Chinese Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chinese Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment that brings a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes to your dishes. It’s quick to prepare and enhances stir-fries, dumplings, and more with its bold, garlicky punch.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp Szechuan peppercorns (optional)
• 2 tsp Chinese rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
• 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 tsp fresh garlic, minced (about 4 cloves)
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cornstarch, Szechuan peppercorns (if using), and rice wine in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until well blended and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 to 60 seconds while stirring frequently to release their aroma without burning.
3. Step 3: Give the sauce mixture another quick whisk, then pour it into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Use the garlic sauce immediately to elevate your stir-fries or as a dipping sauce for vegan dumplings or summer rolls. Alternatively, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a clean jar for storage.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. To add smoky depth, keep the smoked paprika. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness.
• If cornstarch is not available, arrowroot powder can be used as a thickener in the same amount.
• Adding finely chopped fresh chili peppers can boost heat and freshness.
• Make a vegan version by ensuring the rice wine or sherry is free of animal products or omit it altogether.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before using, stirring well to restore the smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for several days. Just reheat it gently before using.

What dishes go well with Chinese Garlic Sauce?

This sauce complements stir-fried vegetables, tofu, noodles, vegan dumplings, and summer rolls wonderfully, adding rich garlicky flavor and a hint of spice.

Chinese Garlic Sauce Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 128 reviews

This Chinese Garlic Sauce is a flavorful, slightly spicy and sweet sauce perfect for stir-fries, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite dishes. Made with fresh garlic, ginger, and a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and aromatic spices, this versatile sauce is quick to prepare and adds authentic Chinese restaurant-style taste to your meals.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: About 3/4 cup (enough for 4 servings) 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp Szechuan peppercorns (optional)
• 2 tsp Chinese rice wine or dry sherry (optional)

Other Ingredients

• 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 tsp fresh garlic, minced (about 4 garlic cloves)
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cornstarch, Szechuan peppercorns (if using), and Chinese rice wine or dry sherry (if using). Set this mixture aside to let the flavors combine.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 to 60 seconds while stirring frequently to release their flavors without burning.
3. Cook and thicken the sauce: Give the sauce mixture another quick whisk, then pour it into the hot saucepan with the garlic and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Use or store the sauce: Use this freshly made Chinese garlic sauce immediately in your stir-fries, as a dipping sauce for vegan dumplings or summer rolls, or drizzle over rice or noodles. Alternatively, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a clean jar for storage.
5. Store leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days. Reheat gently before use to maintain flavor and texture.

Notes

• Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the sauce, but you can adjust to taste with regular soy sauce if preferred.
• Maple syrup is used as a natural sweetener; you can substitute with honey or brown sugar if desired.
• Cornstarch acts as the thickening agent for the sauce; ensure it is fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
• Vegetable oil is used for sautéing garlic and ginger to add flavor without overpowering the sauce.
• Szechuan peppercorns add a slight numbing spiciness if desired but can be omitted for a milder sauce.
• Chinese rice wine or dry sherry adds depth and aroma but is optional.

Keywords: Chinese garlic sauce, stir-fry sauce, vegan garlic sauce, easy Chinese sauce, garlic ginger sauce, homemade dipping sauce