Stir Fry Sauce Recipe
The art of stir frying originated in China, where the method of cooking quickly in a hot wok became a staple of Chinese cuisine. The earliest records of stir frying date back to the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.), though it became more popular during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wok or Frying Pan (for cooking stir fry)
Ingredients
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (regular or low-sodium)
- Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp (for a nutty flavor)
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (to thicken the sauce)
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tbsp (for a touch of acidity)
- Brown Sugar or Honey: 1–2 tbsp (adds a hint of sweetness)
- Garlic, minced: 1 tsp
- Ginger, grated: 1 tsp
- Water or Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (optional for thinning sauce if desired)
Optional Add-Ins
- Sriracha or Chili Flakes: 1/2 tsp (if you like it spicy)
- Hoisin Sauce: 1 tbsp (adds a rich depth to the sauce)
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tbsp (optional, for a savory depth)
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients:In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and brown sugar or honey. Add garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
- Adjust Consistency:If you want a thinner sauce, gradually add water or chicken broth, whisking until you reach the desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch.
- Customize to Taste:Taste your sauce and adjust to your liking. For a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar or honey. For extra heat, add Sriracha or chili flakes. If you want a richer flavor, stir in hoisin or oyster sauce.
- Cook and Thicken:Heat your wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sauce to the pan, stirring continuously until it begins to thicken (about 1–2 minutes). Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, it’s ready to use.
- Toss with Stir Fry Ingredients:Add your stir fry ingredients (vegetables, meat, tofu, etc.) to the pan. Toss everything together until the ingredients are well-coated in the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy:Your homemade stir fry sauce is now ready to enjoy. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal!