If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavor-packed sauce that will instantly elevate your stir fry game, look no further than the BEST Stir Fry Sauce Recipe. This sauce nails the perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and a touch of spice with a blend of fresh ginger, garlic, and just the right amount of honey—making your vegetables and proteins burst with irresistible taste. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just dipping your toes into Asian-inspired dishes, this sauce adds that signature restaurant-quality touch every time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to use store-bought sauce again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the BEST Stir Fry Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential and plays a unique role in creating that ideal balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that brings your stir fry to life.
- ½ cup low sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Adds depth and a savory base without overwhelming saltiness.
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce: Brings that classic umami punch and a little saltiness to complement the dish.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the sauce gently and helps it caramelize beautifully during cooking.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that’s essential for an authentic stir fry taste.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger: Offers a fresh, zesty kick that enlivens the flavor profile.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides robust depth and a punch of warmth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Works as your thickening agent to give the sauce that perfect silky texture.
- Optional spices (crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce): Add as much or as little heat as you like to customize your sauce.
How to Make BEST Stir Fry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Start by whisking together your chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, freshly minced ginger, garlic, and cornstarch in a bowl or jar. If you want a little heat, now’s the time to add crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until everything is smoothly combined. This is the heartbeat of your stir fry, so get excited—it already smells amazing!
Step 2: Use or Store
You can use your sauce immediately for a quick stir fry, or pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to one week. Keep in mind, the cornstarch might settle when stored, so give it a good shake or whisk before using again to ensure it’s well combined and ready to thicken your meal perfectly.
Step 3: Cook Your Stir Fry
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in your choice of protein—think cubed chicken, sliced beef, shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas—and cook until they’re nicely browned and nearly cooked through. Set the protein aside on a plate. Then add a little more oil and your favorite chopped veggies such as broccoli, snow peas, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Stir fry until just tender but still crisp. Return your protein to the pan, pour in the BEST Stir Fry Sauce Recipe (typically around 1 cup), and cook everything together for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats every ingredient. Serve over steaming rice and get ready to savor every bite!
How to Serve BEST Stir Fry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To really polish off your stir fry, consider garnishing with something fresh and vibrant. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds both crunch and nuttiness, while finely chopped green onions lend a fresh, slightly sharp bite. Don’t forget a handful of chopped cilantro if you like a refreshing twist that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
This sauce shines best with simple sides that soak up its amazing flavors. Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is the classic pairing, but for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or steamed noodles work beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad or some crunchy spring rolls for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to bring some fun to the table, try serving your stir fry wrapped in crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld meal. Alternatively, pile your stir fry high over a bed of fried rice or even drizzle the sauce generously over roasted vegetables for a different spin. The versatility of the BEST Stir Fry Sauce Recipe lets you get creative and make it your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious stir fry sauce, simply store it in an airtight container in your fridge. It will keep well for up to one week, maintaining its vibrant flavors. Just be sure to shake or whisk it before reheating, as the cornstarch may settle at the bottom.
Freezing
While this sauce freezes well, it’s best to freeze it without any cornstarch if you want to thaw and re-thicken it later with fresh cornstarch slurry. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and keep for up to three months. When thawed, give it a good stir and add cornstarch as needed.
Reheating
To reheat your sauce, warm it gently over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring frequently. If it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more cornstarch mixed with water to thicken again. Avoid boiling vigorously to maintain the delicate balance of flavors.
FAQs
Can I make the BEST Stir Fry Sauce Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a perfectly vegan-friendly stir fry sauce that still bursts with flavor. This swap won’t compromise the taste but will keep it friendly for all diets.
How spicy is this sauce and can I adjust it?
The base recipe has no heat unless you add optional ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha. Feel free to customize the spice level to your liking—add more if you love a kick or none if you prefer mild flavors.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
The cornstarch does a great job thickening the sauce as you cook it, but if it’s too thin, mix a little extra cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the sauce while heating. Stir constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Can I prepare this sauce in advance for meal prep?
Definitely! Preparing the BEST Stir Fry Sauce Recipe in advance saves you a ton of time during busy weekdays. Just keep it refrigerated and shake well before use. It’s a fantastic staple for quick and healthy dinners.
What vegetables pair best with this sauce?
This sauce is super versatile and works with almost any vegetables—broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, zucchini, carrots, and asparagus are all excellent choices. Mix and match depending on what’s fresh or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling together a vibrant, restaurant-quality stir fry at home, and the BEST Stir Fry Sauce Recipe is your ultimate secret weapon for making it happen. It’s simple, flexible, and utterly delicious—exactly what you want in a go-to sauce. Give it a try, share with friends, and watch as it becomes a staple in your cooking rotation. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked stir fry without it!
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BEST Stir Fry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This BEST Stir Fry Sauce recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make sauce that perfectly complements any stir fry protein and vegetables. Combining savory low sodium soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey with sesame oil and cornstarch, this sauce balances sweet and salty flavors with a hint of spice (optional). Ready in just 10 minutes, it can be used immediately or stored for convenience, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce (optional for spice)
For the Stir Fry
- 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking protein)
- 1 pound protein of choice (cubed chicken, sliced beef, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for vegetables)
- 6 cups chopped vegetables (such as broccoli, snow peas, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a jar or bowl, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. If desired, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a splash of sriracha, or a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce for some heat. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
- Use Immediately or Store: The stir fry sauce can be used right away or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Since the cornstarch may settle, shake or whisk the sauce well before using to reincorporate it.
- Cook the Protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of your chosen protein and cook, stirring occasionally, until the protein is browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the protein from the pan and set aside on a clean plate.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add 1 more tablespoon of oil to the hot pan. Add 6 cups of chopped vegetables and stir fry until crisp-tender, about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the vegetables used.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked protein to the skillet or wok with the vegetables. Pour in 1 cup of the prepared stir fry sauce. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats all ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry immediately over cooked rice and enjoy your balanced, flavorful meal.
Notes
- The sauce can be customized with more or less honey depending on preferred sweetness.
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, use vegetable broth and tofu or chickpeas as protein.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce.
- Shake the sauce well before each use if stored, as cornstarch tends to settle.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor impact.
- This sauce can also be doubled or tripled and stored for meal prep purposes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
