The 20 BEST Sauces for Sushi (EASY Sushi Sauce Recipes to Try)
Sushi is one of the most popular foods in the world, and for good reason.
It’s delicious, healthy, and easy to make.
But what really sets it apart from other dishes is its sauces.
The best sushi sauces can take a dish from okay to extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients.
From creamy mayo-based sauces to spicy chili oil recipes, there are so many ways to add flavor and texture to your sushi rolls – all you need is some creativity!
In this article, I’ll share 20 of my favorite sauces for sushi that will help you create an unforgettable meal every time.
Read on for some easy and delicious sushi sauce recipes that will make your next sushi night even better!
The 20 BEST Sauces for Sushi
Sushi is a great meal to enjoy, but the right dipping sauce can make all the difference.
Finding the perfect sauce for your sushi can be tricky, so here are twenty of our favorite sauces that will take your dish from good to great:
1. Wasabi
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1133570168684862097/Wasabi is the classic sushi partner – it’s been hanging out with fishy rolls since the beginning of time, and they are inseparable BFFs.
But this green stuff has more than just looks going for it; its spiciness creates an amazing contrast with the mild flavor of fresh raw fish.
You can enjoy that special harmony by adding a little wasabi to your sushi, or if you’re feeling extra daring, use wasabi as a dipping sauce for your roll!
2. Sriracha Mayo
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/570901690276476271/The taste sensation caused by combining spicy sriracha and creamy mayonnaise should be illegal because that’s how good it is (but don’t worry – we won’t rat you out).
This savory sauce enhances the Big Mac version of any sushi roll while also giving some sort of new identity to everyone’s favorite Japanese treat.
Whether you want to dip or drizzle it on top of your food…it’ll make everything so oishii!
3. Creamy Sriracha Aioli
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/241294492529693263/This heavenly combination will have you dreaming about sushi all night long.
It adds the creaminess that only an aioli can bring to an already perfect piece Tuna maki topped off with this legendary trio will feel like burning love bursting in your mouth after each bite
The secret weapon?
Blast off into an Asian gastronomic world with a single forkful and witness how amazingly good this combo… May addiction be warned!!!
4. Ponzu Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/106116134963524589/This Japanese staple is like a slice of the good life – it’s zesty, tangy, and has just enough acidic kick to get your taste buds going.
Mixing citrus flavors with soy sauce, ponzu sauce is an easy way to add big flavor to any sushi roll. Get ready for some fireworks in your mouth as you dip that piece of sushi into this delicious sauce.
Oh, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, drizzle some ponzu over the top of the fish before serving – now that’s what I call having a party on your tongue!
5. Aji Amarillo Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/795166877975183778/As its name suggests, this Peruvian favorite is a piece of sunshine on a plate (or should I say in a bowl?).
Blending garlic and chili peppers with mayo and pepper sauce will send explosions of flavor straight to your taste bud’s doorstep.
Add this creamy yet spicy sauce onto any type of sushi roll for intense flavor, or mix it up by using it as a marinade before grilling.
Just be warned: once you try this amazing South American delight, no other dipping sauce can compare!
6. Spicy Mayo Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/114841859240361625/A classic combo at many sushi joints around the world; spicy mayo packs quite the punch when combined with any type of seafood-based dish.
It’s like ketchup’s naughty brother who always crashes family dinners but somehow still manages to be everyone’s favorite guest; thanks to its explosive combination of spiciness and creaminess that bursts through every bite without being overwhelming or too strong.
But one thing’s for sure — whatever type of sushi you make your own, a spicy mayo dip will make it better!
7. Teriyaki Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/130322982958918771/This sauce is the king of sushi sauces and has been a loyal companion to countless pieces of sushi – including yours!
Its sweet, savory, and sticky texture gives your sushi a stunning glaze that will make your taste buds go wild.
Plus, teriyaki sauce is like having an edible bodyguard for your roll since it adds a layer of protection over your delicate ingredients so you don’t end up with soggy rice all down the front of your shirt (you’re welcome!).
8. Chipotle Crema
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/96123773288856159/If you want to give your meal some Latin flare then chipotle crema is definitely the way to go. This smooth and creamy sauce packs quite a bit of punch while still letting all those mouthwatering raw fish flavors shine through.
But what’s even better is it’s like getting two birds with one stone as chipotle crema also doubles as an awesome dip for crunchy tempura veggies or fried seafood bites!
9. Mango Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/500040364889279871/Mango sauce takes everything about regular old teriyaki sauce and kick it up several notches by adding in some sweetness from juicy mangoes that just melts in your mouth like warm butter on toast (or should I say warm mango butter on toast?).
It’s the perfect match for any classic California roll, but it also pairs well when used as part of an innovative fusion roll combination such as Mexican-style prawns or tuna pizzas topped with mozzarella cheese – yummo!
10. Hot Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/646688827762143065/Hot sauce isn’t just for those who like to live life on the edge – it’s also perfect for spicing up your sushi roll! This fiery and flavorful condiment can be added to any sushi roll, giving you a boost of bold flavor that will make it hard to stop eating.
Plus, when paired with fresh wasabi, this combo will have taste buds jumping, and mouths dancing (even if it is involuntary!).
