Easy Homemade Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this stir fry sauce because it’s quick, simple, and made with only three pantry staples. With reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch, this sauce is not only full of flavor but also customizable. It’s a highly concentrated sauce, so a little goes a long way, making it ideal for a variety of stir fry dishes. You can also adjust it for gluten-free needs and experiment with adding your favorite spices or fresh garlic and ginger for even more depth. The sauce thickens beautifully when heated, making it perfect for coating your stir fry ingredients with a glossy finish.

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

• 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari

• 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions

1. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch to a mason jar.

2. Screw on the lid and shake it well to combine all the ingredients.

3. When preparing your stir fry, add fresh minced garlic and ginger to enhance the flavor. These ingredients are key to achieving that “wow” factor in your dish.

4. Once your stir fry is almost done, pour in the stir fry sauce and let it cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This will give the cornstarch time to thicken the sauce and coat all the stir fry ingredients.

5. Serve immediately over unsalted rice or noodles for a balanced meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 2 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 7 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.

• Extra Flavor: Add fresh minced garlic and ginger to the stir fry for enhanced flavor, or experiment with a touch of chili paste for heat.

• Low-Sodium: If you’re watching your sodium intake, use a low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover stir fry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

• Reheating: When ready to use, simply reheat the sauce in a pan or microwave until warm. You can add a little water if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

How can I make this stir fry sauce spicier?

Add a bit of chili paste, red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce for an extra kick.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of reduced-sodium?

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that the sauce will be saltier. If using regular soy sauce, reduce the amount of salt added to your stir fry dish.

Can I use a different oil?

Yes, you can swap out sesame oil for another oil like vegetable oil or peanut oil, but the flavor will change.

Is this stir fry sauce suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, as long as you use a plant-based soy sauce or tamari, this stir fry sauce is vegan-friendly.

How do I make this stir fry sauce thicker?

The cornstarch in the recipe helps thicken the sauce. Let the sauce cook for a few extra minutes, and it will thicken up beautifully. If it’s too thin, you can mix in a bit more cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce.

Can I use this sauce with other dishes besides stir fry?

Yes, this sauce is also great for drizzling over grilled vegetables, noodles, or rice. It can even be used as a marinade for meats or tofu.

How can I adjust the sauce for different flavor profiles?

You can experiment by adding ingredients like honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or rice vinegar for a tangy finish. Adding a bit of garlic powder or onion powder can also change the flavor.

Is this recipe scalable?

Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe by doubling or halving the ingredients based on the number of servings needed.

What kind of noodles should I serve with this stir fry sauce?

You can pair the sauce with any kind of noodles, such as rice noodles, egg noodles, or even soba noodles, for a satisfying stir fry meal.

How long does this stir fry sauce keep in the fridge?

This sauce will keep for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It may thicken over time, so just add a little water when reheating.

Conclusion

This easy homemade stir fry sauce is a must-have in your kitchen, offering a quick and delicious way to elevate your stir fry dishes. With only three ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, it delivers savory and rich flavor that will have your family asking for more. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your dietary preferences and experiment with additional flavors. Whether you’re cooking for one or a group, this sauce will be your go-to for a perfect stir fry every time.