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Home > Sauces and Condiments

Fishball Sauce Recipe

BY :Bebs | Published: 08/27/ 2018 | Updated:06/25/ 2022 | 74 Comments

RECIPE PRINT
4.89 from 53 votes
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This sweet and spicy Fishball Sauce recipe is a one-for-all sauce for your favorite Filipino street food like fish balls, squid balls, kikiam, and kwek kwek.

Sweet and Spicy Fishball Sauce

  • What is fishball sauce?
  • Printable Recipe
  • Fishball Sauce Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Cooking Tips
  • How to use and store

What is fishball sauce?

Fishball sauce is the one used by Filipino street food vendors as a one-for-all dipping sauce. It is used for fishball, chicken balls, squidball, kikiam,Β kwek kwek,Β tokneneng, dynamite or whatever new invention they come up with.

This is my version of Manong's sauce which is a term we also use to refer to this dip, while we normally call the seller, Manong, a term of address for an eldery man or older brother as a sign of respect.

Sweet and Spicy Fishball Sauce

Printable Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Fishball Sauce
Print Review

Fishball Sauce Recipe

4.89 from 53 votes
This sweet and spicy Fishball Sauce recipe is a one-for-all sauce for your favorite Filipino street food like fishballs, squidballs, kikiam, and kwek kwek.
Prep Time: 3 minutes mins
Cook Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 8 minutes mins
Course :Snack
Servings =12 servings
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic - minced
  • Β½ teaspoon salt
  • β…› teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 small red chili (labuyo) - chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, combine all ingredients, except the red chili, and mix until flour and sugar are dissolved.
  • Bring it to a simmer over medium heat while stirring continuously. Add the chopped red chili and stir until the sauce thickens. Usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
  • Transfer to a bowl or a jar and let it cool down a bit before serving. 

Nutrition

Calories: 13kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 0gFat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 279mgPotassium: 3mgFiber: 0gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @foxyfolksy or tag #FoxyFolksyRecipes!

This is the sauce I used for Kwek Kwek on my last post and IΒ thought IΒ would write about it separately since it is very versatile and not limited to Kwek Kwek only.

I titled it Fishball Sauce because I do not know what else to call it all. Sweet brown sauce? Too generic. And since it is originally used for fishballs by the street foodΒ vendors (when there were only fishballs and no other choices yet), so people know it only as of the sauce for fishballs.

Ingredients

How to make fishball sauce.

It is fairly easy to make and only needs 8 basic ingredients:

  • water
  • flour
  • sugar
  • soy sauce
  • garlic
  • red chili
  • ground pepper, and salt.

You can even skip the chili if you are not into spicy but Armin and I definitely are, the hotter the better.

Cooking Tips

Sweet and spicy Fishball sauce in a jar.
  • To prevent the flour from clumping together, mix it with the other dry ingredients first then gradually add the water while mixing.
  • Do not use hot water, also, to prevent the flour from clumping. Just use tap water.
  • Stir constantly once it starts to warm up so it will not form lumps at the bottom of the saucepan and to prevent it from burning.
  • remember that the sauce will continue to thicken even after cooking while it is cooling down, so turn the heat off once it is thick but still fluid.
  • You can also set aside half without the chili and then add it to the other half and continue to simmer over low heat for some seconds to a minute. This was you have two options, the sweet and sweet-spicy.

How to use and store

Enjoy this sauce as the perfect dip for these all-time Filipino street food:

Kwek Kwek Recipe
Kwek-Kwek
Fried fish balls without sauce.
Fishballs
Fried Chicken balls with 2 different dips.
Chicken Balls
Calamares
Calamares

TO STORE:

This sauce is best used on the same day but it is made but it can also be made ahead. It will stay good in the fridge for some days. It is normal for the sauce to form into a jelly once refrigerated. Just reheat in the microwave or stove-top until warm, if needed add a bit of water.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    4.89 from 53 votes (22 ratings without comment)

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  1. Iris says

    September 07, 2024 at 7:57 pm

    1 star
    Is it really 2 tbsp flour and then just 2 tbsp sugar??? Thats what shows on your page

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      September 09, 2024 at 10:38 am

      Yes, that is correct, Iris. You can adjust the sugar if you like it really sweet.

