home, combine equal parts hoisin sauce, rice vinegar or white wine vinegar, sesame oil, sugar or honey to taste. Mix together until combined.
• Varieties: There are many variations of hoisin dipping sauces available in stores today. Some popular varieties include spicy chili hoisin sauce, garlic hoisin sauce, orange-flavored hoisin sauce and even vegan versions made without fish products.
• Common Uses: Hoisin dipping sauce is commonly used as an accompaniment to spring rolls or egg rolls but can also be used as a marinade for meats such as pork or chicken before grilling or roasting them. It can also be used as a condiment to add flavor to cooked dishes such as noodles, stir-fries, and fried rice.

2. Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce (nuoc cham)

Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce, also known as nuoc cham, is a popular condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine.

It is made from a combination of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers.

The flavor is salty and sweet with a hint of sourness from the lime juice.

• To Make It: To make nuoc cham at home, combine 1/4 cup of fish sauce with 1/4 cup of water in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons each of freshly squeezed lime juice and white sugar to the mixture and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Mince two cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl along with one or two finely chopped red chili peppers (depending on how spicy you want it). Stir everything together until combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary before serving.
• Varieties: Nuoc cham can be made with different types of fish sauces depending on personal preference or availability; some people prefer using anchovy-based sauces while others opt for squid-based ones instead. Additionally, other ingredients such as tamarind paste or rice vinegar can be added to the basic recipe to create different variations.

3. Sweet & Spicy Peanut dipping sauce

Sweet & Spicy Peanut dipping sauce is a popular condiment made from peanuts, sugar, chili peppers, and other spices.

It has a sweet and spicy flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

• To Make It: To make Sweet & Spicy Peanut dipping sauce, you’ll need to combine roasted peanuts, sugar, garlic powder, chili powder or flakes, ground ginger or fresh grated ginger root, soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free), rice vinegar or white wine vinegar, sesame oil (optional), and water in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
• Varieties: There are many variations of this dipping sauce that can be made by adding different ingredients such as lime juice for tartness; fish sauce for umami; coconut milk for creaminess; hoisin sauce for sweetness; sriracha for heat; honey for sweetness; peanut butter for richness; cilantro leaves for freshness; and more!
• Common Uses: Sweet & Spicy Peanut dipping sauce is commonly used as an accompaniment to spring rolls, dumplings, and other dim sum dishes. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables and meats, or as a topping for noodles, salads, and sandwiches.

4. Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce

Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and other spices.

It is often used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or other fried foods.

• To Make It: To make sweet and spicy chili sauce at home, start by combining 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 1/4 cup of sugar in a small pot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Then add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicier), and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes before removing from heat and allowing to cool completely before serving.
• Varieties: There are many variations on sweet and spicy chili sauce that can be made depending on your preferences. For example, some recipes call for adding honey instead of sugar or using different types of chilies such as jalapenos or habaneros for extra spice. You can also adjust the amount of garlic or ginger to suit your taste buds!
• Common Uses: Sweet and spicy chili sauce is most often served as a dipping sauce, but it can also be used as a marinade or a topping for burgers, tacos, or even pizza. It can also be used as a base for stews or soups, or added to stir-fries and other dishes.

5. Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum Sauce is a creamy, sweet-and-sour condiment that originated in Japan.

It’s made with mayonnaise, ketchup, sugar, and other seasonings.

The sauce has a pinkish hue and a slightly tangy flavor.

• To Make It: To make yum yum sauce at home, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar or honey, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder and salt to taste. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
• Varieties: There are many variations on the classic recipe for yum yum sauce. Some recipes call for adding Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to give it an extra kick; others suggest using different types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar; while still others recommend adding mustard or even cream cheese for added richness and flavor complexity.
• Common Uses: Yum Yum Sauce is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for fried foods, such as tempura and chicken, but it can also be used as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. It can also be used as a condiment for sushi and other Japanese cuisine.

6. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Thai sweet chili sauce is a condiment made from red chilies, garlic, vinegar, sugar and fish sauce.

It has a sweet-spicy flavor with a hint of sourness.

The texture is thick and syrupy.

• To Make It: To make Thai sweet chili sauce at home, start by combining chopped red chilies, garlic cloves, white vinegar and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Then add fish sauce to taste and blend again until combined. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Varieties: There are many variations of Thai sweet chili sauce available on the market today including spicy versions as well as milder ones that are more suitable for children or those who don’t like too much heat in their food. Some brands also offer vegan options made without fish sauce for those who prefer it that way.
• Common Uses: This versatile condiment can be used as a dip for spring rolls or other fried foods such as chicken wings or tempura vegetables; it can also be used to marinate meats, poultry, seafood or tofu; as a glaze for grilled or roasted foods; or as a topping for noodles, salads and sandwiches. Thai sweet chili sauce is also a common ingredient in many sauces, dressings and marinades.

7. Tamarind Dipping Sauce

Tamarind Dipping Sauce is a sweet and sour sauce made from tamarind paste, sugar, fish sauce, garlic, and chili peppers.

