Homemade Stir Fry Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade stir fry sauce is a quick and easy way to elevate your stir fry dishes. It’s a well-balanced sauce that combines the savory umami of soy sauce, the sweetness of honey, and a touch of tang from rice wine vinegar. The cornstarch thickens the sauce just enough to coat your stir-fried vegetables, meats, or tofu beautifully, while the sesame oil adds a subtle, nutty flavor. This versatile sauce is perfect for any stir fry recipe and can be used to enhance the flavor of chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
4. Add the soy sauce, water, chicken broth, honey, and rice wine vinegar to the saucepan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Once the sauce starts simmering, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan, stirring constantly. Let the sauce cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Stir in the sesame oil and remove the pan from the heat. The sauce is now ready to be used in your stir fry.
7. Pour the sauce over your stir-fried ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 1 cup of stir fry sauce (enough for 4-6 servings of stir fry)
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Total Time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Stir Fry Sauce: Add a teaspoon of chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly sauce.
• Sugar-Free Option: For a sugar-free version, you can substitute the honey with a sugar substitute, such as stevia or monk fruit, to suit your dietary needs.
• Garlic & Ginger Variations: Experiment with adding more garlic or ginger to suit your personal taste. You can also add a dash of five-spice powder for extra depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the sauce to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use this stir fry sauce for other dishes besides stir fry?

Yes, this sauce can be used in a variety of ways! It works great as a marinade for chicken, beef, or tofu, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers like spring rolls or dumplings.

2. Is this stir fry sauce gluten-free?

To make this sauce gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.

3. Can I make this sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can make this stir fry sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This can actually allow the flavors to meld and develop even more.

4. Can I adjust the sweetness of this sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar.

5. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a perfect substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option or if you don’t have chicken broth on hand.

6. Can I use the sauce for stir-frying without thickening it first?

Yes, you can. Simply use the sauce as is, but note that it will be a little runnier. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it with the cornstarch slurry as instructed.

7. How do I know if the sauce has thickened enough?

The sauce will thicken significantly after adding the cornstarch slurry. It should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.

8. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes, sriracha, or any other hot sauce of your choice to the recipe.

9. Can I use this sauce for cold dishes like salads or wraps?

While this sauce is ideal for hot stir fry dishes, it can also be used in salads or wraps if you prefer a savory dressing. Just be mindful that the flavor may be more intense when served cold.

10. What kind of oil should I use to make this stir fry sauce?

Any neutral oil works well, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. The oil used for sautéing the garlic and ginger is different from the sesame oil, which is added later for flavor.

Conclusion

This homemade stir fry sauce is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the flavor of your stir fry dishes. It’s packed with umami, sweetness, and a bit of tang, making it the perfect complement to your favorite stir-fried vegetables, meats, or tofu. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious, flavorful sauce that is far superior to store-bought versions. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your personal taste preferences. Make a batch today and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!

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