      Reply
  2. Mary Joy L.Gubalane says

    February 08, 2024 at 5:24 am

    5 stars
    Thank you po,hope may matutunan aq sa mga recipe ninyo

    Reply
  3. Nimfa says

    January 15, 2024 at 11:45 am

    5 stars
    Really good! Taste like the same sauce I remember back then. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  4. Cherry says

    December 12, 2022 at 10:25 am

    5 stars
    Do you have the recipe for the other sauce as well? I can't wait to try them both. Thank you

    Reply
  5. Miles Amante says

    November 23, 2022 at 7:27 am

    5 stars
    Very usefull and helpful recipes for me as a begginer to cook a tasty, delicious and a good recipe ideas to start for a business.
    Thank you for sharing your ads

    Reply
  6. Joy says

    February 26, 2022 at 1:21 pm

    5 stars
    My go to sauce. πŸ₯° kids loved it! Thanks always!

    Reply
  7. Rona Alba says

    February 20, 2022 at 3:39 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Cabalen! Dacal a salamat keng recipe mu! It was so delicious and easy to make. I truly enjoyed it and reminded me of the fish ball vendor's sauce back home. Kudos for an excellent recipe!
    Ingat and God Bless!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      February 22, 2022 at 4:20 pm

      Dacal a salamat mu rin Cabalen!

      Reply
  8. Paulo Santos Fajardo says

    January 25, 2022 at 12:21 am

    5 stars
    This is actually kind of an instant sauce. I don't make this on a pan. I make this in a mug using boiled hot water. Just mix the ingredients thoroughly. It's like an instant coffee but a sauce! Love this simple recipe!

    Reply
  9. Spoiler says

    November 20, 2021 at 11:30 am

    This is the best manong sauce replica I've ever made. Highly recommended.

    Reply
  10. Joyas says

    November 20, 2021 at 9:59 am

    5 stars
    First Time to Make One πŸ™‚
    I'm no cook, haha. But my hubby bought "kikiam". Suddenly, I thought of making a sauce. Since I had no idea on how to do so, I turned to none other than Mr Google and found this recipe. I'm a bit innovative, so I added about 5 tablespoon vinergar, but had it simmered first before adding the pre-mixed ingredients. The amount of vinegar and sugar would actually depend on one's preference. I used chili flakes instead. Thanks for this!

    Reply
  11. Ange says

    November 12, 2021 at 12:26 pm

    5 stars
    I added half onion to the recipe. It’s amazing, thank you for sharing

    Reply
  12. Vhanz says

    October 27, 2021 at 3:23 pm

    4 stars
    I do suggest to add vinegar just a little bit😊

    Reply
  13. ANA says

    September 19, 2021 at 6:36 am

    5 stars
    NASARAPAN MO MGA COSTUMER NAMIN

    Reply
  14. Analisa Robles says

    August 17, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    5 stars
    Got it perfect! Sarap!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      August 19, 2021 at 3:42 pm

      Thanks for the perfect review, Analisa! Glad you like it.

      Reply
  15. luz says

    May 28, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    5 stars
    thank you for this recipe. it's delicious.

    Reply
  16. Chi says

    April 12, 2021 at 7:14 pm

    5 stars
    living abroad, it's been surely more than 15 years since i last ate streetfood fishballs. I truly appreciate this recipe so thanks for sharing. That being said, i find that adding some vinegar and onion made it closer to how i remembered it (maybe coz the sweet and vinegar sauces which were usually separated by the vendors got somehow mixed thanks to those double dippers haha)

    Reply
    • Jaqs says

      July 31, 2021 at 11:01 am

      Hi. Is it ok to use cornstarch than flour?

