18 Tempura Sauce Recipe Japanese 101 Try These Culinary Delights!

Published on: Mar 26, 2024

Tempura is a popular Japanese dish that consists of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. While the main components of tempura are important, the sauce that accompanies it is equally crucial. In fact, tempura sauce is often considered the key element that ties the dish together and elevates its flavors. In this article, we will explore the traditional recipe for tempura sauce and how you can make it at home.

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Teriyaki Sauce

Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Cold Water, White Sugar, Soy Sauce, Cider

EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime

How to Make Teriyaki Sauce From Scratch

Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - The Gunny Sack

If you're a fan of sweet and savory flavors, then you can't go wrong with a classic teriyaki sauce. This Japanese staple is the perfect marinade for your beer can chicken, adding a delicious glaze and depth of flavor to your meat. Plus, it's super easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Simply mix everything together and let your chicken soak up all that deliciousness before grilling it to perfection.

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Tonkatsu Sauce

Main Ingredients: Mustard Powder, Ketchup, Worcestershire, Soy Sauce

Tonkatsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce - Krumpli

Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Schnitzel) | RecipeTin Japan

Tonkatsu sauce is another popular Japanese sauce that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. This thick and tangy sauce is typically made with fruits like umeboshi and prunes, along with other savory ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and mustard. The result is a complex and flavorful sauce that adds a unique twist to your chicken. Try using it as a dipping sauce or brushing it over your chicken during cooking.

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Gyoza Sauce

Main Ingredients: Rice Vinegar, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Crushed Red Pepper

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Recipe: steamed vegetarian gyoza with plum sauce | youareyoungdarling

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Who says you can only enjoy gyoza sauce with dumplings? This delicious and addictive sauce is also a great accompaniment to beer can chicken. Made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and garlic, this sauce adds a bold and zesty flavor to your chicken. You can even add a touch of honey or maple syrup for some sweetness and sake for some extra depth of flavor.

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Yum Yum Sauce (Japanese Hibachi Style)

Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Garlic

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If you've ever been to a Japanese hibachi restaurant, then you've probably tasted this creamy and tangy sauce. Made with mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, and mirin, this sauce is perfect for dipping your beer can chicken in. It's also great for drizzling over your chicken as a finishing touch, adding a burst of flavor and creaminess.

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Tempura Sauce

Main Ingredients: Dashi, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Bonito Flakes, Daikon

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Tempura sauce is a simple yet delicious dipping sauce that is traditionally served with tempura battered foods. But it also goes well with beer can chicken, adding a light and refreshing flavor to the dish. Made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and dashi stock, this sauce is easy to make and can be customized to your taste by adding a bit of honey or spices.

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Shrimp tempura Dipping Sauce

Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Hondashi, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Mirin

Pin on Homemade Sauces, Dressings and other Condiments

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If you want to take your tempura sauce to the next level, try making it with shrimp broth instead of dashi stock. This adds a rich and briny flavor to the sauce, making it perfect for dipping your beer can chicken in. You can also add some sesame oil or chili flakes for some extra heat and flavor.

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Multipurpose Sauce (for Noodles And Tempura)

Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Mirin, Rice Wine, Dried Bonito Flakes

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This versatile sauce is perfect for not only dipping your beer can chicken in, but also for tossing with noodles or drizzling over tempura. Made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, bonito flakes, and dashi stock, this sauce has a complex and umami flavor that will elevate your chicken to the next level. You can also add some sesame seeds or green onions for some texture and freshness.

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Yakisoba Sauce

Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Tonkatsu Sauce, Worcestershire

Best Yakisoba Recipe (焼きそば) - Japanese Noodle Stir-Fry

Yakisoba sauce is a tangy and savory sauce that is commonly used in Japanese stir-fry dishes. But it also works wonders as a marinade or glaze for beer can chicken. Made with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mirin, this sauce has a bold and rich flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken. You can also add some garlic or ginger for some extra depth of flavor.

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Authentic Japanese Ponzu Sauce

Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Mirin, Kelp, Bonito Flakes, Citrus Juice

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Ponzu sauce is a classic Japanese citrus-based sauce that is often used as a dip for seafood or as a dressing for salads. But it also pairs well with beer can chicken, adding a bright and tangy flavor to the meat. Made with a combination of soy sauce, citrus juice (such as yuzu or lemon), and dashi stock, this sauce is refreshing and light, making it the perfect complement to your chicken.

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Japanese Sesame Steak Sauce

Main Ingredients: Tahini, Soy Sauce, Mayonnaise, Garlic, Ground Ginger

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This rich and nutty sauce is a delicious way to add some Asian flavors to your beer can chicken. Made with soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sesame seeds, this sauce has a deep and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken. You can also add some honey or rice vinegar for some sweetness and garlic for some extra kick.

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Japanese Kewpie Mayonnaise

Main Ingredients: Egg Yolks, Rice Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon

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Japanese Mayo (Kewpie Mayonnaise) | Pickled Plum

Kewpie mayonnaise is a staple in Japanese cuisine and a must-have for any beer can chicken lover. This creamy and tangy mayo is made with egg yolks, vinegar, and mustard, giving it a unique and addictive flavor. Use it as a dipping sauce or mix it with other seasonings like soy sauce or garlic for a delicious marinade for your chicken.

