Sesame Sauce Dipping Sauce (Májiàng Diǎnliào)

麻酱蘸料

Sesame Sauce Dipping Sauce (Májiàng Diǎnliào) — a Chinese recipe, ready in about 15 minutes. Step-by-step instructions with photos.

Ingredients

• toasted sesame paste
• light soy sauce
• Chinese black vinegar
• fresh ginger, finely grated
• scallion greens, finely chopped

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, place toasted sesame paste. Slowly whisk in 60 ml (¼ cup) warm water (40–45°C / 105–113°F), 15 ml at a time, until smooth and creamy—do not rush or it will seize.
2. Add light soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds to fully emulsify.
3. Stir in grated ginger and scallion greens. Mix gently just until evenly distributed—do not overmix.
4. Let rest at room temperature for 5 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and texture to stabilize.
5. Taste and adjust: add 1 tsp more vinegar if too rich, or ½ tsp light soy sauce if too sharp. Serve cool or at room temperature.