It is commonly used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls in Southeast Asian cuisine.

• To Make It: To make the dipping sauce, combine tamarind paste with water to create a thick liquid. Then add sugar and fish sauce to taste. Finally, add minced garlic and chopped chili peppers for flavor. The mixture should be simmered until it has reduced to the desired consistency.
• Varieties: There are many variations of this dipping sauce that can be made by adding different ingredients such as lime juice or vinegar for more acidity; coconut milk or cream for richness; or ginger or lemongrass for additional flavor.
• Common Uses: Tamarind Dipping Sauce is most often served with fried spring rolls but can also be used as a condiment on grilled meats or vegetables, added to soups or stews for extra flavor, or even drizzled over ice cream!

8. Peanut Ginger Sauce

Peanut ginger sauce is a condiment made from peanut butter, fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings.

It has a sweet-salty flavor with a hint of spice from the ginger.

• To Make It: To make peanut ginger sauce, combine 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter with 2 tablespoons each of freshly grated ginger and minced garlic in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce to the mixture and stir until combined. For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon each of honey and rice vinegar. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
• Varieties: There are many variations on this classic recipe that can be used to create different flavors such as adding chili flakes for heat or lime juice for acidity. Other ingredients like hoisin sauce or fish sauce can also be added to give it an Asian flair.
• Common Uses: Peanut ginger sauce is commonly served as a dipping sauce for spring rolls but it can also be used as a marinade or glaze for meats such as chicken or pork chops. It can also be used to dress salads or noodles.

9. Peanut Lime Sauce

Peanut lime sauce is a creamy, savory-sweet condiment made from peanut butter, lime juice, and other ingredients.

It’s often used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or egg rolls.

• To Make It: To make the sauce, you’ll need peanut butter (smooth or crunchy), fresh lime juice, soy sauce, honey or sugar (or both), garlic powder, and sesame oil. All of these ingredients are combined in a bowl and whisked together until smooth. The amount of each ingredient can be adjusted to taste.
• Varieties: There are many variations on this classic recipe that include different flavors such as chili pepper flakes for heat or cilantro for an herbal flavor. You can also add ginger for a zesty kick or coconut milk to make it creamier.
• Common Uses: Peanut lime sauce is most commonly served with spring rolls but it can also be used as a marinade for chicken or pork dishes, drizzled over salads and noodles dishes like pad thai, stirred into soups and stews to add depth of flavor, and even used as a dip for fresh vegetables.

10. Honey-Teriyaki Dipping Sauce

Honey-teriyaki dipping sauce is a sweet and savory condiment made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings.

It has a thick consistency and a deep flavor that pairs well with spring rolls or other Asian dishes.

• To Make It: To make honey-teriyaki dipping sauce at home, combine equal parts of honey and soy sauce in a small bowl. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the mixture along with some sesame oil for extra flavor. For added sweetness, add some brown sugar or rice vinegar to taste. Finally, stir in some red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
• Varieties: There are many variations of this popular dipping sauce including adding pineapple juice or orange juice for sweetness; using mirin instead of soy sauce; adding hoisin sauce for an extra layer of flavor; or substituting the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a vegan version.
• Common Uses: Honey-teriyaki dipping sauce is most commonly used as an accompaniment to spring rolls but it can also be used as a marinade or basting sauce for grilled meats and vegetables, as a topping for rice dishes, or as a dipping sauce for fried foods.

11. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a dark, salty liquid condiment made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and water.

It is used as a seasoning or dipping sauce in many Asian cuisines.

• To Make It: Traditional soy sauce is made by fermenting boiled soybeans with roasted grain (usually wheat), brine (salt dissolved in water), and Aspergillus oryzae mold culture. The mixture is then aged for several months before being strained and bottled.
• Varieties: There are two main types of soy sauce—light and dark—which differ in color, flavor, aroma, texture, and usage. Light soy sauce has a milder flavor than dark soy sauce and can be used to season dishes without adding too much color or flavor. Dark soy sauce has a richer flavor due to the addition of molasses or caramel during the fermentation process.
• Common Uses: Soy sauce can be used as an ingredient in marinades for meats and vegetables; it can also be added to soups and stews for extra depth of flavor; it’s commonly served as a dipping sauce for dumplings, egg rolls, and sushi; and it can be used as a glaze for grilled or roasted meats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spring rolls are an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different sauces.

From the classic hoisin dipping sauce to the more adventurous peanut-tamarind dipping sauce, there are plenty of sauces that can be used to give your spring rolls an extra kick of flavor.

The best dipping sauces for spring rolls include hoisin dipping sauce, Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce (nuoc cham), peanut dipping sauce, sweet and spicy sauce, yum sauce, sweet chili sauce, peanut-tamarind dipping sauce, peanut ginger sauce, peanut-lime sauce, honey-teriyaki dipping sauce, and soy sauce.

No matter which sauce you choose, your spring rolls will be sure to be a hit.

So, go ahead and experiment with different sauces to find the perfect combination for your next meal.