Dipping Sauces Archives - My Sauce Recipes

Curry Sauce

5 from 9 votes

Egg Roll Dipping Sauce

4.50 from 12 votes

Ponzu Sauce

Homemade Eel Sauce (Unagi Sauce)

Homemade Eel Sauce is a delightfully rich, sweet sauce that’s the perfect accompaniment for sushi, dumplings, spring rolls, and proteins!

Course Sauce

Cuisine Asian

Keyword eel sauce, homemade eel sauce, Japanese eel sauce, sushi sauce, sweet soy sauce, unagi sauce, unagi tare

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings cups

Calories 329kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup soy sauce*
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup mirin
1 tablespoons cornstarch optional

Instructions

Combine the 1/2 cup soy sauce*, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup mirin in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat, whisking continuously until sugar has dissolved. Watch carefully, sugar has the tendency to burn or bubble over even at low heats. If it starts to build, remove from the heating element immediately.
In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and then whisk this into the eel sauce. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat. The sauce will thicken as it cools. It can also be placed in the fridge to speed up the process.
If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

Any type of soy sauce can be used, but will heavily influence the flavor profile. I like using a dark mushrooms flavored soy or light soy sauce.

The cornstarch is optional and the sauce will thicken on its own if given enough time to simmer (about 15-20 minutes). I like using cornstarch to speed up the process, give it a glossy look and make sure I get the same degree of thickness every time.

Storage: You can store this sauce in the fridge for up to one week in an airtight container.

Freezing: Yes! Freeze this sauce for up to 3 months in a resealable plastic bag, freezer-safe container, or ice cube tray.

Nutrition

The post Homemade Eel Sauce (Unagi Sauce) appeared first on My Sauce Recipes.

Secret Burger Sauce

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:13:06 +0000

This secret burger sauce takes a handful of very normal ingredients and turns them into something that makes dinner taste a lot more deliberate. It is creamy, tangy, sweet, a little smoky, and the kind of sauce that instantly makes burgers, fries, sandwiches, and wraps feel less homemade in the best possible way.

Why You’ll Love This Secret Burger Sauce

Use it on anything – Yes, it is great on burgers, but it also works as a dipping sauce, sandwich spread, wrap sauce, and fry sauce, which makes it worth keeping around.
Upgrade your burger – This sauce makes a basic burger taste like a burger someone actually thought about.
Uses basic ingredients – This recipe takes basic ingredients that most people have on hand already and turns them into an out-of-this-world condiment.

Ingredients for Secret Burger Sauce

A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

Mayonnaise – This is the rich, creamy base and what gives the sauce its smooth texture.
You can use store bought or try making your own mayonnaise.
Ketchup – Ketchup adds sweetness, acidity, and that classic burger-joint flavor note. Same here, use store bought or try making homemade ketchup.
Yellow mustard – Yellow mustard gives the sauce bite and keeps it from feeling too flat or sweet.
Sweet pickle relish – Relish gives little pops of texture and that familiar sweet-tangy “special sauce” flavor.
Dill pickle juice – Pickle juice sharpens the whole sauce and helps make it taste less heavy.
Worcestershire sauce – Impossible to pronounce, but delicious to add to this sauce. It adds depth and a subtle savory note.
White vinegar – This reinforces the tang of the sauce while also making the flavor brighter. You can swap for another type of vinegar if you’d like.
Seasonings – I use a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper and sugar to round out the flavors.

How to Make Secret Burger Sauce

Making this sauce is as easy as combining the ingredients and allowing them to chill!

Combine all ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, relish, pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper and sugar.
Chill. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors marry.

Ways to Use Secret Burger Sauce

As previously stated, this sauce can be used on so much more than just burgers! Here are some ideas.

Cheeseburgers
Smash burgers
Chicken sandwiches
Wraps
Deli sandwiches
Big mac tacos

Fries
Onion rings
Burger bowls
Grilled chicken
Hot dogs

Chef Tips

I’ve tested this secret burger sauce in my test kitchen several times to be able to bring you these tips and tricks!

