Homemade All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your stir fry game with a truly versatile and flavorful sauce? Look no further than this homemade All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner in a flash, this sauce is a game-changer that packs a punch of bold umami goodness to complement any combination of meat, tofu, or veggies.

Crafted with a blend of soy sauce, chicken broth, Shaoxing wine (or mirin), and a hint of aromatic sesame oil, this sauce is not only quick to whip up but also keeps well in the fridge for whenever those takeout cravings strike. The secret ingredient that adds that extra depth of flavor? Shaoxing wine! Just ask my uncle who couldn’t resist going back for seconds of his tofu stir fry at our last family reunion.

Pour this All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce into a jar, give it a good shake, and keep it handy in your fridge for up to a week. The longer it sits, the thicker it gets, so simply stir in a bit of water to loosen it up before drizzling it over your favorite proteins or veggies. Trust me, once you try this sauce, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Quick Benefits

• Quick to make and keeps well in the fridge for up to a week
• Brings bold umami flavor to any combination of meat, tofu, or vegetables
• Versatile sauce that can elevate a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to noodles
• Adaptable for different dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free

Why You’ll Love This Homemade All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this sauce comes together in minutes, ensuring a flavorful meal without sacrificing time.
• Versatile: Works well with any combination of meat, tofu, or vegetables, making it a go-to option for various dishes.
• Umami-Rich: Packed with bold umami flavors, this sauce elevates the taste of your stir-fry dishes to a whole new level.
• Long Lasting: Keeps well in the fridge for up to one week, so you can have it on hand whenever the craving strikes.
• Family Favorite: Loved by family members, this sauce turns ordinary stir-fries into dishes that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences – swap ingredients like chicken broth for vegetable broth or tamari for soy sauce to suit your needs.
• Enhanced Flavors: Shaoxing wine adds depth to the sauce, while other variations like mirin or dry sherry can also be used for a similar effect.
• Perfect Pairings: Goes well with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, shrimp, tofu, or a mix of veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas.
• Crave-Worthy Results: Turns leftovers and quick veggies into something truly craveable, making it a staple in your kitchen.
• Consistent Texture: Thickens as it sits, but a quick shake or a spoonful of water restores it to the perfect consistency, ensuring every dish tastes just as delicious.

Ingredients for Homemade All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

Liquid Base

• 80 ml Shaoxing wine or mirin
• 15 ml sesame oil
• 160 ml soy sauce
• 120 ml chicken broth

Seasonings

• 0.5 g ground white pepper
• 13 g sugar

Aromatics

• 15 g minced garlic
• 15 g minced ginger
• 30 ml neutral cooking oil

For Thickening

• 60 ml water
• 16 g cornstarch

Pro Tips for Homemade All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

To make the most of this versatile stir fry sauce, consider doubling the recipe and storing it in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious with time. For a richer taste, try marinating your protein in a portion of the sauce before stir-frying.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, adjust the cornstarch amount according to your preference. Remember to create a smooth slurry to prevent any lumps in the sauce. Additionally, experiment with different vegetable combinations to find your favorite stir fry mix. The sauce works well with a variety of vegetables, making it easy to customize your dish to your liking.

How to Make Homemade All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Combine Liquid Ingredients

Combine soy sauce, chicken broth, Shaoxing wine or mirin, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk until sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 2: Prepare Cornstarch Slurry

Combine cornstarch and water in a bowl to create a smooth slurry.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pan, heat neutral cooking oil over high heat. Coat the surface with oil, then add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 15 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add and Simmer Sauce Base

Add the soy sauce mixture to the pan with the aromatics. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 1 minute.

Step 5: Finish and Thicken

Add the cornstarch slurry and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the all-purpose stir fry sauce, store it in a clean glass jar with a tight lid in the refrigerator. The sauce can be kept for up to one week. As it sits, the sauce will thicken, so remember to shake it well or add a spoonful of water to loosen it before using it again. This sauce is versatile and can be used with various proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and even with vegetables or noodles.

For longer storage and to maintain its freshness, transfer the sauce to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. Remember to shake or stir the sauce well before each use to ensure the best consistency and flavor. This all-purpose stir fry sauce is a convenient addition to your kitchen, making it easy to elevate your weeknight meals with its bold umami flavor and quick preparation. Whether you use Shaoxing wine, mirin, or other substitutions, this sauce will surely enhance your dishes and turn simple ingredients into delightful and craveable meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Shaoxing wine, mirin or dry sherry can be used as a substitute to achieve a similar depth of flavor in the stir fry sauce. The mirin will add a touch of sweetness, while dry sherry can provide a slightly different undertone that complements the other ingredients well.

For a vegetarian version of this all-purpose stir fry sauce, you can easily swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth without compromising the taste. The vegetable broth will still contribute savory notes to the sauce, making it suitable for those who prefer a meat-free option.

If you need to make this stir fry sauce gluten-free, tamari is a great alternative to soy sauce. Tamari has a similar umami-rich flavor profile but is typically made without wheat, making it a suitable replacement for those with gluten sensitivities. By making these simple ingredient substitutions, you can customize the sauce to suit different dietary preferences while still enjoying its delicious and versatile nature.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist, use this versatile all-purpose stir fry sauce as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables. Simply coat your protein or veggies in the sauce and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling for a flavorful and charred finish. The caramelization from the sugars in the sauce will add a delicious kick to your BBQ dishes.

Another fun way to enjoy this stir fry sauce is by creating a DIY stir fry bar for a gathering with friends or family. Set out an array of pre-chopped vegetables, proteins like chicken, shrimp, and tofu, and cooked noodles or rice. Let everyone customize their stir fry by tossing their chosen ingredients in the sauce and cooking them up in a hot wok or pan. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a delicious meal together!

FAQs for Homemade All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

Can I use mirin instead of Shaoxing wine in this stir fry sauce?

Yes, you can use mirin or dry sherry for a similar depth of flavor if Shaoxing wine isn’t available.

How do I thicken the stir fry sauce properly?

Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and shines.

What vegetables go well with this all-purpose stir fry sauce?

Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas all pair deliciously with this savory stir fry sauce.

How should I store the leftover stir fry sauce?

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Shake or stir well before next use for best consistency.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce becomes a kitchen staple for you, just like it has for me. The versatility of this sauce is truly remarkable – it effortlessly elevates any dish with its rich and savory flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out on your culinary journey, this sauce is sure to become your go-to for quick and delicious meals.

Remember, don’t be afraid to customize this sauce to suit your taste preferences. From swapping ingredients to adjusting the thickness, feel free to make it your own. So, next time you’re in need of a flavorful and convenient sauce for your stir-fries, reach for your jar of All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce and take your meals to the next level. Happy cooking!