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How to Make Eel Sauce for Sushi

Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Sugar, Mirin

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Eel sauce, also known as unagi sauce, is a sweet and savory sauce that is commonly used in sushi dishes. But it also makes a fantastic glaze for beer can chicken. Made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and honey, this sauce has a rich and complex flavor that will make your chicken irresistible. You can also add some ginger or garlic for some extra depth of flavor.

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Salmon Teriyaki

Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Cold Water, White Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice

Teriyaki Salmon Recipe - Cooking Classy

Who says you can only enjoy teriyaki sauce with chicken? This versatile sauce also pairs well with other proteins like salmon. Simply marinate your salmon in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and honey, and then grill it alongside your beer can chicken. The result is a flavorful and juicy salmon that is perfect for any seafood lover.

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Korean Teriyaki Sauce (vegan, gluten free)

Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Tamari, Maple Syrup, Mirin, Paprika, Rice

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Gluten-Free Vegan Teriyaki Sauce - Veggies Don't Bite | Recipe | Vegan ...

Easy Teriyaki Sauce | Recipe | Teriyaki sauce, Food recipes, Vegan sauces

If you're looking for a healthier and vegan option, try making this Korean-style teriyaki sauce for your beer can chicken. Made with soy sauce, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and maple syrup, this sauce has a similar flavor profile to traditional teriyaki sauce but without the gluten. It's also great for adding a bit of heat with some gochujang or chili flakes.

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Katsu Sauce

Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Mirin, Worcestershire

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Katsu sauce is a tangy and fruity sauce that is typically served with breaded and fried foods like chicken katsu. But it also goes well with beer can chicken, adding a unique and delicious flavor to the dish. Made with worcestershire sauce, tamarind paste, honey, and mustard, this sauce is sweet, tangy, and a little bit spicy. Brush it over your chicken during cooking for a tasty glaze.

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Cold Soba Noodles Dipping Sauce (5 Minutes!!)

Main Ingredients: Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Chopped Green Onion

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If you're planning on serving your beer can chicken with some cold soba noodles, then this dipping sauce is a must-try. Made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, sesame oil, and green onions, this sauce is simple yet delicious. Dip your chicken in it for a burst of flavor or pour it over your noodles for a tasty dressing.

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Yakitori Tare Sauce

Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Mirin, Sake, Garlic Cloves

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Yakitori is a popular Japanese dish that features skewered and grilled chicken glazed with a tangy and sweet sauce. While traditionally made with a base of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, you can also add other ingredients like honey, brown sugar, or garlic to customize the flavor to your liking. Brush it over your beer can chicken during cooking for a delicious and sticky glaze.

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The Best Yakitori Sauce

Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Sake, Mirin, Sugar, Shoyu

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If you're a fan of yakitori, then this sauce is a must-try for your beer can chicken. Made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, and ginger, this sauce has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of spice. It's perfect for brushing over your chicken while grilling or using as a dipping sauce.

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Japanese Ginger Sauce

Main Ingredients: Light Mayonnaise, Fresh Ginger, Low Sodium Soy Sauce

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This refreshing and zesty sauce is a fantastic way to add some brightness and flavor to your beer can chicken. Made with grated ginger, mirin, sake, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, this sauce has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with chicken. You can also add some sesame oil or green onions for some extra depth of flavor.

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Tonkatsu Sauce (Japanese Ketchup)

Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce

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If you love ketchup, then you'll definitely love tonkatsu sauce. This Japanese version of ketchup is thicker and sweeter, making it perfect for dipping your beer can chicken in. It's also great for adding to other sauces to give them a sweet and tangy twist. Simply mix together ketchup, mirin, sake, soy sauce, and rice vinegar for a homemade version that will take your chicken to the next level.

The Ingredients

1. Soy Sauce

One of the main ingredients in tempura sauce is soy sauce, a staple in Japanese cuisine. This salty and savory sauce provides the base flavor for the tempura sauce. When choosing soy sauce, opt for a high-quality and authentic Japanese soy sauce for a more authentic taste.

2. Mirin

Another essential ingredient in tempura sauce is mirin, a type of sweet rice wine. Mirin adds a sweetness to the sauce and balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce. Look for real mirin rather than substitutes, as it will provide the best flavor.

3. Dashi

Dashi is a Japanese fish stock that is used in many traditional dishes. It adds a rich umami flavor to the tempura sauce and is made from dried bonito flakes, kelp, and water. You can make your own dashi or purchase it in a concentrated form from Asian grocery stores.

4. Ginger

Ginger is a key ingredient in tempura sauce that adds a spicy and refreshing kick to the dish. It also helps to balance out the sweetness of the mirin. Use fresh ginger and grate it finely for the best flavor.

The Recipe

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let's get started on making the tempura sauce. Combine equal parts soy sauce, mirin, and dashi in a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add in the grated ginger and let it cook for a few minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the proportions according to your preference. If it's too salty, add more mirin. If it's too sweet, add more soy sauce. Once the flavors are balanced, remove the sauce from heat and let it cool before serving.

Final Thoughts

Making your own tempura sauce may seem daunting at first, but with the right ingredients and recipe, it's actually quite simple. The key is to use authentic and high-quality ingredients to achieve the best flavor. So why not try making tempura and its accompanying sauce at home for your next Japanese-inspired meal? Your taste buds will thank you.