Benihana Ginger Sauce Recipe (The Authentic Dipping Sauce)

Updated December 2025

Ask any Benihana guest what they crave most, and our famous Ginger Dipping Sauce is always at the top of the list. That bold, zesty, and tangy kick is the signature flavor that elevates a bite of teppanyaki shrimp, steak, or tuna. It’s more than just a sauce, it’s part of the Benihana dining experience.

The Secret Behind the Sauce’s Signature Freshness

The true secret to the ginger sauce is its unwavering freshness. While primarily served as a dipping sauce, many guests also consider it the perfect ginger salad dressing for their side salad.

Every morning, before the first reservation arrives, our Benihana chefs begin the daily prep:

• Fresh Ginger: It is peeled and grated by hand. We use real ginger root, not powder or concentrate, which provides the aromatic heat and distinctive flavor profile.
• Onions: Fresh onions are finely chopped to add a crucial savory base and a subtle texture.
• Balancing Ingredients: These are blended with the perfect ratio of rice vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and low-sodium soy sauce.

The result is a sauce that is sharp, savory, and perfectly balanced, ready to complement the spectacle of the teppanyaki grill. What lands in your personal dipping bowl hasn’t been sitting in a bottle, it was made hours earlier specifically for your dining experience.

Why This Dipping Sauce is a Table Star

Benihana’s ginger sauce is engineered to cut through the richness of grilled meats and seafood, making it the ideal partner for a variety of our menu items:

• Seafood: An essential dip for our Hibachi Shrimp and Ocean Treasure dishes. The acidity enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.
• Steak & Chicken: It adds a layer of zest to Hibachi Steak and chicken, providing a counterpoint to the savory sear.
• Vegetables: Try it with your grilled zucchini, mushrooms, and onions for a major flavor boost.

It also serves as a perfect table icebreaker. The back-and-forth, “Try it with this,” “No, save it for the steak!”, is part of the fun and shared joy of dinner at the teppan.

Benihana Ginger Sauce Recipe (At Home Style)

Want to capture the spirit of our famous sauce between visits? While nothing beats the authentic preparation in our kitchens, you can easily replicate a simple, no cook version at home with this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
• approx 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated (ensure it is fresh for the best flavor)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
• 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prep the Aromatics: Peel and grate the fresh ginger until it is very fine and fragrant. Roughly chop the yellow onion.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped onion and grated ginger to a high speed blender or food processor.
3. Add Liquids: Pour in the lemon juice, rice vinegar, and low sodium soy sauce.
4. Blend to Perfection: Blend until the mixture is smooth, but ensure it still retains a slight, noticeable texture from the onion and ginger. Do not over blend into a liquid.
5. Chill and Serve: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This rest time is crucial for the flavors to meld and fully intensify. Stir well before serving.

Watch the chef prepare our Benihana Ginger Sauce Recipe.

Ginger Sauce FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Can I buy Benihana ginger sauce in a bottle?

Right now, our signature ginger sauce is prepared fresh, daily, and is exclusively available in our restaurants. It is not sold in stores or in bottles. If you’re craving the true, authentic flavor and the experience that goes with it, the only way to enjoy it is by booking a table today.

What is Benihana’s ginger sauce made of?

It’s a fresh, zesty dipping sauce made daily by our chefs using real grated ginger, finely chopped onion, rice vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and low sodium soy sauce. It’s prepared to be served immediately alongside our grilled dishes.

How does the Ginger Sauce compare to Benihana’s other Dipping Sauces?

The ginger sauce is the thinner, zestier, and tangier brown sauce, prized for its fresh, bright, and savory flavor profile. It is distinct from our popular creamy, savory white sauce, commonly known as Benihana’s Dipping Sauce (which is a mayonnaise based sauce).

What should I eat the ginger sauce with?

Guests love it most with grilled seafood (especially Hibachi Shrimp and tuna) and vegetables, but it’s also fantastic with steak, chicken, and even fried rice. Many tables order extra just to keep dipping!

Ready to experience the original?

Make a reservation now and let our chefs prepare the signature ginger sauce fresh for your table.