Without a really great dipping sauce, no fishball experience is complete. Although the traditional sweet and savory flavor profile is the main focus of this recipe, you are welcome to modify it to suit your own tastes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional additions:
- Sliced chili peppers (for extra heat)
- A dash of vinegar
- A pinch of ground ginger
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and onion.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Create Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously.
- Simmer and Adjust: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season and Adjust: Add ground black pepper and any optional ingredients (chili peppers, vinegar, ginger) to taste.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Fishball Sauce:
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Spice it Up: Add more chili peppers or a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
- Add Depth: A dash of oyster sauce or fish sauce can add a layer of umami flavor.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions or spring onions for added freshness.
This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature fishball sauce.