If you’re a fan of zingy, flavorful sauces that can elevate almost any dish, you’re in for a treat. I’m about to share one of my all-time favorite recipes for a versatile and absolutely delicious Filipino street food sauce. But first, let me tell you how I stumbled upon this gem.
A few years ago, my travel itch took me to the bustling streets of Manila. I was overwhelmed, in the best possible way, by the sheer variety of street foods available. From skewers to fried delights, what truly caught my palate was the sauce that accompanied nearly every snack. I asked around and learned more about this incredible sauce that transported me straight to food heaven. After a bit of experimenting in my kitchen, I finally managed to recreate it. Today, I’ll be sharing this delightful recipe with you.

What is Filipino Street Food Sauce?
Filipino street food sauce is an amazing blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, skewers, and even fried snacks. In essence, it’s a flavor bomb that adds an authentic Filipino twist to your dishes. This sauce combines everyday ingredients in harmony, creating an unforgettable taste experience.
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Why You’ll Love This Filipino Street Food Sauce Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Filipino street food sauce. Not only is it easy to make, but it also adds an exotic flair to your meals. Here’s why you’ll be smitten:
Versatile: This sauce works wonders as a dip, marinade, or even a drizzle over your favorite dishes.
Flavor-packed: The blend of ingredients creates a well-balanced taste that’s both unique and appetizing.
Quick & Easy: Whip it up in less than 15 minutes!
Inexpensive: Uses common pantry staples.
Customizable: You can adjust the flavor profile to suit your preferences.
The Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to bring this sauce to life:
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tamari sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 small red labuyo chili, finely chopped

Step by Step Instructions
Let’s dive right into the step-by-step process to make this divine sauce.
Step 1: Mix Flour and Water
Combine Flour and Cold Water: In a small mixing bowl, blend together 1 cup of cold water and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk until you achieve a smooth consistency without any lumps. This mixture will serve as the base of your sauce.
Step 2: Heat the Mixture
Transfer to a Saucepan: Pour the flour-water mixture into a small saucepan. Set your stove to medium heat. Stir continuously to avoid lumps forming. Cook until the mixture thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Sweetness and Salt
Incorporate Sugar and Salt: Once the mixture has thickened, add 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Stir well to ensure both ingredients dissolve completely.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Spices
Infuse Flavors with Garlic and Ginger: Now, it’s time to bring in the aromatics. Add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. These ingredients will give your sauce a strong, aromatic base.
Step 5: Introduce the Tang
Mix in Rice Vinegar and Tamari Sauce: Pour in 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon of tamari sauce. The tamari adds depth, while the rice vinegar introduces a bit of tanginess to balance out the sweetness and saltiness.
Step 6: Spice it Up
Add the Chili and Pepper: Throw in 1 small red labuyo chili, finely chopped, and ⅛ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. This step will give your sauce that signature kick Filipino street food is known for.
Step 7: Simmer and Blend
Simmer for Flavor Enhancement: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Cool Down: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Your sauce is now ready to jazz up any dish you please!
Tips & Tricks
To make the most out of your Filipino street food sauce, here’s a handful of useful tips and tricks:
Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, you can use a less spicy chili or remove the seeds from the chili before adding it.
Batch Cooking: This sauce can be made in big batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Consistency Control: For a thicker sauce, reduce the water slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Additional Herbs: Fresh coriander or cilantro can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage Tips: Always store the sauce in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Nutrition Information
Can I Store Filipino Street Food Sauce?
Absolutely! This sauce stores well in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container or a sterilized jar, and it will keep for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.
What Can I Serve with Filipino Street Food Sauce?
Think of this sauce as your ticket to versatile dining. Here are some ideas to get your creative culinary juices flowing:
Grilled Skewers: Whether it’s chicken, pork, or beef, this sauce is an excellent dip.
Fried Snacks: Use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, fritters, and tempura.
Drizzle Over Rice: It can make plain rice taste delightful with just a drizzle.
Marinate Meat: Use it to marinate meat before grilling or roasting.
Toss with Noodles: Mix it with noodles and some veggies for a quick and flavorful meal.
Variations
Every great recipe has room for tweaks and personalization. Here are some variations to try out:
Sweet and Tangy: Add a tablespoon of honey for an extra sweet touch.
Extra Spicy: Increase the number of chilies or add a dash of hot sauce.
Citrusy Twist: A splash of lime juice can make the sauce even more refreshing.
Herbal Touch: Add finely chopped basil or mint for a fresh, herby flavor.
Nuttiness: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a rich, nutty profile.

Filipino street food sauce recipe
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tamari sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 small red labuyo chili finely chopped
Instructions
- Let’s dive right into the step-by-step process to make this divine sauce.
Step 1: Mix Flour and Water
- Combine Flour and Cold Water: In a small mixing bowl, blend together 1 cup of cold water and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk until you achieve a smooth consistency without any lumps. This mixture will serve as the base of your sauce.
Step 2: Heat the Mixture
- Transfer to a Saucepan: Pour the flour-water mixture into a small saucepan. Set your stove to medium heat. Stir continuously to avoid lumps forming. Cook until the mixture thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Sweetness and Salt
- Incorporate Sugar and Salt: Once the mixture has thickened, add 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Stir well to ensure both ingredients dissolve completely.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Spices
- Infuse Flavors with Garlic and Ginger: Now, it’s time to bring in the aromatics. Add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. These ingredients will give your sauce a strong, aromatic base.
Step 5: Introduce the Tang
- Mix in Rice Vinegar and Tamari Sauce: Pour in 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon of tamari sauce. The tamari adds depth, while the rice vinegar introduces a bit of tanginess to balance out the sweetness and saltiness.
Step 6: Spice it Up
- Add the Chili and Pepper: Throw in 1 small red labuyo chili, finely chopped, and ⅛ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. This step will give your sauce that signature kick Filipino street food is known for.
Step 7: Simmer and Blend
- Simmer for Flavor Enhancement: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Cool and Store
- Cool Down: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Your sauce is now ready to jazz up any dish you please!
Notes
Batch Cooking: This sauce can be made in big batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Consistency Control: For a thicker sauce, reduce the water slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Additional Herbs: Fresh coriander or cilantro can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage Tips: Always store the sauce in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use soy sauce instead of tamari sauce?
Absolutely! Soy sauce is a good alternative to tamari. Tamari is generally gluten-free, so if you need a gluten-free option, tamari is your friend.
2. How spicy is the Filipino street food sauce?
It’s moderately spicy. You can always adjust the level of spiciness based on your preference by altering the amount or type of chili used.
3. Can I make this sauce vegan?
The sauce is already vegan-friendly, considering all the ingredients listed are plant-based.
4. What does the sauce taste like?
It has a balanced flavor profile that’s sweet, salty, spicy, and slightly tangy all at once.
5. Can this sauce be used as a salad dressing?
Indeed! Just thin it out with a bit of extra rice vinegar or lime juice, and you have a unique and flavorful salad dressing.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! A delightful Filipino street food sauce recipe that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to elevate your meals. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing a weeknight dinner, or simply looking to jazz up some leftovers, this sauce is your go-to flavor enhancer. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
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Hi! I'm Mary Lee. I love helping people eat yummy and healthy food. I live in Oregon. Cooking is my happy place. Let's make tasty dishes together!