      Reply
  17. Kevn says

    April 10, 2021 at 2:04 pm

    5 stars
    Tamang-tama yung timpla. Exactly like the fish ball sauce you taste on street-side food carts. πŸ˜‹

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      April 16, 2021 at 10:48 am

      So happy that you like it Kevin!

      Reply
  18. Mhonna says

    March 24, 2021 at 3:15 pm

    5 stars
    Love it...i finally foynd the perfect partner for my fishball

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      May 27, 2021 at 11:54 pm

      That is great, Mhonna! Thanks for the perfect score πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  19. Sofia says

    March 21, 2021 at 10:23 am

    it was bad

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      March 23, 2021 at 1:02 am

      Hi Sofia, not according to all the other comments we've got so far so I am sorry that it is not to your liking, hope you find what you are looking for though.

      Reply
    • Mhonna says

      March 24, 2021 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      Love it...

      Reply
  20. Ratbu Petmalu says

    February 27, 2021 at 6:47 pm

    5 stars
    Good. Thanks.

    Reply
  21. Cha says

    January 02, 2021 at 9:41 pm

    5 stars
    Tried and loved the recipe πŸ‘ŒπŸ»

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      May 14, 2021 at 1:15 am

      That is great, Cha.

      Reply
  22. kriz says

    December 07, 2020 at 9:53 pm

    4 stars
    it's too salty and i already cut the salt in half. i added a little bit of water and still salty. it's very good but i think next time i will not add salt. i will still recommend it.

    Reply
  23. Katy says

    October 30, 2020 at 11:31 am

    Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      November 18, 2020 at 2:27 am

      Sure, but use a little lesser as it is normally sweeter than brown sugar.

      Reply
  24. benjo del rosario says

    October 29, 2020 at 2:40 am

    5 stars
    Perfect for my Quikiam. My friends love it.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      November 14, 2020 at 1:32 am

      That is great!

      Reply
  25. Andrew says

    September 21, 2020 at 5:08 am

    5 stars
    I remember my childhood memories with your recipe. Very tasty!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      November 20, 2020 at 11:21 pm

      That is nice, Andrew!

      Reply
  26. JRL says

    August 29, 2020 at 11:02 pm

    It was too salty for me and my family. I'll still use this recipe though. But next time, I'll skip the salt. πŸ˜… Thank you!

    Reply
    • NikkiDTosh says

      February 16, 2021 at 1:25 am

      too salty indeed. I just tried now. 1 tsp is too much for this ratio

      Reply
      • Bebs says

        May 21, 2021 at 2:30 pm

        It says 1/2 teaspoon.

        Reply
  27. Sabby says

    August 01, 2020 at 6:12 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks! Tried without chilli and it was perfect for the kids!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      August 11, 2020 at 4:41 pm

      Glad you and the kids like it, Sabby.

      Reply
      • Letisha says

        December 04, 2022 at 7:20 am

        5 stars
        I started my street food business and I used this recipe . My customers enjoyed my sauce πŸ˜…πŸ˜… Thanks for this yummy recipe.

        Reply
  28. Madel Lim says

    July 28, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    Thank you sooo much! We ended up making 2 batches - 1 for the kids and 1 spicy for adults. Perfect for air-fried balls hahaha πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Armin says

      August 12, 2020 at 10:46 am

      You`re welcome...glad you guys like it πŸ€—

      Reply
  29. Pat says

    June 23, 2020 at 5:14 pm

    For me, it's salty. So I added more water and sugar.

    Reply
  30. bella says

    June 15, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    thank you..

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      June 18, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      you are wellcome..

      Reply
  31. Mella says

    June 07, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    Hi. Just wanted to ask if cream flour is right for this sauce? Thanks

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      June 10, 2020 at 2:48 am

      Hi Mella, what do you mean by cream flour?

