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Stir Fry Sauce

Stir Fry Sauce

This easy and versatile stir fry sauce recipe brings bold, layered flavors to your meals in just minutes. Made from simple pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, it transforms any stir fry into a savory, satisfying dish. Perfect for vegetables, chicken, beef, or tofu, this sauce is customizable and ideal for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Optional: chili flakes or sriracha (to taste)

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos
  • Spicy Kick: add fresh chopped chili or chili oil
  • Sweet and Tangy: increase rice vinegar and brown sugar
  • Peanut Twist: stir in 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
  • Citrus Brightness: add juice of 1/2 lime or orange

Instructions

  1. Combine Liquid Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well blended. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your stir fry sauce.
  2. Add Aromatics: Stir in freshly minced garlic and ginger. These ingredients provide that signature warmth and aromatic depth essential to every great stir fry sauce.
  3. Sweeten It Up: Add brown sugar or honey to the sauce, stirring until fully dissolved. This step balances the savory and adds a rich, caramel-like hint.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Dissolve cornstarch in cold water, then slowly whisk it into your sauce mixture. This simple trick creates a velvety texture that coats every bite perfectly.
  5. Adjust and Finalize: Depending on your preference, add chili flakes or sriracha for heat or more vinegar if you need extra tanginess. Taste and tweak until your stir fry sauce is just right.

Notes

  • Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the brightest flavors.
  • Taste as you go to maintain a balanced sweet and savory profile.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch; it helps the sauce cling to your ingredients rather than pool.
  • Use high-quality soy sauce to elevate the dish.
  • Make the sauce ahead of time and store to save cooking time.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Freeze in ice cube trays for up to three months; thaw before use.
  • Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain smooth consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: stir fry sauce, easy sauce, quick sauce, Asian sauce, gluten free sauce, versatile sauce, homemade stir fry