Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes! Rice vinegar, cane vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar works. White vinegar is traditional and gives the sharpest tang.

With one chili, it's mild to medium. Add more chilies or include the seeds for extra heat.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, and the flavors improve over time.

What else can I use this on?

Try it with fried tofu, spring rolls, dumplings, grilled vegetables, rice bowls, or noodles.

Filipino Sawsawan (Vinegar Dipping Sauce)

Name: Filipino Sawsawan (Vinegar Dipping Sauce)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons white vinegar; 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar; ½-1 tablespoon lemon or calamansi juice; 1 tablespoon water; ¼ cup finely diced shallots or red onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-2 chili peppers, thinly sliced; Black pepper, to taste

Description

This Filipino sawsawan is a tangy, garlicky vinegar dipping sauce perfect for lumpia, dumplings, and more. Ready in 5 minutes with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar
½-1 tablespoon lemon or calamansi juice
1 tablespoon water
¼ cup finely diced shallots or red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 chili peppers, thinly sliced
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Mix the base. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add aromatics. Stir in the diced shallots, minced garlic, sliced chili peppers, and black pepper.
Let it sit. Let the sawsawan sit for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve. Use as a dipping sauce or drizzle over your dish. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

Sugar: Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
Heat level: Use 1 chili for mild, 2 or more for spicier. Remove seeds for less heat.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Vinegar options: White vinegar is traditional, but rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or cane vinegar also works well.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes