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It’s not just the name of the recipe, this is seriously THE BEST Stir-Fry Sauce you will ever taste! It is far superior to any store-bought stir fry sauce and your family will want to use it on just about everything.
Stir-Fry Sauce
This homemade stir fry sauce is a delicious mix of savory and slightly sweet while still having that signature umami flavor.
There are many reasons to love this sauce. Being able to play around with the flavors to make it your own is one.
Feel free to tailor the sweetness by adjusting the amount of honey or brown sugar. You can tweak the saltiness based on your choice of using low-sodium or regular soy sauce.
And as a mom of littles, ease of prep will always be important. Just toss all ingredients in a bowl or jar, then whisk together. Prepping ahead of time will allow the flavors to meld and be truly amazing when added to your stir-fry dish.
Did I mention it’s also more budget-friendly to whip up this sauce at home? When preparing meals for my family, I’m constantly seeking ways to cut down on costs. Chances are you’ve already got most of these simple ingredients in your pantry.
If you prefer making and using homemade sauces, try this Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce or this Thai Peanut Sauce.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Soy sauce – adds a savory, umami flavor. Choose low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, if gluten free.
- Pure maple syrup or honey – provides sweetness to balance out the savory flavors
- Rice vinegar – adds a tanginess and brightness to the sauce
- Sesame oil – infuses a nutty aroma and flavor
- Grated garlic and ginger – I like to grate them both but you can also finely chop your garlic, if you prefer.
- Chicken broth – adds depth to the sauce
- Corn starch – serves as a thickening agent and creates a glossy texture
- Hoisin sauce (optional) – offers a sweet and savory note with hints of garlic, chili peppers, and other spices. Adds great depth of flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients. You can also add everything to a mason jar and shake well.
Tips for Success
I highly encourage you to make this sauce in advance for maximum flavor. The flavors will meld and develop over time.
Not only that, it will allow you to focus on tossing together your favorite veggies, proteins, and noodles or rice, knowing that your delicious sauce is ready and waiting to elevate your meal to the next level.
Substitutions
- Cornstarch – Arrowroot or all-purpose flour can be substituted for cornstarch.
- Gluten Free? – The best substitute for soy sauce is tamari or coconut aminos.
- Hoisin Sauce – If you happen to run out of hoisin sauce, a quick fix is to add extra soy sauce.
- Fresh Ginger – In a pinch without fresh ginger root? No worries! You can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for every 1 teaspoon of peeled and grated fresh ginger. Keep in mind that while it works in a bind, the flavor of the final dish won’t be identical, so reserve this swap for when it’s truly necessary.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce was born for stir-fry, but honestly, it’s like the superhero of your kitchen – use it however you like! For a classic stir-fry, just throw it in with your go-to mix of veggies, protein, and noodles or rice. Like this EASY ground turkey stir-fry and vegetable stir fry noodles!
Let it work its magic as a marinade or glaze for your chicken, beef, pork, or even tofu. It’s the perfect dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or tempura.
Storage
Simply store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use, then give it a quick stir before adding it to your stir fry.
FAQ
You can freeze this sauce in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Here are seven alternatives when you want something other than soy sauce: Tamari for a gluten-free twist, Coconut Aminos for a sweet and soy-free option, Fish Sauce for a savory kick, Miso Paste for a flavor boost, Worcestershire Sauce for a savory tangy blend, and Oyster Sauce for that umami depth.
You can either cook your ingredients in it or stir it in at the end. If you’re unsure about the quantity, a handy tip is to initially cook your ingredients in sesame oil, then introduce the sauce gradually during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, adjusting to your preferred taste.
More Easy Sauces and Dips
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Stir Fry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients. You can also add everything to a mason jar and shake well.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, more honey for sweetness, or more rice vinegar for tanginess.
Notes
- Make this sauce in advance for maximum flavor. The flavors will meld and develop over time.
- This sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or tempura.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Shake well before using.
Quick easy and delicious! How long can I store it in the fridge for?
This sauce was truly amazing! I made the turkey stir fry tonight with a few of the veggies I needed to clean out from my fridge and it had the perfect amount of umami, sweetness (I used about half the maple syrup and it was still delicious), and sourness. Will definitely be using this in future stir fries and it is truly a game changer! Thanks so much for sharing ◡̈
Yay!!! Thank you for taking the time to share this amazing review! So I did name it correctly – the best stir-fry sauce hehe