Description
This BEST Stir Fry Sauce recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors combined with fresh ginger and garlic. It’s a versatile sauce that can be quickly whisked together and added to your favorite protein and vegetables for a delicious homemade stir fry. Low sodium ingredients keep it health-conscious, and optional spices allow you to adjust the heat to your taste. Ideal for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- â…“ 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
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided, for cooking)
- 1 pound protein (cubed chicken, sliced beef, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas)
- 6 cups chopped vegetables (broccoli, snow peas, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, 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 you want a spicy sauce, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a splash of sriracha, or a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce. Whisk the mixture until it’s fully combined and smooth.
- Use Immediately or Store: You can use the stir fry sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The cornstarch may settle, so give it a good shake before using.
- Cook the Protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of your protein choice (cubed chicken, sliced beef, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas) and cook until browned and almost cooked through. Transfer the cooked protein to a clean plate and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, then add 6 cups of chopped vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Stir fry the vegetables until crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked protein to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in 1 cup of the prepared stir fry sauce (the full sauce recipe). Stir and cook together for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the protein and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice and enjoy your flavorful homemade dish.
Notes
- You can substitute any protein and vegetables you prefer or have on hand.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce.
- Low sodium soy sauce and broth help control salt but still deliver great flavor.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week; stir before using to redistribute the cornstarch.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure broth is gluten-free.
