Stir Fry Sauce with Soy, Sesame Oil, and Cornstarch Recipe

Introduction

This simple stir fry sauce is a perfect blend of savory and nutty flavors that brings your stir fry dishes to life. Quick to make and easy to customize, it adds a delicious glaze that complements vegetables, proteins, and noodles alike.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch to a mason jar. Screw on the lid tightly and shake well until the ingredients are fully combined.
2. Step 2: When preparing your stir fry, cook fresh minced garlic and fresh minced ginger with your vegetables and protein to build flavor—this is essential for that “wow” factor.
3. Step 3: Once your stir fry ingredients are mostly cooked, pour in the stir fry sauce and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. The cornstarch needs this time to activate and create the perfect glaze.
4. Step 4: Use this sauce for about 8 servings of stir fry, typically served over unsalted rice or noodles to balance its concentrated saltiness. For smaller portions, add a few tablespoons at a time, tasting as you go, to avoid overpowering your dish.

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, try mixing in a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
• Substitute toasted sesame oil with regular sesame oil if preferred, but the toasted variety enhances the nutty flavor.
• To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• If you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce.

Storage

Store the prepared stir fry sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before each use, as ingredients may separate. It’s best to add the sauce fresh to your stir fry rather than reheating separately for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using, as the cornstarch may settle at the bottom.

Is this sauce very salty?

This sauce is quite concentrated and uses reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari to help keep saltiness manageable. It’s designed for about 8 servings and works best served over unsalted rice or noodles. For smaller portions, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Stir Fry Sauce with Soy, Sesame Oil, and Cornstarch Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 85 reviews

A simple and versatile stir fry sauce made with reduced sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch. This sauce adds a rich, savory flavor and a perfect silky texture to your stir fry dishes. It pairs beautifully with fresh minced garlic and ginger to bring out the authentic Asian-inspired taste.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Stir Fry Sauce

• 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients: Add the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch to a mason jar. Screw on the lid tightly and shake vigorously to thoroughly combine all the ingredients into a uniform sauce.
2. Prepare your stir fry base: When cooking your stir fry vegetables and protein, use fresh minced garlic and fresh minced ginger. Cook these first with your stir fry ingredients to develop flavor and enhance the overall taste of your dish.
3. Add the stir fry sauce: Once your stir fry ingredients are mostly cooked, pour in the prepared stir fry sauce. Stir well and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and properly coat all the components of your stir fry. This thickening step is crucial as the cornstarch requires heat and time to activate.
4. Adjust serving size carefully: This sauce recipe makes enough for about 8 servings of stir fry served over unsalted rice or noodles. Because it is highly concentrated and salty, add only a small amount if you are preparing a smaller portion. Start with a few tablespoons and adjust to taste to avoid overwhelming your dish.

Notes

• This sauce is highly concentrated and salty; intended to be used with unsalted rice or noodles.
• Fresh minced garlic and ginger are essential to achieve the best flavor.
• Allow the sauce to cook for 3-5 minutes after adding to stir fry to let the cornstarch thicken the sauce properly.
• Adjust the quantity of sauce according to your portion size to avoid excess saltiness.
• Use reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari for a healthier option with less salt.

Keywords: stir fry sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, Asian sauce, stir fry recipe, easy sauce, homemade stir fry sauce, low sodium soy sauce