Larry Pagac, a seasoned professional in the culinary scene, has dedicated over two decades of his life to mastering Asian cuisine. His profound expertise in the usage and versatility of the wok has been a pillar of his cooking style. Larry's enthusiasm for wok cooking has driven him to impart his wisdom and techniques through his articles.
Dear reader,
When it comes to stir-fry sauces, the possibilities are endless! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, having a few easy-to-make stir-fry sauces in your repertoire can elevate your wok cooking to new heights. In this guide, I'll share some delicious and versatile stir-fry sauce recipes that use common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
1. Classic Soy Sauce-based Sauce: This is a staple in Asian cuisine and adds a savory umami flavor to your stir-fries. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional for a non-seafood version), 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and add to your stir-fried ingredients towards the end of cooking.
2. Sweet and Sour Sauce: This tangy and slightly sweet sauce is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your stir-fries. In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, then drizzle it over your stir-fried ingredients.
3. Spicy Garlic Sauce: If you love a little heat, this sauce is for you! In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to suit your spice preference, then pour it over your stir-fried ingredients.
4. Peanut Sauce: Creamy and nutty, peanut sauce adds a delightful richness to stir-fries. In a blender, combine ยผ cup of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, 1 clove of garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth, then heat the sauce in a small saucepan before drizzling it over your stir-fried ingredients.
5. Teriyaki Sauce: This sweet and savory sauce is a crowd-pleaser. In a small saucepan, combine ยผ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, then use it to glaze your stir-fried ingredients.
Remember, these are just a few examples of easy-to-make stir-fry sauces. Feel free to experiment and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can find more delicious Asian stir-fry recipes and wok cooking tips on our site, Hip Wok. Happy wok cooking!
Best regards,
Wok Master Wong