      Reply
    • mark says

      April 13, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      hi, just want to ask how long will this sauce last in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Bebs says

        April 16, 2021 at 10:29 am

        It should be ok for a couple of days. It will not spoil so fast but the texture that will not stay the same for too long. But you can reheat it and adjust. Add water if it gets too thick or cornstarch if it is too thin.

        Reply
  32. Liane says

    May 09, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    Hi! Thank you for sharing your recipe! It was fairly easy to make and tasted even better than the one I bought a few days ago. Thanks again! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      May 10, 2020 at 1:45 am

      happy to hear it, Liane.

      Reply
  33. Lenie says

    April 27, 2020 at 7:23 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Bebs..my famiy loved your fishball sauce recipe.I just added an extra chilli according to our pteference..thanks. πŸ˜„

    Reply
  34. Lenie says

    April 27, 2020 at 6:02 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks Bebs..πŸ˜€ my family loved your sauce recipe. I added an extra chilli to their liking..

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      April 28, 2020 at 12:32 am

      Oh yes, chili is always welcome! Thanks, Lenie.

      Reply
    • Algelyn I says

      August 07, 2020 at 4:44 pm

      Good for business 😍
      Thank you, I'll try

      Reply
      • Armin says

        August 12, 2020 at 10:26 am

        πŸ‘

        Reply
  35. Romeo says

    April 21, 2020 at 11:58 pm

    5 stars
    Hi! I have to say it's a perfect match! Already tried it 3 times but I suggest that we'd add 1/2 more cup of water because it came out too thick. Thanks, though!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      April 22, 2020 at 12:06 am

      Thanks, Romeo! Of course, you can always adjust to your liking..

      Reply
  36. Macy says

    April 16, 2020 at 5:29 pm

    5 stars
    I wouldnt recommend using flour. Try using cornstarch instead just like how street vendors do

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      April 17, 2020 at 12:42 am

      Hi Macy, I have to disagree with you. You know that the sauce is made with flour if it is opaque/cloudy and not translucent like if you use cornstarch. The ones used by street vendors are not transparent. Another problem with using cornstarch is that it becomes runny after a while. But if you insist on using cornstarch for this recipe, note that you have to add the cornstarch towards the end of cooking it because overcooking will make it runny instead of thick.

      Reply
  37. Kris says

    March 25, 2020 at 11:32 am

    5 stars
    Hi I tried your recipe and it came out salty. Probably it’s because the soy sauce that I’ve used? I’ve used the SilverSwan Soy Sauce, and if I’ll try it again later, should I reduce the soy sauce to half spoon?

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      March 25, 2020 at 7:20 pm

      Hi Kris, or reduce the salt until you get the saltiness to your liking.

      Reply
  38. Laine says

    July 06, 2019 at 4:01 pm

    unfortunately recipe too salty.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      July 07, 2019 at 11:48 am

      Hi Laine, should not be...but then again saltiness is different from one person to the other...since I only used soy sauce for seasoning maybe you could use a milder one or reduce it.

      Reply
  39. sally de chavez says

    July 01, 2019 at 8:46 am

    its a good help for my business

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      July 01, 2019 at 10:09 am

      Glad to hear that, Sally.

      Reply
  40. Ever says

    April 30, 2019 at 9:09 pm

    Success! Thank you for this recipe Bebs!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      April 30, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      Glad to hear that Ever...

      Reply
  41. Maria Teresa Chua says

    March 27, 2019 at 11:47 am

    Hi Bebs,

    I did the fishball recipe from your website and it was a success. Please share also how to make the sauce on the picture (with the kwek-kwek) as another option for fishball sauce.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      March 29, 2019 at 9:09 am

      Hi Maria, it is simply a spicy vinegar dip. 1 cup vinegar, 1 small red onion-chopped, 1 red chili-chopped, salt, and pepper.

      Reply
  42. Joey Totanes says

    March 16, 2019 at 10:21 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks

    Reply

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