Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This easy homemade stir fry sauce adds rich, savory flavor to your favorite stir fry dishes. Made with a few simple ingredients, it’s perfect for boosting veggies and proteins with a delicious, slightly thickened coating.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch to a mason jar or small container. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
2. Step 2: When preparing your stir fry, cook fresh minced garlic and ginger with your vegetables and protein to build a flavorful base. This fresh aromatics step is key for the sauce’s “wow” factor.
3. Step 3: Once your stir fry ingredients are mostly cooked, pour the stir fry sauce over the pan. Cook and stir for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat everything. This waiting period lets the cornstarch activate and create the perfect glossy texture.
4. Step 4: Use this highly concentrated sauce sparingly, as it is intended for about 8 servings over unsalted rice or noodles. For smaller portions, start with a few tablespoons and add more to taste.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
• Include a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for a bright, tangy twist.
• Increase the ginger and garlic amounts to suit your preferred flavor intensity.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in a sealed container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or stir well before using again, as ingredients may settle. This sauce is best added during cooking to activate the cornstarch thickener and achieve the ideal texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated. Shake well before using. Just remember the cornstarch may settle, so mix it thoroughly to ensure an even thickness when cooking.

Is this sauce spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy on its own. Feel free to add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chilies to your stir fry if you want to add heat.

Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 137 reviews

This Stir Fry Sauce is a simple yet flavorful Asian-inspired sauce made with reduced sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch. It adds the perfect savory and slightly nutty flavor to your stir fry dishes, thickening nicely to coat your vegetables and protein for a delicious finish. Pair it with fresh minced garlic and ginger in your stir fry for an extra burst of flavor.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Low Sodium

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients

• 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch into a mason jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the cornstarch is evenly dispersed.
2. Prepare Stir Fry: When cooking your stir fry, be sure to include fresh minced garlic and fresh minced ginger with your vegetables and protein. These fresh aromatics are essential to giving the stir fry its signature “wow” flavor.
3. Add Sauce to Stir Fry: Once your stir fry ingredients are mostly cooked, pour in the prepared stir fry sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and thoroughly coats all the stir fry ingredients. This step allows the cornstarch to activate and create a glossy, thick sauce.
4. Adjust Sauce Quantity: This recipe makes enough sauce to cover approximately 8 servings of stir fry served over unsalted rice or noodles. If making a smaller portion, add the sauce gradually, starting with a few tablespoons, until the desired taste is achieved to avoid overpowering saltiness.

Notes

• Use reduced sodium soy sauce to control the salt level in the final dish.
• Always pair this sauce with fresh minced garlic and ginger when stir frying for enhanced flavor.
• The sauce thickens as it cooks; do not skip the 3 to 5 minutes simmering after adding to the stir fry.
• This sauce is highly concentrated and salty, so use sparingly with smaller portions.
• Serve the stir fry over unsalted rice or noodles to balance the flavors.

Keywords: stir fry sauce, Asian sauce, sesame oil sauce, soy sauce stir fry, easy stir fry sauce, homemade stir fry sauce, savory sauce, cornstarch sauce