Korean Dipping Sauce

Crush one garlic clove with the flat side of a knife and finely mince it.

Chop the green onions into thin slices, separating the white and light green parts from the darker green tops.

Pour 6 tablespoons soy sauce and 3 tablespoons water into a small bowl and stir to combine.

Add 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to the soy mixture.

Stir all ingredients together until the sugar completely dissolves, about 1 minute.

Add the minced garlic and chopped green onions (including both white and green parts) to the sauce and stir to distribute evenly.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed—add more vinegar for brightness, sesame oil for depth, or sugar for balance.

Transfer the sauce to a small serving bowl and serve immediately with grilled meats, Korean pancakes, dumplings, or other dishes.