Don’t skip the chill – This is one of the biggest flavor upgrades in the recipe. A short chill helps all the ingredients blend together instead of tasting separate and sharp.
Taste before serving on food – If you want it tangier, add a little more pickle juice. If you want it sweeter, add a tiny bit more sugar. Small adjustments go a long way here.
Use it as a spread, not just a drizzle – This sauce is thick enough to work really well on burger buns, sandwich bread, and wraps.
Don’t skip the Worcestershire – It’s only a teaspoon, but it gives the sauce more savory depth and makes it taste less one-dimensional.

Storage and Freezing

Storage: Store secret burger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before using if it has been sitting for a day or two.

Freezing: I would not recommend freezing it. Mayo-based sauces do not usually thaw back with the same texture.

FAQs

What is secret burger sauce made of?

Secret burger sauce is usually made with mayonnaise and a combination of ketchup, mustard, relish, pickle juice, vinegar, and spices. This version also uses Worcestershire sauce for more depth.

Is burger sauce the same as special sauce?

They are very similar. “Burger sauce” and “special sauce” are often used interchangeably for creamy, tangy burger condiments.

Why does burger sauce taste better after chilling?

The ingredients have time to settle and blend together, which makes the flavor smoother and more balanced.

What can I use secret burger sauce on besides burgers?

It is great on fries, chicken sandwiches, wraps, deli sandwiches, onion rings, and more.

More Savory Sauce Recipes

Whether you dip, slather or spoon, these sauce recipes are sure to be winners.

Asian Chicken Marinade

Au Jus Sauce (with or without drippings)

4.78 from 9 votes

Balsamic Reduction Sauce

Bang Bang Sauce

Secret Burger Sauce Recipe

This secret burger sauce is creamy, tangy, sweet and smoky. An easy homemade burger sauce for burgers, fries, sandwiches and more.

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword secret burger sauce

Prep Time 5

Chilling Time 30

Total Time 35

Servings cup

Calories 1140kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon paprika , 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ,1 teaspoon sugar.
Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors marry.
If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

Storage: Store secret burger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before using if it has been sitting for a day or two.

Freezing: I would not recommend freezing it. Mayo-based sauces do not usually thaw back with the same texture.

Nutrition

The post Secret Burger Sauce appeared first on My Sauce Recipes.

Homemade Chinese Hot Mustard

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:11:32 +0000

This homemade Chinese hot mustard is bold, sharp, and easy to make with just a few pantry ingredients. If you love the fiery dipping sauce served with egg rolls, dumplings, and takeout-style appetizers, this sauce comes together in minutes and is easy to adjust to your preferred heat level.

What is Chinese Hot Mustard

The first version of Chinese mustard is thought to have originated in China as early as 1046 BCE. At that time, the brown mustard seeds were simply ground into a pastier version of what we are more accustomed to seeing in jars and packets in the United States today.

Today, Chinese mustard is made with other ingredients as well. Vinegar, salt, and oil are mixed with the dry powder to bring out the flavor of the mustard and create its smooth consistency.

What You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Chinese hot mustard is short. Plus, the ingredients can be found at most grocery stores. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

Dry Ground Mustard Powder – Dry ground mustard is the key to making this sauce spicy and any restaurant owner will tell you that Coleman’s is the brand to use! You can use Chinese mustard powder (if you can find it) or English mustard powder (though the latter may have slightly less of a bite due to the inclusion of white mustard seeds).

Fine sea salt
Water

Vegetable oil
Rice vinegar

Variations

You can make your own signature mustard with all sorts of tweaks to this basic recipe.

Vinegar – Instead of rice wine vinegar, use distilled white vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Oil – Use another neutral flavored oil like avocado or canola. Or, you can use an infused spicy oil to up the heat.
Sweetness – For a touch of sweet flavor to complement the spiciness, mix in a little bit of honey. Or, instead of honey, use your favorite alternative sweetener.
Garlic – Make a garlicky version by whisking in some garlic powder or minced garlic.
Ginger – Create a unique flavor by adding grated ginger to the mustard.
Five-Spice – Add a five-spice blend for a complex flavor profile.

What To Serve Chinese Hot Mustard With

Chinese hot mustard is a great dipping sauce for traditional egg rolls (or a German take on egg rolls), vegetable spring rolls, fried shrimp, dumplings, and crab rangoons. It can also add a spicy tangy flavor to any number of homemade versions of your favorite Chinese takeout.

You can also use it like any other mustard, slathered on slider sandwiches, griddle smash burgers, and bratwurst. Or you can serve it with appetizers like sausage balls or alongside cheese and meat flowers on a charcuterie board.

