Honey Garlic Stir-Fry Sauce
This honey garlic sauce is the secret to restaurant-quality stir-fries at home that taste better than takeout. The combination of golden honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and fresh garlic creates layers of sweet, savory, and tangy flavor that coat noodles and proteins beautifully. Fresh ginger adds warmth while toasted sesame oil provides that distinctive Asian aroma everyone loves. Unlike bottled stir-fry sauces loaded with sodium and preservatives, this homemade version uses real ingredients and can be customized to your preferences. Make a batch weekly and store refrigerated for instant stir-fry meals whenever you need them. Just add your choice of protein and vegetables, toss with the sauce, and dinner is ready in minutes. The sauce caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
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Ingredients
- •Honey - 1/3 cup
- •Soy sauce - 1/4 cup
- •Garlic, minced - 4 cloves
- •Rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons
- •Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
- •Fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon
- •Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
- •Water - 2 tablespoons
- •Red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- 2
In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- 3
Pour the honey-soy mixture into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- 4
Once simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while whisking constantly.
- 5
Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- 6
Remove from heat. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a spicy kick.
- 7
Use immediately in your stir-fry, or let cool and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tips
- • Taste and adjust seasoning as you go
- • Use room temperature ingredients for best emulsification
- • Let flavors meld by refrigerating 30 minutes before serving
Storage
- • Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in airtight container
- • Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight)
Variations
Make it spicier with cayenne, tangier with extra lemon, or creamier with more mayo. Customize to your taste!
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