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Asian Garlic Sauce

From About.com...a garlicky sauce is a great way to add extra flavor to stir-fry dishes, particularly seafood dishes. The seasonings for garlic sauce are available in the international food section of many local supermarkets. Use the sauce in stir-fry dishes or any other Asian type dishes. Note: Instead of using 2 types soy sauce, I just use 2 tablespoons dark.

5.0 · 6 reviewsRecipe card by gailanngEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
ChineseJapaneseKoreanAsianVegan< 15 Mins
Asian Garlic Sauce

Total time

8 min

Servings

24

Calories

7.2

Category

Sauces

Elevate your home cooking with this versatile Asian Garlic Sauce. Perfectly balanced between savory, sweet, and aromatic, this vegan-friendly sauce comes together in under 15 minutes. Whether you're stir-frying vegetables, glazing tofu, or tossing it with noodles, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Makes 24 servings

  • 2 rice vinegar
  • 2 granulated sugar
  • 1 light soy sauce
  • 1 dark soy sauce
  • 2 dry sherry
  • 1/4 - 1/2 chili sauce
  • 1/4 cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 water
  • 1 garlic cloves

Method

  1. Combine the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauces, rice wine or sherry, chili sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl, stirring to combine. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water.

  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the garlic and cook, stirring until aromatic (about 30 seconds).

  3. Quickly restir the sauce, add it into the saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring. (This will take about a minute).

  4. Re-stir the cornstarch/water mixture and add it to the sauce, stirring to thicken. Refrigerate after use.

Cook's notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for the most vibrant, punchy flavor profile.
  • To achieve a glossy finish for stir-fries, whisk in a cornstarch slurry at the very end of cooking.
  • Adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or fresh Thai bird's eye chilies if you prefer a spicier kick.
  • Let the sauce simmer for an extra minute to allow the aromatics to fully infuse the liquid base.

Easy swaps

  • Gluten-free: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Sweetness: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a natural sweetener.
  • Sesame boost: Add a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil right before serving for a deeper nutty aroma.
  • Citrus zing: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the sauce if it feels too heavy.

Frequently asked

Is this Asian garlic sauce vegan?

Yes, this recipe is 100% plant-based. Ensure your soy sauce brand is vegan-certified if you have strict dietary requirements.

What dishes go well with this garlic sauce?

This sauce is incredibly versatile! Use it for stir-frying broccoli and snap peas, as a glaze for crispy tofu, or as a savory coating for udon or ramen noodles.

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Absolutely. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld together even further. Just give it a quick whisk or shake before using, as ingredients may separate.

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