This Trader Joe’s Dragon Sauce is a savory and creamy recipe, which is made with nutritional yeast and tamari. It’s a versatile sauce for bowls and veggies, ready in about 5 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Dragon Sauce Recipe Ingredients
- 30 g (1/2 cup) nutritional yeast flakes
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) tamari
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) water
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, halved
How To Make Trader Joe’s Dragon Sauce Recipe
- Blend the Ingredients: In a personal blender or in a bowl with an immersion blender, purée all the ingredients until completely smooth.
- Store the Sauce: Pour the sauce into an airtight container.

Recipe Tips
- What is nutritional yeast? Nutritional yeast, or “nooch,” is a deactivated yeast that has a savory, cheesy, and nutty flavor. It’s a key ingredient for giving this vegan sauce its signature taste.
- How do I get the smoothest sauce? For the best results, use a high-speed or personal blender. If using an immersion blender, make sure the container is narrow to help the blades work effectively.
- Can I use soy sauce instead of tamari? Yes, you can use soy sauce as a substitute for tamari. Tamari is typically gluten-free and has a slightly richer, less salty flavor, but soy sauce will work well.
- How can I adjust the consistency? If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a few more nutritional yeast flakes.
What To Serve With Dragon Sauce
This sauce is incredibly versatile and adds a savory, cheesy boost to many dishes.
- Grain Bowls: Drizzle it over rice or quinoa bowls with roasted vegetables and a protein.
- Roasted Vegetables: Use it as a dipping sauce or topping for roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes.
- Salads: Thin it with a little extra water and use it as a creamy salad dressing.
- Steamed Greens: Pour it over steamed kale or spinach.
- Tofu or Tempeh: Use it as a marinade or finishing sauce.
How To Store Dragon Sauce
- Refrigerate: The dragon sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The oil may separate slightly upon chilling; simply stir or shake well before using.
Trader Joe’s Dragon Sauce Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Sugar: 2g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Despite the name, this version of dragon sauce is not spicy. It’s savory and cheesy. If you want to add heat, you could blend in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha.
The olive oil provides richness and a smooth texture. You could try substituting it with more water or unsweetened plant milk for an oil-free version, but the consistency and flavor will be different.
It’s natural for oil and water-based ingredients to separate when chilled. Just give the sauce a vigorous stir or shake before each use to bring it back together.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Buffalo Sauce Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Trader Joe’s Dragon Sauce Recipe
Course: SauceCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutes70
kcalA quick and easy vegan sauce with a cheesy, savory flavor, perfect for drizzling over bowls, salads, and vegetables.
Ingredients
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp tamari
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 clove garlic
Directions
- Place all ingredients in a personal blender or a bowl.
- Blend with a blender or immersion blender until completely smooth.
- Pour into an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest, creamiest result.
- The sauce will thicken slightly in the refrigerator.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if desired; you can add more tamari for saltiness or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Shake or stir well before each use as some separation is natural.