Since hot sauce goes especially well with spicy rolls, give your sushi some zing by adding a dollop of hot sauce before you chow down.
11. Momo Chutney
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/610730399480943973/Momo Chutney is an Indian-inspired accompaniment that adds an exotic flair to your favorite sushi rolls. It has notes of sweet mango and hints of smoky ginger which complements all sorts of different flavors in any type of dish.
So no matter what kind of fish or veggie combination you’ve got on your plate, momo chutney is sure to elevate the taste profile from good to extraordinary!
Give yourself permission to go wild and bust out this crowd-pleaser whenever you’re feeling adventurous!
12. Gyoza Dipping Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/165155511327872609/Gyoza dipping sauce isn’t just for dumplings anymore – this incredible concoction can take any ordinary piece o’ sushi into epicurean heaven!
Created using soy sauce, vinegar and ginger juice, gyoza dipping sauce packs an umami punch unlike anything else out there. The tartness brings balance while the pungent ginger adds warmth that rounds out the dish just perfectly.
13. Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/105693922497111005/This spicy green sauce is like a party for your taste buds and it always shows up with its best dance moves.
The combination of jalapeno, lime juice and cilantro makes this one of the most versatile dipping sauces out there—it goes great with any type of sushi roll, from California to Rainbow rolls.
14. Chinese Garlic Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/38139928088331347/Sometimes you just want something uncomplicated and easy-going in your life… and that’s exactly what this garlic sauce brings to the table (or plate!).
This simple yet flavorful combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil will give your sushi an extra boost without adding too much complexity or overpowering other flavors.
It’s like having a faithful sidekick who’s always around when you need them – oh wait…that would be soy sauce!
15. Sweet Chili Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/46232333686637217/If enjoying sushi means having a sweet tooth, then sweet chili sauce is the answer all your cravings have been waiting for!
Its subtly spicy flavor stays true to its name; it has enough heat that lingers pleasantly on the tongue long after each bite but won’t overwhelm all other tastes along the way.
And unlike many sauces which can feel heavy on their own as a dip or topping – sweet chili manages to stay light as air without taking away from whatever beautiful poses describe the dinner masterpiece happening beneath it!
16. Yum Yum Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/59743132550345831/Yum yum sauce is like a party for your taste buds – it adds just the right amount of sweetness, spice and creamy goodness that’ll make every bite of sushi totally unforgettable.
You can drizzle it generously over your nigiri or use it as a dipping sauce for your maki rolls. Either way, you’ll be in flavor heaven with each and every bite.
So get ready to dive into this blissful experience and exit unsure about what to expect next!
17. Soy Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21744010686458429/Soy sauce is a timeless condiment known by many cultures all around the world.
And yet, even if you know its savory taste by heart, one thing’s certain: soy sauce always takes sushi to greater heights of deliciousness.
There are so many ways to enjoy it too – as a side dish alongside your sashimi slices or swirl the drops inside your hand roll before taking that first heavenly bite – the possibilities are endless! Let’s not forget that soy sauce goes great with tempura too; shrimp never tasted so good!
18. Creamy Toasted Sesame Dressing
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/389842911505797123/This luxuriously creamy dressing tastes like something straight from an upscale restaurant kitchen – except ten times better.
It really does justice to any type of sushi roll, adding smooth nutty flavor complemented by sweet honey notes thanks to its tahini base and a special blend of spices such as cumin and coriander seed powder which add depth without overwhelming other flavors in the mix – perfect harmony indeed!
What can we say?
If you want lavish without breaking your bank account then creamy toasted sesame dressing should be the first item on your shopping list.
19. Chinese Chili Oil
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/98023729381639488/This oil is like a firecracker that’s just waiting to be set off – it starts off sweet and slowly builds up to a fiery explosion of flavor.
Not only does it add an extra layer of warmth and spice to your sushi, but it also makes for a beautiful presentation when served in its oil-filled jar with floating pieces of chili pepper.
A warning, though: this sauce can be addictive, so proceed with caution!
20. Eel Sauce (Unagi)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/477803841730513019/This one’s like the cool kid on the block; all the other sauces know they need to step their game up once eel sauce saunters onto the scene.
Its umami flavor will have you wishing you could bottle some up and take it home with you – just think about how impressed your friends would be if you whipped out some unagi during lunchtime!
You don’t even need any special tricks or cooking skills to make this one work; all you have to do is sit back and let its deliciousness do its thing.
The 20 BEST Sauces for Sushi (EASY Sushi Sauce Recipes to Try)
Ingredients
- Wasabi
- Sriracha Mayo
- Creamy Sriracha Aioli
- Ponzu Sauce
- Aji Amarillo Sauce
- Spicy Mayo Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Chipotle Crema
- Mango Sauce
- Hot Sauce
- Momo Chutney
- Gyoza Dipping Sauce
- Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)
- Chinese Garlic Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Yum Yum Sauce
- Soy Sauce
- Creamy Toasted Sesame Dressing
- Chinese Chili Oil
- Eel Sauce (Unagi)
Instructions
- Select your favorite sauce from this article.
- Organize and prepare all of the required ingredients.
- Prep a dipping sauce in 15 minutes or less.
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.