All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce
In short: A glossy, savory-sweet sauce of tamari, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar and maple syrup that turns any vegetables, tofu or meat into a stir-fry. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 40 kcal
A jar of ready-made stir-fry sauce saves a weeknight, and the homemade kind costs less and tastes fresher. This one balances salty tamari, rice vinegar and maple syrup, with garlic and ginger for depth and a little cornstarch so it turns glossy and clings to the food. Simmer it once, keep it in the fridge, and pour it into the pan in the last minute of cooking with any mix of vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef or shrimp.
Instructions
- Stir the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small cup until no lumps remain.
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, chili flakes and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture again, then pour it into the pan while whisking. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce turns slightly thick and glossy.
- Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool. Pour it into a jar and refrigerate.
- To use, add 4 to 5 tablespoons of sauce to a hot wok or skillet when the vegetables and protein are nearly done, and toss for 1 minute until everything is coated.
Tips
- Add 1 tablespoon of orange juice and a strip of zest for a citrus version, or 1 tablespoon of peanut butter for a nutty one.
- Shake the jar before using, because the cornstarch can settle. If the sauce has gelled in the fridge, it loosens as soon as it hits the hot pan.
Questions and answers
How long does homemade stir-fry sauce keep?
In a sealed jar in the fridge it keeps for up to 2 weeks. It thickens when cold and loosens when heated.
How much sauce do I need for a stir-fry?
Use about 4 to 5 tablespoons (60 to 75 ml) for a stir-fry that serves 3 to 4 people, and add a splash of water if the pan looks dry.
Can I make stir-fry sauce without cornstarch?
Yes. Skip the cornstarch for a thin sauce that works as a marinade or a drizzle. In the pan, reduce it for a minute or two so it clings.
How long does it take to make All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce?
About 10 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce?
About 40 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrates and 2 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 40 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 430 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
