All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce (Brown Garlic Sauce)
My favorite stir-fry sauce, adapted from Martin Yan's Chinese Cooking for Dummies! Makes enough for two meals and helps my son eat his veggies. Be cautious with soy sauce—start with less and adjust to taste. Using vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian. Yields 1 3/4 cups!
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Steps for All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce (Brown Garlic Sauce)
Here's a step-by-step instructions for making All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce (Brown Garlic Sauce):
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, broth, rice wine, sugar, sesame oil and white pepper. (See note in intro about the soy sauce).
- Dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup water.
- Heat a pan over high heat; add the cooking oil, swirling to coat; add the garlic and ginger; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
- Add the soy sauce mixture; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the cornstarch solution and cook, stirring, until the sauce boils and thickens.
Why you'll love All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce (Brown Garlic Sauce)
- Versatile Flavor Enhancer: All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce, particularly the Brown Garlic Sauce variant, offers a rich and savory flavor profile that complements a wide range of ingredients. Whether you're stir-frying vegetables, tofu, or meats, this sauce elevates the dish with its robust garlic and umami notes, making it an excellent choice for various cuisines.
- Convenient and Time-Saving: With its ready-to-use formulation, All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce saves you time in meal preparation. You can whip up a delicious stir-fry in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're short on time but still want a homemade meal. Just add the sauce to your cooked ingredients, and you're ready to serve!
- Healthier Cooking Option: Many All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauces, including Brown Garlic Sauce, are crafted with quality ingredients and often contain less sugar and preservatives than store-bought alternatives. This allows you to enjoy flavorful meals while maintaining a healthier lifestyle, as you can control the portion of sauce used and pair it with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
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All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce (Brown Garlic Sauce)
Ingredients
- 2⁄3 cup soy sauce
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
- 1⁄3 cup rice wine
- 3 1⁄2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1⁄4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1⁄4 cup water
Instructions
-
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, broth, rice wine, sugar, sesame oil and white pepper. (See note in intro about the soy sauce).
-
Dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup water.
-
Heat a pan over high heat; add the cooking oil, swirling to coat; add the garlic and ginger; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
-
Add the soy sauce mixture; bring to a boil.
-
Reduce heat to medium and cook for 1 minute.
-
Add the cornstarch solution and cook, stirring, until the sauce boils and thickens.
Notes
- Ensure to balance the flavors by adjusting the ratio of soy sauce, sugar, and garlic to create a well-rounded sauce; this combination enhances the umami and provides a rich depth to your stir-fried dishes.
- Always cook the garlic slowly over low to medium heat to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your sauce, ruining the overall flavor of your stir-fry.