And in addition to all of those options, you can also use it to make a sauce. Mix it with soy sauce or duck sauce for a unique condiment for dipping or thin it out and add other spices for a different type of salad dressing.

How to Make Chinese Hot Mustard (Step-by-Step)

It couldn’t be easier to make this spicy mustard.

Whisk mustard and salt. Add the mustard and salt to a small bowl. Then, whisk the two ingredients together.
Add water and stir. After the mustard and salt are combined, pour in the water and stir.
Add vinegar and oil. Next, add the vinegar and the oil and whisk once again.
Allow to steep. When the ingredients are fully combined, use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the bowl and set aside.
Whisk and serve. Once the mixture has had time to steep, uncover the bowl and whisk again. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Common Questions About Chinese Hot Mustard

What is the Chinese hot mustard?

Chinese hot mustard is a blend of dry mustard powder, water, vinegar, oil, and salt. Its flavor is spicy because of the breakdown of the mustard once the water is added to it.

How spicy is Chinese hot mustard?

Chinese hot mustard has a spicy flavor that is often compared to horseradish or wasabi. If you haven’t tried it before, you’ll want to test the waters slowly before adding a huge dollop to your egg rolls or pork chops!

Does Chinese hot mustard have horseradish in it?

Chinese hot mustard may have a flavor that’s similar to horseradish, but it actually doesn’t have horseradish in it. Its heat comes purely from the dry mustard.

Other Savory Sauces

Sauces is the name of our game here- here are a few more popular dipping sauces.

Chilis Honey Mustard Sauce

5 from 15 votes

Chamoy Sauce

Honey Sriracha Sauce

Chinese Garlic Sauce (Brown Stir Fry Sauce)

4.63 from 8 votes

Chinese Hot Mustard Recipe

This EASY Chinese Hot Mustard recipe, with its signature kick of horseradish-like spiciness, is incredibly easy to make and enjoy at home!

Course Sauce

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword chinese hot mustard, Chinese mustard recipe, egg roll dipping sauce, homemade Chinese hot mustard, hot mustard recipe, spicy mustard sauce

Prep Time 5

Steep Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings cup

Calories 34kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup dry ground mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup dry ground mustard powder and 1/4 teaspoon fine salt. Add the 1/4 cup water, mixing to combine.
Whisk in the 2 teaspoons vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar.
Cover and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes before whisking again and serving.
For a thinner sauce, add more water, for a thicker sauce, add less.
If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover Chinese hot mustard in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing: While you can freeze mustard, the condiment’s taste and consistency may change. If you choose to freeze it, you can place it in a freezer bag or ice cube tray for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

The post Homemade Chinese Hot Mustard appeared first on My Sauce Recipes.

Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:35:29 +0000

This sweet and sour sauce is glossy, tangy, and perfectly balanced with pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. If you want an easy homemade sauce that tastes better than takeout and comes together in minutes, this is a great one to keep in your back pocket.

What is Sweet and Sour Sauce?

Sweet and sour sauce (or just sweet sour sauce or Chinese red sauce) is a condiment that is typically associated with Asian cuisine but is actually used in many global cuisines. It refers to any sauce that combines sweet flavors with a puckery acidic balance.

Is duck sauce the same thing as sweet and sour sauce? No, duck sauce is very sweet but with no “sour.” It is typically made with many fruit purees and juices including apricots, plums, peaches or pineapples.

Gather This

You are going to love that a lot of these sweet and sour sauce ingredients you might already have on hand in your kitchen. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

Ketchup– The base for the sauce and also what will give it color without having to use food coloring.

White sugar
Pineapple juice
White vinegar

Soy sauce
Cornstarch

Variations

There are lots of ways to add variety to this homemade Chinese sauce. You can easily customize it to make your own tasty sauce.

Orange – Use orange juice instead of pineapple.
Ginger – Add fresh ginger for additional flavor.
Heat – Throw in some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Maple syrup – Substitute maple syrup for some of the sugar.
Seasonings – Use onion powder or garlic powder to punch up the flavor.
Soy sauce – Throw a dash of light soy sauce in for a bit saltiness.

If you’re looking for another good homemade sauce that’s Asian-inspired and perfect for dipping or marinating, try Teriyaki sauce or this Sweet Thai Chili sauce.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Sauce (Step-by-Step)

Making this dipping sauce is literally as easy as one, two three!

