What Sauces Go Well with Egg Rolls? Best Dipping Options

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor—egg rolls are an all-time favorite, but they’re even better with the right dipping sauce! If you’ve ever wondered, What sauces go well with egg rolls? you’re in the right place. From sweet and sour classics to spicy, bold options, the perfect sauce can transform your egg roll experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore traditional, spicy, and unique dipping sauces that pair perfectly with egg rolls. We’ll even share some easy homemade recipes to try. Plus, we’ll answer common questions about choosing, making, and storing these delicious sauces.

Let’s dive in!

Introduction – Why the Right Sauce Matters for Egg Rolls

Why the Right Sauce Matters for Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are crispy, crunchy, and packed with fillings like vegetables, pork, or shrimp. But let’s be real—without the right sauce, they can feel a little… incomplete. A good sauce doesn’t just add moisture; it enhances flavors, brings balance, and takes every bite to the next level.

Dipping sauces can add sweetness, spice, tanginess, or umami, depending on what you’re craving. Some sauces, like plum sauce and sweet and sour sauce, highlight the crispy, fried goodness of egg rolls with a touch of sugar. Others, like chili garlic sauce and sriracha, add a bold kick that makes every bite exciting.

Overview of Different Sauce Categories

When choosing a dipping sauce for egg rolls, it helps to think about what kind of flavor you’re in the mood for:

• Sweet & Tangy – Sweet and sour sauce, plum sauce, orange sauce
• Savory & Umami – Hoisin sauce, soy sauce blends, teriyaki sauce
• Spicy & Bold – Sriracha, hot mustard sauce, chili garlic sauce
• Creamy & Unique – Peanut sauce, spicy mayo, avocado-lime sauce

Each of these sauces brings something different to the table. In the next sections, we’ll break them down so you can find your perfect match!

Classic Sauces for Egg Rolls

Some sauces have stood the test of time as must-have pairings for egg rolls. These traditional dips bring out the crispy, savory goodness of egg rolls while adding depth to each bite.

Sweet and Sour Sauce – The Classic Pairing

Ask anyone what sauces go well with egg rolls, and the first answer will likely be sweet and sour sauce. This tangy, slightly sweet condiment is a staple in Chinese cuisine, delivering the perfect balance of flavors.

• Why it works: The acidity cuts through the fried texture, while the sweetness enhances the filling.
• Best for: Classic pork, shrimp, or vegetable egg rolls.

Hoisin Sauce – A Rich and Savory Option

Hoisin sauce is a thick, flavorful blend of fermented soybeans, garlic, and spices. It’s commonly used in stir-fries, but it makes an amazing dip for egg rolls too!

• Why it works: Its deep, umami-rich profile adds complexity to egg rolls.
• Best for: Duck, beef, or mushroom-filled egg rolls.

Plum Sauce – A Sweet Alternative

Plum sauce is often confused with sweet and sour sauce, but it has a fruitier flavor with a thicker consistency. Made from plums, sugar, and vinegar, this sauce offers a gentle sweetness with a bit of tartness.

• Why it works: It complements crispy textures with a fruity contrast.
• Best for: Chicken or vegetable egg rolls.

Soy Sauce Variations – Traditional and Enhanced Versions

Soy sauce is a simple yet powerful dipping option. Some variations, like garlic soy dipping sauce or ginger-infused soy sauce, bring extra layers of flavor.

• Why it works: The saltiness balances out the richness of fried egg rolls.
• Best for: Any type of egg roll, especially those with savory fillings.

Spicy Sauces to Elevate Your Egg Rolls

For those who love a little heat, these spicy sauces take egg rolls to a whole new level. Whether you prefer a subtle kick or an intense burn, there’s a fiery dip for you!

Sriracha Sauce – A Fiery Kick

Sriracha is a beloved hot sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, and garlic. It’s versatile and packs just the right amount of heat without overpowering the egg rolls’ flavors.

• Why it works: It adds spice and tang without masking the egg rolls’ taste.
• Best for: Chicken, shrimp, or tofu egg rolls.

Chili Garlic Sauce – Bold and Flavorful

Chili garlic sauce is a chunkier, spicier alternative to Sriracha, with visible bits of crushed chili and garlic. It delivers heat, savoriness, and a hint of sweetness.

• Why it works: It enhances the egg rolls with bold, aromatic flavors.
• Best for: Pork or beef egg rolls.

Hot Mustard Sauce – A Chinese Takeout Favorite

Ever had that tiny cup of yellow mustard in your takeout bag? That’s hot mustard sauce, and it’s surprisingly spicy and pungent.

• Why it works: Its sharp, sinus-clearing heat cuts through greasy textures.
• Best for: Vegetable or seafood egg rolls.

Unique and Creative Dipping Sauces

While classic sauces are great, sometimes you want to switch things up. These creative and unexpected sauces bring a fresh twist to egg rolls, combining global flavors for a bold dipping experience.

Peanut Sauce – A Thai-Inspired Twist

If you’ve ever had spring rolls with peanut sauce, you know how well it pairs with crispy bites. Creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet, peanut sauce is a fantastic option for egg rolls too.

• Why it works: The richness of peanut butter adds depth, while soy sauce and lime juice provide balance.
• Best for: Chicken, shrimp, or tofu egg rolls.

Mango Habanero Sauce – Sweet Meets Spicy

Love a sauce that’s both fruity and fiery? Mango habanero sauce brings a tropical sweetness with an intense kick from habanero peppers.

• Why it works: The natural sweetness of mango mellows out the heat, creating an exciting contrast.
• Best for: Pork or seafood egg rolls.

Teriyaki Sauce – A Japanese-Influenced Pairing

Teriyaki sauce isn’t just for stir-fries! This sweet and savory soy-based sauce makes for a fantastic egg roll dip.

• Why it works: The caramelized flavors from brown sugar and ginger enhance the crispy, fried texture.
• Best for: Chicken or vegetable egg rolls.

Gochujang Sauce – Korean Spice and Depth

If you enjoy bold, fermented flavors, gochujang sauce is a must-try. This Korean red chili paste-based sauce brings a rich umami taste with a hint of smokiness.

• Why it works: It adds a deep, layered heat that lingers on the palate.
• Best for: Beef or kimchi egg rolls.

Homemade Sauce Recipes for Egg Rolls

Making your own dipping sauce at home is easier than you think! Whether you want a healthier option or just enjoy cooking from scratch, these simple homemade recipes let you control the ingredients and flavors.
here also full article of how to make Chicken Egg Roll more healthier

Easy Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce

Skip the store-bought version and make sweet and sour sauce at home with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.
4. Let cool before serving.

Simple DIY Hoisin Sauce Recipe

A homemade hoisin sauce is fresher and more flavorful than store-bought.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sriracha

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve.

Quick and Tasty Spicy Mayo

This spicy mayo is perfect for those who love creamy and fiery sauces.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together until well blended.
2. Taste and adjust spice level if needed.

Versatile Garlic Soy Dipping Sauce

A garlic soy sauce is an easy way to add umami to your egg rolls.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Instructions:

1. Stir all ingredients together.
2. Let sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

How to Choose the Best Sauce for Your Egg Rolls

With so many options, you might wonder: What sauces go well with egg rolls based on your specific preferences? The best dipping sauce depends on the type of egg roll, your taste, and how much sweetness, spice, or umami you want in every bite.

Matching Sauces with Different Types of Egg Rolls

Different egg roll fillings work better with certain sauces. Here’s a quick guide to help you pair them:

• Pork egg rolls – Sweet and sour sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili garlic sauce complement the savory filling.
• Chicken egg rolls (for more idea about how to make chicken egg rolls ) – Peanut sauce, teriyaki sauce, or spicy mayo add depth to mild chicken flavors.
• Shrimp egg rolls – Plum sauce, sweet chili sauce, or mango habanero sauce provide a nice contrast.
• Vegetable egg rolls – Soy-based sauces, gochujang sauce, or garlic soy dipping sauce enhance natural flavors.

Balancing Flavors: Sweet, Spicy, Tangy, and Umami

The best dipping sauce strikes a balance between flavors:

• Sweet (plum, teriyaki, sweet and sour) complements salty fillings.
• Spicy (sriracha, chili garlic, hot mustard) adds a fiery kick.
• Tangy (soy sauce, vinegar-based dips) cuts through fried textures.
• Umami-rich (hoisin, peanut sauce, gochujang) deepens flavors.

Adjusting Spice Levels for Personal Taste

Not everyone loves intense heat, so adjusting spice levels makes a big difference:

• Mild: Stick to soy sauce, plum sauce, or garlic soy sauce.
• Medium: Try sriracha, teriyaki, or peanut sauce.
• Hot: Go for chili garlic sauce, hot mustard, or gochujang.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To wrap things up, let’s answer some of the most common questions about pairing egg rolls with sauces.

What is the best dipping sauce for egg rolls?

The best dipping sauce depends on your preference! If you love classic flavors, go with sweet and sour sauce or hoisin sauce. Want heat? Try sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Prefer something unique? Peanut sauce or mango habanero sauce is a great choice.

Can I make egg roll dipping sauce at home?

Absolutely! Many sauces—like homemade sweet and sour sauce, hoisin, or spicy mayo—are easy to make with just a few ingredients. Check out the homemade sauce recipes in Part 5 for step-by-step instructions.

What are some low-calorie sauce options for egg rolls?

If you want a lighter option, try:

• Soy sauce with a splash of vinegar for a tangy, salty dip.
• Homemade garlic soy dipping sauce with minimal sugar.
• Spicy mustard sauce, which is naturally low in calories.

How do I store homemade dipping sauces?

Most homemade sauces can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If your sauce contains dairy or fresh ingredients like garlic, it’s best to use it within 3-4 days for the freshest taste.