Name: Crispy Pork Belly Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 3½ tbsp sugar; ½ tsp salt; fresh or dried chilies (chopped, add to taste)

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This Thai crispy pork belly dipping sauce recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients. You can make it spicy or mild, and it delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet that makes every pork belly bite even better!

Crispy air fryer pork belly served with a dark soy dipping sauce on a white plate.

About this Asian dipping sauce

In Thailand, we love dipping our fried pork belly or air fryer pork belly into a sauce that’s mainly built around a tangy and sweet flavor profile.

The key ingredients to get this balance are dark soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. I also like to add some chilies to make it spicy (because everything tastes better with a little heat, right?).

Crispy pork belly dipping sauce served on a white plate.

This sauce is one of my personal favorites. You can make it in under 10 minutes using just a small saucepan on the stovetop.

When you taste it, the main notes should be tangy and sweet. If the tanginess is a bit too strong for you, just add an extra spoonful of sugar until it’s balanced for your taste. This recipe is exactly how I like it, but of course, everyone’s taste is different!

PS. If you’re looking for more dipping sauces for pork belly, you’ll love my sweet chili sauce for a sticky-sweet kick, nam jim jaew for a smoky, tangy touch, and green chili sauce if you want something fiery and fresh.

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Ingredient notes & substitutes

You can grab everything you need for this recipe at your nearest Asian grocery store or market. For exact measurements, head to the recipe card below!

Dark soy sauce – Adds rich color and a mild molasses-like sweetness that deepens the overall flavor.
Light soy sauce – Brings the salty, umami punch and keeps the sauce balanced.
Apple cider vinegar – Provides tanginess to cut through the richness of pork belly; rice vinegar works as a substitute.
Sugar – Balances the saltiness and adds sweetness.
Salt – Enhances and sharpens the flavor of the sauce.
Fresh or dried chilies (optional) – Give the pork belly sauce a spicy kick; adjust the type and amount to your heat preference.

How to make pork belly dipping sauce

Step 1: Simmer the sauce. Add dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and sugar to a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.

Soy-based dipping sauce bubbling in a saucepan while simmering.

Step 2: Finish and adjust. Stir in fresh or dried chili (if using) and cook until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust by adding more sugar for sweetness or extra chili for heat.

Finished crispy pork belly dipping sauce in a saucepan, smooth and glossy.

Storage tip

Store any leftover dipping sauce in a clean, airtight jar in the fridge, where it will keep for 3–4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as the soy sauce and vinegar may separate slightly over time.

More Thai dipping sauces to try

This Thai dipping sauce for crispy pork belly is quick to make, customizable, and full of flavor. Give it a try and let me know in the comments how you liked it. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!