Name: Fishball Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 cups water; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or cane); 2 tablespoons ketchup; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small chili (optional, for heat); ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; salt to taste; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Description

This classic Filipino Fishball Sauce is a perfect sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy dipping sauce that complements fried or steamed fishballs beautifully. Made with simple pantry ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar, this easy-to-make sauce simmers quickly on the stovetop to develop a rich flavor and glossy texture. Ideal for street food lovers and those craving an authentic taste of the Philippines at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Ingredients

2 cups water
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar (white or cane)
2 tablespoons ketchup

Seasonings and Aromatics

3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small chili (optional, for heat)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
salt to taste

Thickening Agent

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, pour in the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, chili flakes (if using), and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend harmoniously.
Add Thickener: Stir the cornstarch slurry to recombine the ingredients, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while continuously stirring to prevent lumps.
Thicken Sauce: Continue simmering the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. The sauce should become glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
Final Taste and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt or heat level as needed. Serve warm alongside fried or steamed fishballs for dipping.

Notes

You can adjust the sugar and vinegar ratio to customize the sauce to be sweeter or tangier according to your preference.
For a velvety smooth texture, strain the sauce before serving to remove garlic and onion bits.
This sauce keeps well in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week, making it great for advance preparation.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Filipino