Whisk ingredients. Whisk together all of the ingredients except the cornstarch, the mixture will not completely blend until fully heated.
Heat thoroughly. Continue to heat until small bubbles form, but be mindful to keep the heat at medium. This mixture is heavy with sugar and has the tendency to boil over easily. The sugar can also scald easily, so whisk frequently.
Combine with cornstarch. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, and then combine with the sauce and remove from the heat.

One thing to make sure you do when you’re making this recipe is to avoid adding cornstarch on its own. Instead, you’ll want to make a cornstarch slurry. Add a little cold water to the cornstarch and mix until you get the perfect consistency before combining it with the other ingredients.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile sauce is used mostly as a dipping sauce in the States, but it can also be used as a marinade or as the star sauce on sweet and sour chicken or sweet and sour shrimp.

Egg Rolls
Potstickers (dumplings)
Marinade for chicken, fish & seafood
Dipping sauce for chicken fingers/chicken nuggets
Dipping sauce for spring rolls

Basting sauce for grilled shrimp or pork
Dipping sauce for fried shrimp
Basting or dipping sauce for pork ribs
Toss on battered chicken, shrimp or pork

While you can obviously use this as an accompaniment to Chinese cuisine like a homemade stir fry, I like it with lots of other foods as well. It may even make some picky eaters more excited about meal time.

Next time you make chicken nuggets or pork chops try whipping up this easy recipe and serve a little bit on the side with your meal. Or you can slather your sweet and sour sauce on while you’re cooking a great recipe like sweet and sour chicken or even on veggies like bell peppers.

More Homemade Sauces

There’s no meal that a good homemade sauce can’t elevate. Here are some of our favorites.

Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

4.80 from 5 votes

Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe

Crab Cake Sauce Recipe

4.89 from 17 votes

Bang Bang Sauce

Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

Sweet and Sour Sauce is an amazing dipping sauce. This EASY recipe will make you think it came from your local Chinese takeout!

Course Sauce

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword sweet and sour sauce

Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 105kcal

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Instructions

In a small saucepan, whisk together the 1 cup sugar, 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup ketchup and 2 tablespoons soy sauce over medium heat.
Continue to heat until small bubbles form, whisking continually and until sugar dissolves and the ingredients have fully combined.
In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, when blended, whisk into the sweet and sour sauce and then remove from heat.
Serve hot or allow to cool fully before storing.
If you tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!

Video

Notes

Storage: Store homemade sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. As it chills, it may thicken slightly, so stir it well before using again.

Freezing: Sweet and sour sauce can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and whisk well after reheating.

Nutrition

The post Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe appeared first on My Sauce Recipes.

Fry Sauce

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:50:34 +0000

Fry sauce is the creamy, tangy dipping sauce most famously served with French fries in the west, especially Utah. This easy fry sauce recipe comes together in minutes using simple pantry ingredients and tastes even better after chilling.

What is Fry Sauce?

Fry sauce is similar to the pink-ish special sauces you may find at fast food chains throughout the United States. It may also remind you of Thousand Island dressing.

It’s often spread on burgers but it makes a great dipping sauce, too.

The sauce itself is a mixture of ketchup, mayo, mustard and a few other simple ingredients. The tangy sweetness of the sauce is balanced by the creamy mayo while minced dill pickles add a bit of texture, too.

Gather This

Since you’ll likely have these simple fry sauce ingredients already, you can stir together this sauce any time you’re in the mood for it! A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

Mayonnaise – Use the brand that you prefer or make your own homemade mayonnaise.
Plain ketchup – You can also make your own ketchup, or just buy a bottle from the grocery store.

Dill pickles
Apple cider vinegar
Yellow mustard

Ground black pepper
Sugar
Fine sea salt

Variations

We think this tangy fry sauce recipe is a pretty good copycat of what you may find in restaurants, but you can change it up for your own taste buds.

Worcestershire sauce – For a bit of umami flavor, shake in a little of this delicious sauce.
Heat – To give it a little kick, add your favorite hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or some cayenne pepper.
Garlic powder – For some garlicky flavor, sprinkle in a little bit of this.
Pickle juice – If you love pickles, try adding a bit of pickle juice to the sauce.
Onion powder – For oniony flavor, add a few dashes of onion powder.
Barbecue sauce – Substitute barbecue sauce for some or all of the ketchup for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Fry Sauce (Step-by-Step)

You are going to love how easy it is to make your new favorite condiment!

Combine ingredients. Place the mayo, ketchup, pickles, vinegar, mustard, pepper, sugar and salt to a small food processor or bowl.
Whisk to combine. Blitz or whisk until well combined.
Serve or chill. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Perfect Pairings

Dipping french fries in this fry sauce is an obvious choice, given its name but it’s not for just fries. But you can use it in lots of other different ways.

Potatoes – Spoon this sauce over hashbrowns, dip roasted or air fryer potato wedges into it, or liven up mashed or baked potatoes with it. And don’t forget to dunk tater tots in it, too.
Chicken – This is a good sauce for dipping chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, or chicken strips.
Vegetables – Dip carrot sticks or celery into this sauce.
Burgers – Spread this on the buns for hamburgers, turkey burgers, and veggie burgers.
Hot dogs – Don’t let the burgers hog the sauce at a cookout — add it to hot dogs, brats, and other sausages.
Onion Rings – This is a perfect dipping sauce for crunchy onion rings.

More Delicious Sauces

I love adding a homemade sauce to nearly any meal or snack. It’s a great, easy way to elevate flavors.

Pot Sticker Sauce

4.89 from 9 votes

Ranchero Sauce

5 from 10 votes

Spicy Marinara Sauce

Chinese Chili Oil

Fry Sauce Recipe

This classic fry sauce is creamy, tangy and ready in mins. Made with mayo, ketchup and pickles it's perfect for French fries and sandwiches.

Course Sauce

Cuisine American

Keyword fry sauce

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 113kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons dill pickles . minced or relish
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Dash of fine sea salt

Instructions

Place the mayo, ketchup, pickles, vinegar, mustard, pepper, sugar and salt to a small food processor or bowl. Blitz or whisk until well combined.
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.
If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings sections.

Notes

Other options include adding a dash of onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, jalapenos or bacon.

How to Store Fry Sauce

Leftover fry sauce can be stored for up to a week so it’s perfect to make ahead and use all week long. Store fry sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can I Freeze Fry Sauce?

We do not recommend freezing mayonnaise-based sauces

Nutrition

The post Fry Sauce appeared first on My Sauce Recipes.

Creamy Carrot Ginger Dressing & Dip

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:57:36 +0000

This creamy carrot ginger dressing blends sweet roasted carrots with zingy fresh ginger, rice vinegar, and Greek yogurt for a vibrant, restaurant-style sauce. It’s thick enough to dollop, smooth enough to pour, and irresistible on salads, grain bowls and grilled proteins.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Ginger Dressing

Is it a dressing? Is it a dip? It’s BOTH, and here’s why we love it so much.

Roasted carrots for better flavor: Roasting the carrots means deeper flavor and natural sweetness.
Creamy without mayo: No need to pack on extra calories with mayo, this dressing gets its creaminess from Greek yogurt.
Multi-use: salad dressing, dip, or drizzle for bowls & proteins

Gather This

I’d be willing to bet you already have some of these carrot ginger dressing ingredients on hand. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

Carrots – Not only do we use fresh carrots in this dressing, but we also roast them to bring out their natural sweetness and give deeper flavor.

Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh garlic
Fresh ginger
Honey

Rice vinegar
Smoked paprika
Coarse kosher salt
Greek yogurt

How to Make Carrot Ginger Dressing (Step-by-Step)

Homemade dressings like these are worth a few extra steps for the best flavor.

Roast: Toss carrots and garlic with olive oil; roast until fork-tender. Cool 5-10 min.
Blend base: In a food processor, pulse roasted carrots/garlic with ginger.
Build flavor: Add rice vinegar, water, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and remaining olive oil; blend until mostly smooth (some texture is great).
Creamy finish: Pulse in Greek yogurt until no streaks remain.
Adjust: If too thick, stream in a couple tablespoons of olive oil (or water) to reach a dippable/pourable consistency.

Chef Tips for Best Texture and Flavor

I’ve tested this carrot ginger recipe to be able to bring you the best tips and tricks.

Cut even pieces: for uniformly roasted carrots.
Cool briefly before blending: protects dairy from splitting and keeps flavors bright.
Season at the end: acids can mute salt; taste after yogurt and adjust salt/acid/honey.
Extra-smooth option: blend longer or add a splash of water; strain for ultra-silky.

How to Use Carrot Ginger Dressing

Whether used as a dressing or a dip, this sauce has endless uses.

Salad dressing: Toss with mixed greens, cabbage slaw, or kale salads.
Drizzle: Drizzle over grain bowls (quinoa, farro, brown rice).
Sauce for meats: Spoon on grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or salmon.
Dip or spread: Use as a veggie dip or spread for wraps & sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw carrots instead of roasted?

You can, but roasting concentrates sweetness and yields a creamier body. If using raw, grate first and blend longer; you may need extra honey and a bit more oil/water.

Can I make it without yogurt?

Yes- increase oil slightly for a dairy-free version; adjust salt/acid to taste.

How do I make it thinner for a pourable salad dressing?

Whisk in cool water 1 tsp at a time (or a mild oil) until it hits your ideal drizzle consistency.

More Homemade Dressings

I love a good sauce, and one of my favorites is homemade salad dressings. Here are a few of the best.

Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

Balsamic Dressing

Cranberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Greek Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Carrot Ginger Dressing Recipe

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword carrot ginger dressing

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Cooling Time 5

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 111kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil divided
2 cups carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 cloves fresh garlic
2 tablespoons fresh ginger grated
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for each clean up. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, toss 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil with the prepared 2 cups carrots and peeled 3 cloves fresh garlic. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the carrots are fork-tender. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the carrot. Allow the carrots to cool for 5-10 minutes.
In a large food processor, combine the cooked carrots, garlic cloves and any residual olive with the grated 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, pulsing until a coarse paste forms. Add in the 1/3 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt, and remaining 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, blending until more smoother. The mixture will still have some texture!
Scoop in the 1 cup plain Greek yogurt and give it a few pulses until no streaks remain.
If the mixture is still too thick, pour in 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil while the food processor is running, until it is a dippable consistency.
If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings!

Notes

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
Freezing: I do not recommend freezing, as the dairy may split upon thawing.

Nutrition

The post Creamy Carrot Ginger Dressing & Dip appeared first on My Sauce Recipes.

Chipotle Mayo

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:23:43 +0000

This chipotle mayo is a silky, smoky sauce made with real chipotle chiles in adobo, brightened with fresh lime. Whip it up in minutes for burgers, tacos, sandwiches, fries and roasted veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Mayo

Use in lots of ways: Use this condiment as a dip, spread, in bowls, on tacos, with seafood- pretty much any way you can imagine.
Quick and simple: If you have these 5 ingredients and 5 minutes, you’re ready to make this mayo in no time.
Custom heat level: Don’t like a lot of spice? Only add one chile for a mild sauce. Or add the full can for lots of spice.

Gather This

You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to make this chipotle mayo. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

Mayonnaise – Personally, I like to make my own mayonnaise. It’s super simple and worth the effort. You can, of course, buy a jar from the store too.

Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
Fresh lime juice
Cilantro

Fine sea salt
Ground black pepper

How to Make Chipotle Mayo (Step-by-Step)

This is going to be your new favorite condiment because it’s delicious and easy!

Blend peppers. In a small food processor (or immersion blender), puree chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. It should be thick and paste like, it will not be smooth.
Add rest of ingredients. Without cleaning the food processor, stir in remaining ingredients including lime juice, mayonnaise, cilantro fine sea salt and ground black pepper.
Add in peppers. Add 1 tablespoon of chipotle peppers at a time until the desired taste is achieved. I use the whole can, however I like things spicy. You are much better off adding in small amounts and taste testing along the way than to estimate.
Chill. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or until served. You can refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container.

Heat Levels & Substitutions

You can change up the heat level and ingredients of this chipotle mayo any way you’d like.

Mild: Only use one or two chipotle peppers to keep your mayo on the milder side.
Medium: If you like medium heat, increase the number of peppers to three or four.
Hot: Like it really spicy? Use the full can!
Subs: Swap full fat mayo for avocado oil mayo or light mayo; use lemon instead of lime; omit cilantro if preferred.

Perfect Pairings

We like to use this chipotle mayo on just about anything, but here are some ideas for inspiration.

Burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, BLTs
Taco drizzle (shrimp, fish, veggie), burrito bowls
Fry/sweet-potato fry dip; roasted veggies (cauliflower, corn)
Seafood cakes, crab cakes, grilled shrimp

More Condiments and Sauces

Homemade sauces are kind of my jam- no pun intended. Here are some of my favorites.

Chipotle Ketchup

Big Mac Sauce Recipe

Chicken Nugget Dipping Sauce

4.38 from 8 votes

Beer BBQ Sauce

4.80 from 5 votes

Chipotle Mayo Recipe

This chipotle mayo is a silky, smoky sauce made with real chipotle chiles in adobo, brightened with fresh lime. Whip it up in minutes for burgers, tacos, sandwiches, fries and roasted veggies.

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword chipotle mayo

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 195kcal

Equipment

small food processor

Ingredients

3-6 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon cilantro chopped and optional
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

In a small food processor (or blender), puree the 3-6 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce for 30 seconds. It should be thick and paste like, it will not be smooth. Transfer to a separate bowl.
Without cleaning the food processor, add the 2 teaspoons lime juice, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon cilantro (optional), 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
Add 1 tablespoon of the chipotle peppers at a time until the desired taste is achieved. I use the whole can, however I like things spicy. You are much better off adding in small amounts and taste testing along the way.
Refrigerate the sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes or until served. You can refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container.
If you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave us a rating and comment. We like to hear how we did!

Nutrition

The post Chipotle Mayo appeared first on My Sauce Recipes.

Creamy Leek Sauce

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:52:28 +0000

All the coziness of leeks, none of the fuss in this Creamy Leek Sauce. We’ll coax sweetness, add gentle acidity, and build a sauce that hugs whatever it touches whether that be pasta, chicken, pork, salmon or veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sauce

With a unique flavor and silky texture, this creamy leek sauce is going to be one of your new favorites. Here’s why.

15 minutes, one pan – Can you really beat a homemade sauce that’s ready in only 15 minutes with only one pan to wash?
Balanced flavor – With acidity from the lemon and the richness from fresh Parmesan, this sauce is flavorful without being heavy.
Endless uses – This sauce is nothing if not versatile. Use it on any number of proteins, pasta, roasted veggies or grains.

Recipe Essentials

A lot of the ingredients needed to make this sauce you might already have on hand. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

Leeks – You want to use the whites and light green parts only. Make sure to properly clean them. Check the section below for detailed instructions.

Unsalted butter
Flour
Fresh garlic

Half and half
Vegetable broth
Fresh lemon

Parmesan cheese
Coarse sea salt
Ground black pepper

How to Clean & Prep Leeks

What looks like a giant scallion is also part of the onion family, but leeks offer a unique and subtle flavor that can be described as a sweet onion-y flavor. Unique in flavor, but also in prep, leeks require the extra step of washing because grit often gets stuck in the layers.

Trim– Cut off the root end, called the beard, and the long, softer, dark green ends, leaving just the white and long green parts. The darker green ends can be used for seasoning stock, soup or making into a pesto or salad dressing.
Cut– Chop the leeks according to your recipe. This is typically sliced into rings, sliced further into half-moons or julienned.
Fan– Fan the layers apart, which will reveal the grit between, and place into a bowl.
Soak or Rinse– If you are soaking, cover the leeks with cold water and swish around to release the dirt. Lift the leeks out with your hands or a spider spoon, don’t just tip and pour, the dirt will have settled to the bottom and stay on the leeks. If rinsing, place into a colander and rinse, moving around with your hands to access all of the grit.

Dry– Use a salad spinner or place the leeks on a paper towel lined plate and pat dry.

How to Serve

Sometimes referred to as creamed leeks, this can also be served as a side dish, using a slotted spoon, much like creamed spinach, but I prefer it as a silky sauce instead.

Serve the sauce over seared chicken cutlets, pork chops, salmon, shrimp, scallops, ravioli/gnocchi, roasted asparagus, green beans or smashed potatoes.

More Homemade Sauces

If you know me, you know how much I love a good sauce. From pasta sauces to dipping sauces, here are some of my favorites.

Beurre Blanc Sauce

Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Creamy Peppercorn Sauce (No Brandy)

5 from 7 votes

French Choron Sauce